Top five best penalty-saving goalkeepers in football currently

Some of the goalkeepers have helped their team win crucial world cup matches.

Throughout the history of football, one of the most nerve-wracking phases of a match has been the dreaded penalty shootouts, where factors such as precision, power, confidence, and luck play a vital role in the ultimate success of the winning team.

One of the most influential players during the shootouts are the goalkeepers, whose elite shot-stopping abilities come into action, eventually deciding the outcome of the game. With that said, here are the top five best penalty-saving goalkeepers in football currently:

5. Tim Krul (Luton Town/Netherlands)

One of the few specialists in penalty-saving goalkeeping in the sport has been Dutch shot-stopper Tim Krul, who has showcased his incredible skill set during the most decisive moments of the match.

In the twilight of his career now, the 36-year-old goalkeeper has had a good career playing for teams such as Norwich and Newcastle United while also representing his national team at major international tournaments. During this period, Krul has had a respectable penalty-saving record of almost 13%.

Even in his limited appearances for the Netherlands, Tim Krul undoubtedly produced one of the most special penalty-saving performances in the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal against Costa Rica. After being brought on as a late substitute by manager Louis van Gaal, he saved two penalties in the shootout to send the Netherlands through to the semi-finals.

4. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany)

Possibly one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, German legend has been a revolutionary figure in the sport due to his complete all-round game involving masterful shot-stopping skills along with sumptuous ball-playing ability.

Entering the twilight of his career now, the 38-year-old goalkeeper has enjoyed an incredible playing career, representing one of the best teams in the world in the form of Bayern Munich for 13 years.

Manuel Neuer has also amassed a staggering 123 caps for his national team, serving as the first choice in goal at major international tournaments. During this period, he has had a solid penalty-saving record of around 23%.

3. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently, Italian No. 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma has proven to be an impenetrable wall for opposition players to score against due to his commanding frame of presence and amazing shot-stopping ability.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has already had a fruitful career, representing top clubs such as AC Milan and PSG and also making an impressive 66 appearances for his national team, starting as the first choice in goal at major international competitions. During this period, Donnarumma has had a good penalty-saving record of roughly 26%.

Even in an underwhelming Italy summer campaign, Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the best players of the team during Euro 2024. He also played a massive role in Gli Azzurri’s Euro 2020 triumph, as he saved the decisive penalty from England’s Bukayo Saka.

2. Wojciech Szczęsny (Juventus/Poland)

One of the most underrated goalkeepers in recent history has been the Polish shot stopper Wojciech Szczęsny, who has time and again delivered world-class performances in crucial matches for both his club and country.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has had a successful career, representing top clubs such as Arsenal and Juventus and also making an incredible 84 appearances for his national team, starting as the first choice in goal at major international tournaments. During this period, Szczęsny has had an impressive penalty-saving record of roughly 30%.

Through his penalty-saving prowess, Wojciech Szczęsny has delivered multiple Coppa Italia triumphs for Juventus and has helped Poland perform well in coveted global competitions such as the World Cup.

1. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)

After his heroics in the penalty shootouts for Argentina during the quarterfinals of Copa America 2024 against Ecuador, where he saved two consecutive spot kicks, Emiliano Martinez has successfully cemented himself as one of the greatest penalty-saving goalkeepers in the history of football.

Despite being a late bloomer, the 31-year-old shot-stopper has had an amazing career, representing clubs such as Arsenal and Aston Villa and also making an impressive 43 appearances for his national team, starting as the first choice in goal at major international competitions. During this period, Martínez has had an unbelievable penalty-saving record of roughly 40%.

Through his penalty-saving excellence, Emiliano Martínez delivered his most iconic performance in an Argentina shirt during the 2022 World Cup final, where his mind games and eventual penalty save helped Argentina beat France and win the World Cup.

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