Which goalkeeper has the most penalty saves of all time? (2024)

When a penalty is awarded to the opposing team, the responsibility of preventing a score falls squarely on the goalkeeper. The most skilled goalkeepers in the world have one of the most important jobs, preventing a loss for their teams on the field. This article summarizes the stats of the best goalkeepers in the world with the most penalty saves.

Which goalkeepers have the best penalty records in football today? We have used the latest publications by Transfermarkt and Goal to bring you a detailed analysis of the best-performing netminders in the world.

The top 10 goalkeepers with the most penalty saves in the world

10. Gianluigi Donnarumma - 16 saves

According to Gianluigi Donnarumma's FBREF profile, he has an 84.8% save percentage in Ligue 1 and an 80% save rate in the UCL. Although his total penalty saves currently stand at 16, he is tied in the tenth position with former Sevilla netminder Andres Palop and Fulham's Bernd Leno with the same number of saves.

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9. Wojciech Szczesny - 17

The current Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, is a three-time Italian Champion whose contribution has led Juventus to several victories. The Warszawa native has had 179 clean sheets out of 479 appearances in his career. Former keepers Hans Jorg and Sebastian Frey, as well as AC Milan's Antonio Mirante and Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris, have had the same number of saves.

8. Tim Howard - 18

Although USA first-choice goalkeeper Tim Howard retired from the international field, he is still actively playing for the Memphis 901, a team he co-owns. The veteran goalkeeper holds the World Cup record for the most saves after punching 16 goals wide against Belgium in Round 16 of Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup.

In 2012, Tim Howard scored the sole goal for Everton during a match against the Bolton Wanderers. Although Everton lost the match, 2-1, he became the fourth goalkeeper who scored goals in the Premier League.

7. Pepe Reina - 19

After breaking David James’ record with eleven consecutive EPL clean sheets at Liverpool during his active career, it is evident how good Pepe Reina is. Out of his 394 career appearances, he made 177 clean sheets with 134 in the Premier League.

6. Iker Casillas - 20

Saint Iker is not only known as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time but also as the goalkeeper with the most Champions League penalty saves. The Real Madrid legend also won five consecutive IFFHS Best Goalkeeper in the World awards from 2008 to 2012.

In 2010, the Golden Glove winner led the Spanish national football team to its first World Cup victory. While speaking to UEFA.com, former goalie Gianluigi Buffon praised Iker, saying,

"I don't have to use up many words to say how good he is. The results are there for all to see. He has won everything there is to win and has been on the same great level for so many years."

5. Petr Cech - 21

Petr Cech is one of the top goalies with the most clean sheets in the Premier League. Although the keeper, who also minded the Guildford Phoenix ice hockey net, retired from active play in 2019, he returned to his former team Chelsea, as a performance advisor, where he served until 30th June 2022.

Despite suffering from one of the most dangerous injuries in football, Petr Cech's head injury did not stop him from becoming one of the best-performing goalies of all time. In over 700 appearances throughout his career, Cech had 341 clean sheets with 695 goals conceded.

4. Manuel Neuer - 25

Popularly known as "SuperManu", Neuer earned another nickname, ''The Wall,'' in 2016 after he stopped 100 goals in 183 matches, beating the standing record holder, Oliver Reck. The current Bayern Munich captain won the Golden Glove after leading Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup matches against Algeria, Portugal, and the United States.

3. Diego Alves - 26

Since his 2004 professional debut, the top Serie A custodian has 147 clean sheets with 598 goals conceded in 494 appearances. Speaking to Goal, he spoke about his penalty shot-stopping skills, saying,

"I know it is a subject that is very much debated, because I save a lot of penalties, but I take it naturally. I do not like facing penalties. I am, however always prepared."

2. Gianluigi Buffon - 30

From his record, it is evident that Buffon probably is the best goalie ever since he has one of the highest numbers of clean sheets in Serie A. Although Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement after the 2021/22 season, he led his former teams, Juventus FC and Parma, to various victories. For example, he was crucial in leading Bianconeri to the 2002 UEFA Champions League final.

1. Samir Handanovic - 38

Samir Handanovic plays for Inter Milan as their goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season alongside Cameroonian goalie André Onana. Out of 711 appearances, Samir has over 250 clean sheets with 777 goals conceded.

Which African goalkeeper has the most penalty saves?

In 2021, Mamelodi's former goalie Dennis Onyango became one of the few keepers who have ever blocked all five goals in a shootout against Cape Town City FC, the most penalties saved in a shootout. He became the second netminder to stop all five shots after German player Daniel Batz.

Who are the top 5 goalkeepers with the most Premier League penalty saves in football history?

Notable mentions

Throughout football history, top keepers with the most penalty saves have taken the heroic role of ensuring the victory of their football teams. As a result, they are sometimes the most celebrated and admired players by their fans and teammates.

READ ALSO: Top 10 fastest soccer players to score 100 goals for a club

Sportsbrief.com recently published an article about the greatest soccer players in football history who scored 100 goals in the shortest time.

The article analyzes player statistics to highlight the fastest players who scored 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, Premier League, and La Liga. Click on the link above to read more!