A penalty kick lasts only a few seconds, but it can define an entire career.

The taker stands 12 yards from goal with almost every statistical advantage. The goalkeeper must read the run-up, understand the player’s habits, remain balanced and make a decision before the ball reaches the corner.

Most penalties are scored.

Yet a small group of goalkeepers have repeatedly transformed the most difficult situation in football into their greatest strength.

Samir Handanović broke the Serie A record for penalty saves. Diego Alves became feared by some of the greatest attacking players in Spain. Helmut Duckadam saved four penalties in one European Cup final. Emiliano Martínez turned penalty shootouts into psychological battles, while Yassine Bounou became a World Cup shootout hero in both 2022 and 2026.

So, who is the best penalty-saving goalkeeper of all time?

This Finter ranking compares career records, save efficiency, performances in major tournaments, shootout pressure, historical importance and the quality of the opposition.

Who is the greatest penalty-saving goalkeeper ever?

Samir Handanović ranks first in Finter’s all-time list.

The Slovenian holds the Serie A record with 32 penalty saves. No goalkeeper in the history of Italy’s top division has matched that total. His record was built across many seasons against different generations of penalty takers.

Diego Alves may have been even more efficient across a large sample of penalties, while Helmut Duckadam produced the greatest single shootout performance in football history.

Emiliano Martínez, Yassine Bounou, Diogo Costa and Dominik Livaković have delivered some of the most important saves of the modern era.

How this ranking was created

Penalty statistics are difficult to compare.

Some databases count only penalties taken during normal or extra time. Others include shootouts. A shot against the post may be registered as a miss rather than a goalkeeper save, while historical coverage varies considerably between leagues and countries.

Finter’s ranking uses four areas:

Ranking factor	Weight
Documented career penalty saves	35%
Save efficiency across a meaningful sample	25%
Saves in World Cups, European Championships and major finals	30%
Longevity and historical influence	10%

This is an editorial ranking rather than an official FIFA or UEFA list.

Top 20 Best Penalty-Saving Goalkeepers of All Time

Rank	Goalkeeper	Country	Greatest strength
1	Samir Handanović	Slovenia	Career record and consistency
2	Diego Alves	Brazil	Exceptional save efficiency
3	Gianluigi Buffon	Italy	Longevity at the highest level
4	Emiliano Martínez	Argentina	Psychology and tournament pressure
5	Yassine Bounou	Morocco	World Cup and final heroics
6	Helmut Duckadam	Romania	Four saves in one European final
7	Ricardo	Portugal	Three World Cup saves against England
8	Sergio Goycochea	Argentina	Four shootout saves at the 1990 World Cup
9	Dominik Livaković	Croatia	Four saves at the 2022 World Cup
10	Diogo Costa	Portugal	Three consecutive saves at EURO 2024
11	Gianluigi Donnarumma	Italy	EURO final heroics at Wembley
12	Danijel Subašić	Croatia	Three saves against Denmark
13	Manuel Neuer	Germany	Explosiveness and preparation
14	Iker Casillas	Spain	Historic World Cup and EURO saves
15	Wojciech Szczęsny	Poland	Consistency against elite takers
16	Jens Lehmann	Germany	Analysis and psychological preparation
17	Peter Schmeichel	Denmark	The save against Marco van Basten
18	Alyssa Naeher	United States	Saves penalties and scores them
19	Ann-Katrin Berger	Germany	Major-tournament mentality
20	Gianluca Pagliuca	Italy	Italian penalty-saving pioneer

1. Samir Handanović – The Most Consistent Penalty Specialist

Samir Handanović did not need theatrical mind games.

He rarely jumped wildly across the goal line or attempted to dominate every penalty taker with aggressive behaviour. His greatest strength was calmness.

Handanović remained balanced, watched the taker’s movement and delayed his dive for as long as possible.

Inter confirmed that he finished his Serie A career with 32 saved penalties, the highest total in the history of the competition.

Earlier in his career, he also equalled the record for most penalties saved in a single Serie A season when he stopped six for Udinese in 2010/11.

