Top 10 Goalkeepers With The Most Penalty Saves, Featuring Gigi Buffon And Iker Casillas

Who can resist the thrill of a nail-biting moment while watching a game? Penalties in international football offer one of the most dramatic experiences, with the odds of scoring from a penalty kick standing at a mere 50%. Isn't that intriguing?

While the spotlight often falls on the penalty taker, Sports Brief aims to shift the focus to the other crucial player - the goalkeeper.

The pressure on both the penalty taker and the goalie is simply unimaginable, not to mention the palpable anticipation of the crowd and us, the spectators.

A successful save can instantly turn a goalkeeper into a game hero, but the ability to save multiple penalty kicks elevates them to the revered status of a club or country hero.

Let's delve into the list of the top 10 greatest penalty savers in the rich history of this sport:

10. Frank Rost - 20 saves

Known as "The Bremen Wall," Frank Rost was an incredibly reliable and steadfast goalkeeper. Bundesliga strikers often fantasized about getting past this formidable wall and scoring goals.

Throughout his career, The Bremen Wall thwarted a remarkable 20 penalties, showcasing his exceptional skills and nerves of steel.

9. Benoit Costil - 20 saves

While Benoit Costil may not be a household name for many football fans, he is unquestionably a master in stopping penalty shots.

With an impressive tally of 20 saves to his credit, he continues to pursue the top spot in this remarkable feat, and his journey isn't over yet as he is currently active with Serie A side Salernitana.

8. Petr Cech - 21 saves

Petr Cech boasts several records, including holding the greatest number of clean sheets in a single season and an impressive tally of 202 clean sheets in the English Premier League.

Throughout his illustrious career, the legendary Chelsea goalkeeper managed to save a remarkable total of 21 penalties.

7. Mickael Landreau - 21 saves

Alongside Petr Cech, Mickael Landreau shares a similar record with the former Chelsea shot-stopper.

Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive total of 21 penalty saves, solidifying his reputation as an expert in this particular aspect of goalkeeping.

6. Manuel Neuer - 22 saves

Alongside his innovative style, Neuer has also excelled in the traditional aspects of goalkeeping, boasting a remarkable penalty-saving record of 22 saves, Givemesport reports.

In a rare feat for goalkeepers, Neuer's outstanding performances earned him a spot in the top three of the FIFA Ballon d'Or voting in 2014.

Given Neuer's numerous achievements in football, it comes as no surprise that he features on the list of goalkeepers with the most penalty saves.

5. Iker Casillas - 23 saves

Drawing inspiration from Luis Arconada, Iker Casillas honed the skill of saving the ball with his feet, displaying remarkable composure on the field, according to Sportmob.

Fondly known as San Iker, he proudly holds a record of 23 penalty saves throughout his illustrious career, as reported by Transfermarkt.

4. Andrea Consigli - 25 saves

The dependable Sassuolo FC goalkeeper first caught the attention of the football world during his time at Atalanta. Despite possessing remarkable talent, he remains one of Italy's most underrated goalkeepers.

Consigli has earned fame for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, particularly in one-on-one situations and penalty stops.

3. Diego Alves - 28 saves

Diego Alves secures the prestigious third spot on the list of goalkeepers with the most penalty saves. While not yet globally renowned, he has demonstrated his prowess by outshining formidable goalkeepers like Neuer and many more.

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Since the turn of the millennium, the Brazilian goalkeeper, Diego Alves, has earned a well-deserved place among the top penalty savers.

To Diego Alves, penalty kicks are not just routine shots; he views them as intense psychological battles between the goalkeeper and the taker.

2. Gianluigi Buffon - 30 saves

Buffon's remarkable longevity is truly awe-inspiring, as he has managed to stay at the pinnacle of the goalkeeping realm by continuously adapting his game to his own limits.

With an astounding record of 30 penalty saves, Buffon, who announced his retirement at age 45 on August 2, holds the esteemed position of the runner-up on the list of goalkeepers with the most penalty saves in the 21st century.

1. Samir Handanovic - 38 saves

Undoubtedly, Handanovic's prowess and track record in penalty saves are nothing short of amazing. Throughout his prime, the Slovenian goalkeeper had consistently been a reliable and leading presence at the heart of his team.

In Serie A, Handanovic holds the remarkable record for the most penalty saves, a testament to his extraordinary abilities.

Back in the 2010/11 season, while playing for Udinese, he achieved a remarkable feat by saving six penalties, matching a record set back in 1948/49.