In the world of soccer, penalties are crucial moments that can decide the fate of a match, and goalkeepers who excel at saving these kicks have a special place in the history of the sport. Over the decades, the greatest penalty takers in history have become true masters of the art of stopping penalties, displaying quick reflexes, impeccable technique and courage under pressure.
In this context, the greatest penalty takers in history emerged, whose legendary performances not only secured victories for their teams, but also left an indelible mark on the world of soccer. Not only did they defend the hoops, but they also became true icons, inspiring admiration and respect for their exceptional skills. Let’s explore some of the greatest penalty takers in history, who mastered the art of thwarting strikers in front of the whitewash.
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Do you know the greatest penalty takers in history? Here’s the list! 👇
Greatest penalty takers in history:
The list below is based on the number of goals saved. Check it out:
- Lev Yashin – 150 penalties saved
The first name on our list of the greatest penalty takers in history is Lev Yashin, also known as the “Black Spider”, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Born in the Soviet Union in 1929, Yashin spent his entire career with Dynamo Moscow, where he stood out for his agility, quick reflexes and courage. He was the only goalkeeper to receive the Ballon d’Or award in 1963, highlighting his unique influence on the game.
Yashin was famous for his ability to save penalties and for revolutionizing the position of goalkeeper, introducing techniques such as coming out of his goal to intercept crosses. His imposing presence in goal and undeniable talent made him a soccer legend, leaving a lasting legacy that inspired future generations of goalkeepers. Yashin died in 1990, but his influence lives on as one of the sport’s great icons.
- Rogério Ceni – 51 penalties saved
Taking the silver medal in the list of the greatest penalty takers in history is Rogério Ceni. A legend of Brazilian soccer, notable not only for his skills as a goalkeeper, but also for his unique ability to score goals as a free-kick and penalty taker.
During his long career at São Paulo Futebol Clube, Ceni saved countless important penalties, contributing significantly to the club’s achievements. He stood out not only for his agile and decisive saves, but also for his calmness and confidence under pressure, often saving São Paulo at crucial moments.
In addition, Ceni also became famous for being a goal-getter, scoring more than 130 goals throughout his career, many of them from the penalty spot. His versatility and consistency elevated him to the status of a Brazilian soccer icon, leaving a lasting legacy both as a goalkeeper and as a goalscorer.
- Handanović – 43 penalties saved
Taking the bronze medal in the list of the greatest penalty takers in history is Samir Handanović, a Slovenian goalkeeper known for his consistency and ability to save. Born in 1984, Handanović has had an outstanding career, most notably playing for Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A. He is admired for his agility, quick reflexes and ability to make important saves at crucial moments.
Handanović also excelled at saving penalties throughout his career, proving reliable and determined in front of goal. His solid presence in goal and his fundamental role in Inter’s defense established him as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
- Dida – 42 penalties saved
Dida, whose full name is Nelson de Jesus Silva, is fourth on the list. A former Brazilian goalkeeper who rose to international prominence during his soccer career. Born in 1973, Dida is best known for his spells with AC Milan and the Brazilian national team. He was renowned for his impressive stature, agility and ability to save penalties, making him a reliable figure between the posts.
Dida played a crucial role in many of Milan’s achievements, including Italian Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League. His confident presence and outstanding saves made him a respected figure in the world of soccer, consistently representing the highest level of excellence in the goalkeeping position.
- Gianluca Pagliuca – 40 penalties saved
In fifth place, Gianluca Pagliuca is a former Italian goalkeeper who enjoyed a distinguished career in soccer. Born in 1966, Pagliuca is best known for his performances for Italian club Internazionale and the Italian national team. He was renowned for his agility, quick reflexes and imposing presence in goal.
Pagliuca was also skilled at saving penalties, standing out for his saves at crucial moments. During his career, he won several titles and was one of the most respected goalkeepers of his time, leaving a lasting legacy in Italian soccer.
- Diego Alves – 40 penalties saved
Diego Alves, full name Diego Alves Carreira, is a Brazilian goalkeeper known for his exceptional ability to save penalties and his consistency throughout his career and he ranks sixth in the list of the best penalty takers in history.
Born in 1985, Diego Alves began his career in Brazilian soccer before making a name for himself at Almería in Spain and later at Valencia CF. He is known for his agility, positioning and courage in facing opponents in the penalty area.
Diego Alves is considered a penalty save specialist, with an impressive success rate in stopping spot kicks throughout his career. His reliable presence in goal and his decisive saves have made him a respected figure in the world of soccer, being a key player for both clubs and the Brazilian national team.
- Buffon – 39 penalties saved
In seventh place, we have Gianluigi Buffon, known simply as Buffon, a legendary Italian goalkeeper who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in soccer history. Born in 1978, Buffon has had an extraordinary career, standing out for his agility, quick reflexes and leadership on the pitch.
He spent most of his career at Juventus, where he won numerous titles, including multiple Italian championships and the Italian Cup. Buffon also enjoyed success with the Italian national team, representing his country in several World Cups and standing out as a leading figure in spectacular saves.
In addition to his skills as a goalkeeper, Buffon is admired for his work ethic, professionalism and passion for the game, leaving a lasting legacy as one of world soccer’s greatest icons.
- Mickaël Landreau – 37 penalties saved
Mickaël Landreau is a former French goalkeeper who had a solid and long-lasting career in soccer and ranks eighth on the list of the best penalty takers in history. Born in 1979, Landreau rose to prominence playing for clubs such as Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain and Lille, among others.
He was renowned for his consistency, agility and leadership on the pitch. Throughout his career, Landreau amassed an impressive amount of appearances, establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his generation.
Although not as well known for his penalty saves as some other goalkeepers, his reliable presence and technical skills made him a respected figure in the world of French soccer. After retiring, Landreau continued to be involved in sport, exploring other facets such as management and sports commentator.
- Tiago Volpi – 35 penalties saved (active)
In second-to-last place on the list is Tiago Volpi. Born in 1990, Volpi began his career with Brazilian clubs such as Figueirense and São Paulo. He is known for his agility, quick reflexes and ability to save penalties.
During his time at São Paulo, Volpi stood out as one of the team’s key players, taking over as captain and showing consistency throughout the seasons. His reliable presence in goal and his decisive saves made him a key part of São Paulo’s defense and established him as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Brazilian soccer.
- Fábio – 35 penalties saved (active)
Last but not least is Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel, a Brazilian goalkeeper who spent most of his career with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. Born in 1980, Fábio is considered an icon of the club, having defended the team’s colors for more than a decade.
He is recognized for his consistency, leadership and ability to make important saves, making him an emblematic figure for Cruzeirense fans. Fábio is known for his dedication to the club and his ability to maintain high performance over the years;
Surprised to see so many Brazilians on the list?
In a sport where each save can change the course of a match, the great penalty takers stand out not only for their refined technique, but also for their courage and coolness in decisive moments. It’s remarkable how Brazilian goalkeepers like Rogério Ceni, Dida, Diego Alves and Fábio, among others, feature in lists celebrating these specialists in thwarting attackers.
List of the greatest penalty takers in history
- Lev Yashin: 150 penalties saved
- Rogério Ceni: 51 penalties saved
- Handanović: 43 penalties saved
- Dida: 42 penalties saved
- Gianluca Pagliuca: 40 penalties saved
- Diego Alves: 40 penalties saved
- Buffon: 39 penalties saved
- Mickael Landreau: 37 penalties saved
- Tiago Volpi: 35 penalties saved (active)
- Fábio: 35 penalties saved (in activity)
Now you have a list of the greatest penalty takers in history, so tell us, did you know any of them?
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