Why Handanović was so difficult to beat

• He stayed balanced until late in the run-up.
• His first movement was controlled rather than desperate.
• He studied the standing foot and hip position.
• His reach allowed him to cover both low corners.
• He remained calm against famous penalty takers.
• He combined research with excellent reactions.

His position at number one is not based on one famous World Cup shootout. It comes from repeatedly saving penalties over a long elite career.

Finter verdict: The best overall combination of volume, technique, consistency and longevity.

2. Diego Alves – The Goalkeeper Superstars Feared

Diego Alves created his reputation in La Liga with Almería and Valencia.

His record was remarkable not only because he saved many penalties, but because he stopped such a high percentage of the kicks he faced.

La Liga recognised Alves as the competition’s penalty-saving record holder when he reached 20 league saves. During his years in Spain, he denied major players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann and Gabi.

During the 2014/15 league season, Alves saved four of the eight penalties he faced—an extraordinary 50% success rate across an entire campaign.

What made Diego Alves special?

The Brazilian used controlled movements rather than committing too early.

His technique included:

• short adjustment steps
• deceptive arm movements
• intense eye contact
• rapid acceleration
• excellent lower-body power
• detailed research into takers’ habits

Some goalkeepers must guess early to reach the corner. Alves could wait longer because his first step and dive were so explosive.

Finter verdict: Possibly the most efficient elite penalty saver across a large and credible sample.

3. Gianluigi Buffon – Elite Performance Across Generations

Gianluigi Buffon played professional football for almost three decades.

He faced several generations of penalty takers and adapted as run-up styles, analysis methods and goalkeeper rules changed.

Buffon saved penalties for Parma, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Italy. His record included league matches, European competitions and major international tournaments.

UEFA lists Buffon among the goalkeepers to have made three saves in European Championship shootouts.

Buffon’s greatest penalty-saving qualities

• exceptional size
• powerful legs
• balance
• patience
• vast experience
• strong hands
• an intimidating presence

Buffon did not always need to move excessively.

His size alone reduced the amount of visible space inside the goal. Penalty takers often felt forced to aim extremely close to the post, increasing the chance of a miss.

Finter verdict: The most complete all-round goalkeeper among the leading penalty specialists.

4. Emiliano Martínez – The Master of Psychological Pressure

Emiliano Martínez does not have the same total number of career penalty saves as Handanović or Diego Alves.

His reputation is instead built on the importance of his saves.

At the 2021 Copa América, Martínez saved three penalties in Argentina’s semi-final shootout against Colombia.

At the 2022 World Cup, he stopped the Netherlands’ first two attempts in the quarter-final. In the final against France, he saved Kingsley Coman’s kick before Aurélien Tchouaméni missed. Argentina went on to become world champions.

Watch Martínez against the Netherlands

Watch the full Netherlands vs Argentina shootout on FIFA’s verified YouTube channel.

The video shows how Martínez attempts to influence both the current taker and the next player waiting to shoot.

He uses:

• verbal communication
• delays
• movement along the goal line
• eye contact
• confident gestures
• dramatic celebrations
• interaction with the crowd

His approach is controversial, but the results in major international matches are impossible to ignore.

Martínez also produced his famous extra-time save against Randal Kolo Muani in the World Cup final. It was not a penalty save, but without it, the shootout would never have taken place.

Finter verdict: The greatest modern goalkeeper under extreme international pressure.

5. Yassine Bounou – A World Cup Hero in 2022 and 2026

Yassine Bounou, commonly known as Bono, has become one of the defining shootout goalkeepers of his generation.

At the 2022 World Cup, Morocco faced Spain in the round of 16 after a goalless 120 minutes.

Bounou saved attempts from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets. Pablo Sarabia struck the post, meaning Spain failed to score a single penalty. Morocco won the shootout 3-0.

Watch Morocco’s historic shootout against Spain

Watch Morocco vs Spain on FIFA’s verified YouTube channel.

Bounou was also decisive in Sevilla’s 2023 Europa League final victory over Roma, saving two attempts in the shootout.

He then produced another major World Cup moment in 2026. Morocco eliminated the Netherlands after penalties, with Bounou saving Crysencio Summerville’s attempt before Ismael Saibari converted the winning kick.

