Penalty kicks are the ultimate test of nerves in football. For the taker, it’s a golden opportunity to score. For the goalkeeper, it’s a moment to become a hero. While scoring from the spot seems heavily in favor of the attacker, there exists a special breed of goalkeepers who repeatedly defy the odds. They possess a rare combination of anticipation, reflexes, and psychological strength. These are the penalty specialists- those with the best goalkeeper penalty save percentage in the world. In this article, Win Betting Tips explores the top 8 best goalkeeper penalty save percentage.
Top 8 best goalkeeper penalty save percentage all time
Let’s dive into the elite group of goalkeepers who have turned penalty-saving into an art form.
8. Mike Maignan
The modern French national team has no shortage of talent, and in Mike Maignan, they’ve found a worthy successor to Hugo Lloris. Maignan’s journey began with Lille, where he made his professional debut on September 18, 2015, saving a penalty from Paul-Georges Ntep in his very first game.
Between 2018 and 2021, Maignan established himself as Lille’s undisputed number one, eventually earning a move to AC Milan, where he continues to impress. Across club and international football, Maignan has saved 14 penalties, denying top-tier players like Mohamed Salah, Memphis Depay, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His most recent save came in October 2024 against Fiorentina’s Moise Kean. With lightning-quick reactions and tactical awareness, Maignan is proving to be one of the finest new-generation penalty stoppers.
7. Wojciech Szczesny
Fellow Pole Wojciech Szczesny has had a decorated club career, playing for Arsenal, Roma, and most notably Juventus. Throughout his time in Italy, Szczesny developed a reputation as one of Serie A’s most consistent goalkeepers. When it comes to penalties, he boasts an impressive tally of 20 penalty saves, including memorable stops against Lionel Messi and Victor Osimhen.
During the 2021/22 Serie A season, Szczesny saved three consecutive penalties, a rare feat that demonstrates both his form and mental strength. He carried that form into the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saving penalties in the group stage against Argentina and Saudi Arabia. His combination of agility and shot-reading ability makes him a goalkeeper attackers fear at the spot.
6. Lukasz Fabianski
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski may not grab the headlines like other keepers on this list, but his consistency in saving penalties has made him a valuable asset to every Premier League team he’s played for: Arsenal, Swansea City, and West Ham United.
With 11 penalty saves, Fabianski holds the record for the most penalty saves in Premier League history. He is two ahead of notable names like Heurelho Gomes, Ben Foster, and Robert Green. His technique is simple yet effective- he studies his opponents, commits at the right time, and uses excellent reactions to make the stop. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Fabianski continues to be reliable when it matters most.
5. Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has become something of a national hero in England, particularly due to his performances in penalty shootouts during major tournaments. Under Gareth Southgate, England has won three of their last four shootouts, with Pickford playing a key role in each.
During the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Pickford saved two penalties, including one from Jorginho, known for his unique hopping technique. Though England ultimately lost the final, Pickford’s penalty-saving display earned widespread praise. His ability to guess correctly and get strong hands-on shots makes him one of the most effective penalty savers in English football.
4. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer is synonymous with modern goalkeeping. Since joining Bayern Munich in 2011, Neuer has redefined the position, often acting as a "sweeper keeper" thanks to his excellent footwork and anticipation. But another area where Neuer has excelled is in penalty situations.
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With over 550 appearances for Bayern and countless matches for Germany, Neuer has faced a wide range of penalty takers. While his save percentage may not match the astonishing levels of Martinez or Donnarumma in shootouts, his ability to come up big in clutch moments, like the 2012 Champions League final against Chelsea, has solidified his status as one of the greats. His intimidating presence and leadership in goal often forces penalty takers into mistakes.
3. Lukas Hradecky
Lukas Hradecky, captain of Bayer Leverkusen, may not always be in the headlines like Donnarumma or Martinez, but his numbers speak for themselves. Since joining the German club in 2018, Hradecky has made it a habit of shining in high-stakes matches.
He has a 100% win record in penalty shootouts, having participated in six and emerged victorious in every single one. This unique achievement puts him in rare company, with only Jean-Marie Pfaff- a legendary Belgian keeper- matching that record in Europe’s top five leagues. Beyond shootouts, Hradecky has saved 11 penalties during open play, including a memorable stop against Pierre-Emile Højbjerg during Euro 2020. His calm demeanor and exceptional reflexes make him one of the most underrated penalty stoppers in world football.
2. Emiliano Martinez
Few goalkeepers have experienced a meteoric rise in reputation like Emiliano Martínez. Since earning the number one spot for Argentina in 2021, Martinez has been at the center of some of the most emotional moments in recent international football history. His performances in the Copa America 2021, World Cup 2022, and Copa America 2024 earned him global recognition, not just for his shot-stopping ability but also his mental gamesmanship.
In four penalty shootouts for Argentina, Martinez has faced 24 penalties, saving 9. With two hitting the post and one missed, attackers have only converted 12 of those 24, giving him a 50% penalty save success rate in shootouts. That figure is astonishing by any standard and confirms why he is seen as a clutch performer. Whether it's his confident stance, his psychological antics, or simply elite reflexes, Martinez is a nightmare for penalty takers.
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma, currently the number one goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and the Italian national team, has quickly built a legacy as one of the best penalty savers in modern football. His penalty-saving stats are staggering. Throughout his career, Donnarumma has faced 60 penalties, saving 14 of them. But what sets him apart is his record in penalty shootouts, where his calm presence and intimidating 6'5" frame give him a mental edge over the taker.
In shootouts alone, Donnarumma has faced 43 penalties and saved 10, giving him a save percentage of 23.3%, which is well above average. His heroics were crucial during Italy’s triumph in Euro 2020, where he saved decisive penalties in the final against England, including the spot-kick from Bukayo Saka. For any team facing a penalty shootout, having Donnarumma between the posts means having a fighting chance.
In summary
In the high-stakes world of modern football, the ability to save penalties can define a goalkeeper’s legacy. Whether it’s on the biggest international stages or in weekly league battles, those with the best goalkeeper penalty save percentage continue to stand out as true game-changers. Their split-second decisions, fearless presence, and unmatched preparation transform pressure into opportunity. As tactics and technology evolve, so too does the art of the penalty save - but one thing remains constant: the elite goalkeepers with the best goalkeeper penalty save percentage will always be the last line of defense, and often, the first name remembered.
Read more: Ranking the 7 greatest top defenses in the NFL history.
