Top 10 Goalkeepers with Most Penalty Saves (All Time List)

A Goalkeeper can become an instant hero in the game with a successful save, but being a club or national hero comes with saving several penalty kicks. Samir Handanovic of Inter Milan is the most accomplished custodian in history when it comes to preventing penalties; over his career, he has saved 38 of them. Notable goalkeepers with the most saves in the twenty-first century include the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Petr Cech, and Iker Casillas.

The goalkeeper’s job is often neglected as the forwards and midfielders often claim the limelight in the football match, despite the fact that it’s the toughest role in the game, which is to prevent the opposition from scoring goals by making crucial saves and blocks in between the sticks. Therefore, in this article, we will be ranking the Top 10 Goalkeepers with the most Penalty Saves in the 21st century from across the top five leagues in the world.

List of Goalkeeper with Most Penalty Saves in History

Now, let's take a look at the list of goalkeepers with most penalty saves in history compiled after considering several factors in mind. Though stats may differ from site to site, we've considered these stats from sources like Transfermarkt.

How We Ranked the Most Penalty Saves by a Goalkeeper?

• Goalkeepers who have spent most of their careers in the top five European leagues.
• Shot stoppers who have made significant contributions in winning titles.
• The number of penalty saves made during the course of a career.

Which Goalkeeper Has Most Penalty Saves in Football History?

But before moving towards the shot-stoppers list of most with the most saves under their belt, let’s understand, what makes a goalkeeper a hero for their team. Who wouldn’t like the suspense of a close call when watching a game? In a football game, penalties present one of the most intense sensations because the chances of scoring from a penalty kick are only fifty percent. Is it not fascinating?

10. Frank Rost – 20 saves

Frank Rost, also referred to as “The Bremen Wall,” was an extraordinarily dependable and unwavering goalie. Strikers in the Bundesliga frequently dreamed of overcoming this strong barrier and scoring goals. Over the course of his career, the Bremen Wall successfully avoided 20 penalties, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities and steely nerves.

Rost has made over 420 Bundesliga appearances for various clubs across the leagues. Rost is ranked tenth on our list of goalkeepers with most penalty saves.

9. Benoit Costil – 20 saves

Despite not being widely recognized, Costil has proven himself as a penalty-saving master with 20 saves to his name. He was last active with Serie A side Salernitana. He continues to hone his skills in goal.

The French goalkeeper is currently without a club, after playing 407 times in the French top division for Ligue 1 clubs like Stade Rennais FC, FC Girondins Bordeaux, LOSC Lille, etc. Costil is one of the goalkeeper with most penalty saves and is ranked ninth on our list.

8. Iker Casillas – 20 saves

Drawing inspiration from legends like Luis Arconada, Casillas displayed remarkable composure and skill, saving 20 penalties throughout his illustrious career. Fondly known as San Iker, he remains a revered figure in the goalkeeping fraternity.

Casillas is hailed as one of the greatest Real Madrid players of all time was full of success at the Santiago Bernabeu and in the later stages of his career, he went on to play for Porto. He is ranked eighth on our list of most penalty saves by a goalkeeper.

7. Petr Cech – 21 saves

A legendary figure in the goalkeeping realm, Peter Cech boasts numerous records, including 21 penalty saves throughout his illustrious career. His remarkable consistency and shot-stopping abilities made him a force to be reckoned with.

The Czech legend had played for two of the biggest English clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, winning numerous accolades and silverware during his playing days. What more can be said about one of the best Chelsea legends of all time? His presence between the sticks made strikers nervous and unable to score. He is in seventh place on our list of most penalty saves by a goalkeeper.

6. Mickael Landreau – 21 saves

Sharing a similar record with Cech, Mickael Landreau solidified his reputation as a penalty-saving expert with 21 saves. His composure and agility between the posts earned him acclaim throughout his career. He had lifted the Ligue 1 titles twice with FC Nantes and LOSC Lille, three French cups and one league cup during his stint in France.

It’s been a decade since Landreau announced his retirement from professional football and he is ranked sixth on our list of the goalkeeper with most penalty saves in history.

5. Andrea Consigli – 21 saves

Despite being underrated, Consigli’s exceptional goalkeeping skills earned him fame, particularly in one-on-one situations and penalty stops. He amassed an impressive total of 21 penalty saves, showcasing his reliability in crucial moments.

The Italian keeper has over 370 appearances for Sassuolo and is currently showing his goalkeeping prowess in the Serie B, the second tier of the Italian football pyramid. Making it into the top five of the goalkeepers with most penalty saves without representing any powerhouse clubs is an achievement in itself.

4. Manuel Neuer – 25 saves

Renowned for his innovative style and shot-stopping prowess, Manuel Neuer boasts 25 penalty saves, showcasing his excellence in traditional goalkeeping aspects as well. His performances have earned him recognition among the best and most decorated goalkeepers of all time.

The German veteran had recently announced his retirement from the German men’s national team, but continues to play for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The 39-year-old German shot-stopper continues to amaze everyone. With 25 saves, he is ranked fourth on our list of goalkeepers with most penalty saves in history.

3. Diego Alves – 26 saves

Securing the third spot on the list, Diego Alves has demonstrated his prowess in penalty saves with a total of 26 saves. His ability to outshine formidable opponents in penalty shootouts earned him a well-deserved place among the top penalty savers.

The Brazilian shot-stopper had spells with CR Flamengo and Valencia, while earning a serious reputation as a top-class spot-kick denier in between the posts. Alves' ability to instinctively know what's going on in the strikers' minds helped him save these many penalties. He has been one of the goalkeepers with most penalty saves in football history.

2. Gianluigi Buffon – 30 saves

With an astounding record of 30 penalty saves, Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon boasts a remarkable career with his longevity and adaptability, ensuring his place among the top goalkeepers of the 21st century. The Italian’s achievements and contributions to the game are widely celebrated across the globe.

He was a pivotal figure of Juventus in their domestic dominance and enjoyed successive Serie A league titles and lifted the World Cup as well. The Italian fortress has been one of the goalkeepers with most penalty saves in football history.

1. Samir Handanovic – 38 saves

Topping the list, Slovenian and Inter Milan icon Samir Handanovic has a staggering track record of 38 penalty saves, highlighting his exceptional capabilities in goal. His consistent presence and leadership have made him a revered figure in Serie A, setting him apart as one of the greatest penalty savers in football history.

In March 2023, the Slovenian International hung up his boots to mark his official retirement from the sport after an impressive career. Samir Handanovic tops the chart as the goalkeeper with most penalty saves.