Bounou is difficult to beat because he combines height with quick footwork. He remains upright for a long time and gets down quickly to both corners.

Finter verdict: One of the greatest World Cup shootout goalkeepers ever.

6. Helmut Duckadam – Four Saves in One European Cup Final

On 7 May 1986, Steaua București met Barcelona in the European Cup final in Seville.

The match remained goalless after 120 minutes.

Helmut Duckadam then saved all four Barcelona penalties.

Steaua won the shootout 2-0 and became the first club from Eastern Europe to win the competition. UEFA still describes it as one of the European Cup’s legendary moments.

Duckadam denied:

• José Ramón Alexanko
• Ángel Pedraza
• Pichi Alonso
• Marcos Alonso

Saving four consecutive penalties would be extraordinary in any match.

Doing it in the final of Europe’s biggest club competition made Duckadam immortal.

He later explained that he tried to think like each taker. After saving one penalty in a particular direction, he considered how the next player might respond.

Watch Duckadam’s historic performance

Watch the full 1986 Steaua vs Barcelona shootout on UEFA’s official website.

Finter verdict: The greatest single penalty-shootout performance in football history.

7. Ricardo – Three World Cup Saves Against England

Portugal faced England in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final.

The match was decided by penalties, and Ricardo saved attempts from:

• Frank Lampard
• Steven Gerrard
• Jamie Carragher

Portugal won the shootout 3-1 and advanced to the semi-finals.

FIFA recognises Ricardo as one of only three men to have saved three penalties in a single World Cup shootout, alongside Danijel Subašić and Dominik Livaković.

Ricardo had already produced another unforgettable performance against England at EURO 2004.

He removed his gloves, saved Darius Vassell’s penalty with his bare hands and then scored Portugal’s next kick himself.

The confidence required to become both goalkeeper and taker during a major-tournament shootout was extraordinary.

Finter verdict: One of international football’s greatest shootout specialists.

8. Sergio Goycochea – Argentina’s Unexpected World Cup Hero

Sergio Goycochea began the 1990 World Cup as Argentina’s reserve goalkeeper.

After Nery Pumpido suffered an injury, Goycochea entered the team and became one of the tournament’s defining players.

He saved two penalties against Yugoslavia in the quarter-final and another two against hosts Italy in the semi-final.

Argentina reached the final after winning consecutive shootouts.

Goycochea’s four World Cup shootout saves remain part of the competition’s goalkeeping record books.

He was not the tallest or most physically dominant goalkeeper, but he read takers exceptionally well and remained calm during high-pressure moments.

Finter verdict: One of the greatest World Cup penalty specialists of all time.

9. Dominik Livaković – Four Saves at the 2022 World Cup

Dominik Livaković became a Croatian national hero at the 2022 World Cup.

In the round of 16 against Japan, he saved three of the four penalties he faced. Croatia won the shootout 3-1.

Watch Livaković’s three saves against Japan

Watch the full Japan vs Croatia shootout on FIFA’s verified YouTube channel.

In the following round against Brazil, Livaković saved Rodrygo’s opening attempt. Marquinhos later struck the post, sending Croatia into the semi-finals.

Livaković therefore finished the tournament with four saves across two shootouts.

He was particularly effective against low penalties. He maintained a central position, produced a powerful first step and reached the bottom corners quickly.

Finter verdict: One of the strongest multi-shootout performances at a single World Cup.

10. Diogo Costa – Three Consecutive Saves at EURO 2024

Portugal and Slovenia were still level after 120 minutes in their EURO 2024 round-of-16 match.

Cristiano Ronaldo had already seen a penalty saved by Jan Oblak during extra time.

Diogo Costa then stopped all three Slovenian penalties in the shootout.

He became:

• the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in one European Championship shootout
• the first goalkeeper to concede no goals in a EURO shootout

Portugal won 3-0.

Costa had previously saved penalties in three consecutive Champions League group matches for Porto, showing that his EURO performance was not an isolated event.

His technique is modern and controlled. He uses short adjustment steps, remains balanced and generates excellent power from his standing leg.

Finter verdict: The active goalkeeper with the greatest potential to enter the all-time top five.

11. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy’s Wembley Hero

Gianluigi Donnarumma was only 22 years old when he became the hero of the EURO 2020 final, played in 2021.

Italy and England finished level after extra time.

Donnarumma saved attempts from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, while Marcus Rashford struck the post. Italy won the shootout 3-2.

He had also saved Álvaro Morata’s attempt in the semi-final against Spain.

Watch Donnarumma against England

Watch the full Italy vs England shootout on UEFA’s verified YouTube channel.

Donnarumma’s size creates a major psychological problem for takers. The goal appears smaller, forcing players to aim closer to the posts.

His reaction after the winning save also became famous. He barely celebrated at first because he was briefly unsure whether Italy had already won.

Finter verdict: A major-tournament specialist who still has time to climb much higher.

12. Danijel Subašić – Three Saves Against Denmark

Croatia faced Denmark in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

The match produced an extraordinary goalkeeping battle.

Danijel Subašić saved penalties from:

• Christian Eriksen
• Lasse Schöne
• Nicolai Jørgensen

Kasper Schmeichel also saved two Croatian attempts, but Croatia won the shootout 3-2.

Watch the Subašić–Schmeichel goalkeeper duel

Watch the full Croatia vs Denmark shootout on FIFA’s verified YouTube channel.

Subašić made another shootout save against Russia in the quarter-final.

His fourth save of the tournament placed him alongside Harald Schumacher and Sergio Goycochea at the top of the historical World Cup shootout standings at that time.

Finter verdict: One of the main reasons Croatia reached its first World Cup final.

13. Manuel Neuer – Explosive Power and Modern Analysis

Manuel Neuer is best known for transforming the sweeper-keeper role.

However, he has also produced important penalty saves for Bayern Munich and Germany.

Neuer’s greatest advantages are:

• explosive leg strength
• exceptional reach
• balance
• strong body control
• detailed video preparation
• confidence in major matches

One of his most memorable shootout performances came against Real Madrid in the 2012 Champions League semi-final, when he saved attempts from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká.

Neuer has also taken and scored a penalty himself in a Champions League shootout.

His physical ability allows him to delay his movement slightly longer than many goalkeepers while still reaching the corner.

Finter verdict: One of the most physically complete penalty-saving goalkeepers ever.

14. Iker Casillas – The Saves That Changed Spain’s History

Iker Casillas produced several defining penalty saves for Spain.

At the 2002 World Cup, he saved a penalty during the match against the Republic of Ireland and then stopped two more during the shootout.

At EURO 2008, Casillas saved attempts from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale during Spain’s quarter-final victory over Italy.

That win became a turning point in Spanish football history.

Spain went on to win:

• EURO 2008
• the 2010 World Cup
• EURO 2012

Casillas was not as physically large as Buffon, Donnarumma or Neuer.

His strengths were explosive reactions, rapid footwork and the ability to move powerfully from a low starting position.

Finter verdict: His penalty saves helped launch the greatest era in Spain’s international history.

15. Wojciech Szczęsny – The Underrated Specialist

Wojciech Szczęsny has saved penalties in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, the Champions League and major international tournaments.

At the 2022 World Cup, he stopped penalties in consecutive group matches.

He first denied Salem Al-Dawsari during Poland’s match against Saudi Arabia.

He then saved Lionel Messi’s penalty against Argentina.

Messi struck the ball powerfully towards a high area of the goal, but Szczęsny generated enough elevation and hand strength to push it away.

Szczęsny’s greatest qualities

• large reach
• powerful wrists
• patience
• balance
• quick adjustment steps
• experience against elite takers

He has not always received the same attention as Buffon, Neuer or Casillas, but his overall record places him among the strongest specialists of his generation.

Finter verdict: One of the most underrated goalkeepers in this ranking.

16. Jens Lehmann – The Famous Note in His Sock

Germany faced Argentina in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final.

Before the shootout, Jens Lehmann carried a small note containing information about Argentina’s likely penalty takers and preferred directions.

He kept the note inside his sock and checked it between kicks.

Lehmann saved attempts from Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso, helping Germany win 4-2.

The note became one of the most famous symbols of football analysis.

It demonstrated the growing importance of:

• video research
• data
• player tendencies
• pattern recognition
• individual preparation

Lehmann had also saved Juan Román Riquelme’s late penalty during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Villarreal earlier in 2006.

Finter verdict: The goalkeeper who made penalty data visible to the entire football world.

17. Peter Schmeichel – Denmark’s Most Important Penalty Save

Peter Schmeichel produced arguably the most important penalty save in Danish football history.

Denmark faced the Netherlands in the EURO 1992 semi-final.

After a 2-2 draw, the match went to penalties.

Schmeichel saved Marco van Basten’s attempt. It was the only missed kick of the shootout.

Denmark won 5-4 and later defeated Germany in the final.

Schmeichel used:

• an enormous physical presence
• wide arm movements
• powerful legs
• intense eye contact
• explosive lateral movement
• complete confidence

His save did far more than win a shootout.

It changed Danish football history.

Finter verdict: The greatest Danish penalty save of all time.

18. Alyssa Naeher – Saves Three and Scores Herself

Alyssa Naeher has delivered some of the most remarkable shootout performances in women’s football.

During the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup semi-final against Canada, she saved three penalties and converted her own attempt.

Only a few weeks later, she repeated the achievement during the SheBelieves Cup final against the same opponent.

Once again, Naeher:

• saved three penalties
• scored her own kick
• helped the United States win the shootout

US Soccer described the achievement as something she accomplished twice within a short period.

She had also saved Steph Houghton’s late penalty during the 2019 World Cup semi-final between the United States and England.

Finter verdict: One of the most complete shootout participants ever—as both goalkeeper and taker.

19. Ann-Katrin Berger – Courage, Composure and Major-Tournament Heroics

Ann-Katrin Berger has repeatedly performed under extreme pressure.

During Germany’s EURO 2025 quarter-final against France, Berger converted her own penalty and saved two French attempts.

Germany had played most of the match with ten players but still won the shootout 6-5.

Her international record also includes the 2024 Olympics.

Berger saved two penalties against Canada in the quarter-final before scoring the decisive kick herself. She later saved Alexia Putellas’ late penalty in the bronze-medal match against Spain.

Her story is made even more remarkable by her return to elite football after serious illness.

Finter verdict: One of the strongest modern goalkeepers when courage and composure matter most.

20. Gianluca Pagliuca – Italy’s Penalty-Saving Pioneer

Before Handanović broke the record, Gianluca Pagliuca was the goalkeeper most closely associated with penalty saves in Serie A.

Pagliuca held the league record with 24 saves before Handanović moved past him.

He also saved Márcio Santos’ attempt during the 1994 World Cup final shootout between Italy and Brazil.

Italy ultimately lost, but Pagliuca demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest possible stage.

His strengths included:

• aggressive positioning
• explosive diving
• fast reactions
• strong concentration
• a commanding personality

Finter verdict: The great Italian penalty specialist before the Handanović era.

Greatest Individual Penalty-Saving Performances

Rank	Goalkeeper	Match	Achievement
1	Helmut Duckadam	Steaua vs Barcelona, 1986	Saved all four attempts
2	Ricardo	Portugal vs England, 2006	Three World Cup saves
3	Danijel Subašić	Croatia vs Denmark, 2018	Three saves
4	Dominik Livaković	Croatia vs Japan, 2022	Three saves
5	Diogo Costa	Portugal vs Slovenia, 2024	Three saves and no goals conceded
6	Sergio Goycochea	Argentina at the 1990 World Cup	Four saves across two rounds
7	Emiliano Martínez	Argentina at the 2022 World Cup	Three vital shootout saves
8	Alyssa Naeher	USA vs Canada, 2024	Three saves and scored herself
9	Ann-Katrin Berger	Germany vs France, 2025	Two saves and scored herself
10	Yassine Bounou	Morocco at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups	Hero in two World Cup shootouts

Who Has Saved the Most Penalties?

Samir Handanović holds the official Serie A record with 32 penalty saves.

Diego Alves became La Liga’s leading penalty saver during his career in Spain, while Gianluca Pagliuca held the Serie A record before Handanović.

A definitive global record is more difficult to establish.

Historical databases do not cover every league equally, and statistics may differ depending on whether they include:

• domestic cup matches
• international matches
• shootouts
• reserve-team football
• penalties missed without being touched
• competitions outside Europe

This is why claims about the goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in world football should always explain the database and competitions being used.

Who Has the Best Penalty-Save Percentage?

A save percentage can be misleading without context.

A goalkeeper who saves four of eight penalties has a 50% record. That does not automatically make that player better than a goalkeeper who saves 25 of 80.

Larger samples are generally more reliable.

Diego Alves is one of the strongest candidates because he combined a high save percentage with a significant number of penalties faced in one of the world’s strongest leagues.

Shootout penalties should also be considered separately from penalties during normal play.

Shootouts involve:

• greater psychological pressure
• tired players
• different taker orders
• more detailed preparation
• the influence of previous kicks
• sudden-death situations

A study using approximately 50,000 penalties found that conversion rates were lower during shootouts, mainly because takers performed less effectively under pressure—not because goalkeepers suddenly became physically better.

Best Penalty Goalkeepers by Category

Category	Finter’s choice
Best overall career	Samir Handanović
Best save efficiency	Diego Alves
Greatest single performance	Helmut Duckadam
Best psychological goalkeeper	Emiliano Martínez
Best active World Cup specialist	Yassine Bounou
Best single World Cup shootout	Ricardo, Subašić and Livaković
Best EURO shootout	Diogo Costa
Greatest Danish save	Peter Schmeichel
Most underrated specialist	Wojciech Szczęsny
Best goalkeeper and penalty taker	Alyssa Naeher
Greatest active potential	Diogo Costa
Most famous analysis story	Jens Lehmann

What Makes a Goalkeeper Good at Saving Penalties?

1. Reading the standing foot

The position of the taker’s standing foot can provide information about:

• likely direction
• body balance
• the angle of the hips
• whether the ball will be struck with the inside of the foot
• how open or closed the player’s body is

The standing foot should never be read in isolation.

The goalkeeper must combine it with the run-up, hip movement, upper-body position and striking foot.

2. Waiting for as long as possible

A perfectly placed penalty near the post may be impossible to save if the goalkeeper reacts only after contact.

However, moving too early allows reactive takers to send the ball in the opposite direction.

The goalkeeper must find the latest possible moment to move while still having enough time and power to reach the ball.

Modern research suggests that the best strategy depends on both the taker’s behaviour and the goalkeeper’s own physical capabilities.

3. Studying the taker

Professional teams analyse:

• preferred direction
• typical height
• run-up angle
• speed of approach
• penalties taken under pressure
• whether the player watches the goalkeeper
• whether the player changes direction late
• previous shootout performances

Jens Lehmann’s note at the 2006 World Cup was an early and visible example.

Today, clubs use extensive video databases, analysts and individual player reports.

4. Influencing the taker

Goalkeepers can attempt to change the taker’s perception through:

• arm movements
• eye contact
• body language
• positioning
• small lateral movements
• changes of tempo
• verbal communication

Emiliano Martínez uses this approach aggressively.

Handanović relied more on stillness, patience and reading the strike.

Both methods can be effective.

5. Understanding different types of takers

The pre-planned taker

This player chooses a side before beginning the run-up.

The goalkeeper can rely more heavily on previous data and body position.

The reactive taker

This player watches the goalkeeper and attempts to shoot in the opposite direction.

The goalkeeper may benefit from waiting longer or using a deceptive movement.

The adaptable taker

This player can either choose early or react late.

Adaptable takers are the hardest to read because the goalkeeper cannot rely on one strategy.

6. Accepting that the goalkeeper is the underdog

The penalty situation favours the taker.

A goalkeeper should not think:

I must save this penalty.

A more useful thought is:

I will follow my plan, read the strongest signals and execute my movement fully.

This reduces panic and prevents random decisions.

Five Penalty-Saving Training Drills

Drill 1: Call the direction without diving

Players: One goalkeeper and three to six takers
Duration: 10 minutes
Equipment: Goal and footballs

The takers strike normal penalties.

The goalkeeper is not allowed to dive. Immediately before contact, the goalkeeper calls:

• left
• centre
• right

The purpose is to develop observation rather than focus on the final save.

After each penalty, discuss:

• run-up angle
• standing foot
• hip position
• upper body
• striking foot
• eye movement

Drill 2: The late take-off

The goalkeeper must remain balanced for as long as possible.

The coach evaluates:

• starting position
• foot position
• final adjustment step
• direction of take-off
• hand position
• landing technique

Points should be awarded for correct technique and direction, not only for saving the ball.

Drill 3: Three types of takers

Give three players different instructions.

Player one: Chooses a corner early and strikes with power.
Player two: Watches the goalkeeper and reacts.
Player three: Uses a slower or interrupted run-up within the Laws of the Game.

The goalkeeper must identify the type of taker and choose an appropriate strategy.

Drill 4: Video analysis

Record ten penalties from each taker.

The goalkeeper studies:

• preferred side
• usual height
• run-up angle
• standing-foot position
• changes under pressure
• whether the player reacts to goalkeeper movement

Repeat the exercise one week later and allow the goalkeeper to use the analysis.

Drill 5: Controlled-pressure shootout

Divide the players into two teams.

Create pressure without humiliating anyone.

Examples:

• The winning team chooses the next small-sided game.
• The losing team collects the footballs.
• Goalkeepers receive points for reading the correct direction.
• Takers receive points for following their routine.
• Teams earn bonus points for positive behaviour.

Young players should not be punished with excessive running or public criticism after missing.

The aim is to develop courage, emotional control and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best penalty-saving goalkeeper ever?

Finter ranks Samir Handanović first because of his Serie A record, longevity and consistency.

Diego Alves may have been more efficient, while Helmut Duckadam and Emiliano Martínez produced more famous individual performances.

Who has saved the most penalties?

Handanović holds the Serie A record with 32 penalty saves.

A definitive worldwide record is harder to establish because historical databases use different competitions and counting methods.

Who saved four penalties in a European Cup final?

Helmut Duckadam saved all four Barcelona penalties in the 1986 European Cup final.

Steaua București won the shootout 2-0 after a goalless match.

Which goalkeeper saved three penalties in one World Cup shootout?

Ricardo, Danijel Subašić and Dominik Livaković have each saved three penalties in a single men’s World Cup shootout.

Who saved three consecutive penalties at the European Championship?

Diogo Costa saved all three Slovenian attempts at EURO 2024.

He became the first goalkeeper to make three saves in one EURO shootout and the first to concede no goals in a European Championship shootout.

Who saved Marco van Basten’s penalty?

Peter Schmeichel saved Van Basten’s attempt during the EURO 1992 semi-final between Denmark and the Netherlands.

Denmark later won the tournament.

Are penalty shootouts only luck?

No.

Luck can influence the result, but shootouts are also affected by:

• preparation
• technique
• psychology
• goalkeeper reach
• taker routines
• data analysis
• fatigue
• match pressure

Should a goalkeeper always choose a side early?

No.

An early decision may be necessary against a powerful, accurate taker.

Against players who react to goalkeeper movement, waiting or using a deceptive first movement may be more effective.

Can these YouTube videos be used on Finter?

Official FIFA and UEFA videos can generally be linked to and embedded through YouTube’s official player when the rights holder has enabled embedding.

The videos should not be downloaded, edited or re-uploaded as Finter’s own content.

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• World Cup 2026 Breakout Stars

Conclusion

No single statistic can definitively identify the greatest penalty-saving goalkeeper in history.

Samir Handanović has the strongest overall combination of volume, consistency and technical quality.

Diego Alves may have been the most efficient specialist across a significant sample.

Helmut Duckadam produced the greatest performance in a single final.

Emiliano Martínez has turned psychology into a major weapon in modern shootouts.

Yassine Bounou has delivered decisive saves at two World Cups and in a European final.

Ricardo, Sergio Goycochea, Danijel Subašić and Dominik Livaković became World Cup legends.

Diogo Costa and Gianluigi Donnarumma still have time to climb much higher.

That is what makes penalties so compelling.

The taker has the statistical advantage—but the goalkeeper can become immortal with one perfect decision.