Last update 31 January, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
In this post we will talk about the ‘penalty goalkeepers‘. Maximum penalties or penalties, They are one of the most decisive moments in football. In those seconds of maximum tension, The goalkeeper's figure becomes the key to the success or failure of his team. Along the history, Several goalkeepers have demonstrated an exceptional ability to stop throwing from eleven meters, becoming authentic specialists in the field.
Parapenaltis goalkeepers: The most borrowed goalkeepers stops
Diego Alves: The king of penalties in LaLiga
The Brazilian Diego Alves holds one of the best penalty stops records in LaLiga's history. During his stage in Almería and Valencia, stopped 22 of the 46 penalties he faced, reaching an effectiveness close to 50%. His agility, Reflexes and ability to read the pitchers made him a real wall under sticks.
Sergio Goycochea: Argentina's hero in Italy 90
In the World Cup 1990, Argentina found in Sergio Goycochea To his Savior. Substitute at the beginning of the tournament, He assumed ownership after Nery Pumpid's injury and became a figure in the penalty spas against Yugoslavia and Italy. Stopped four key releases, carrying the albiceleste to the final. The curious thing was his strange ritual of pissing in the field before the batches.
Pepe Reina: Study and anticipation
The Spanish Pepe Reina has been a specialist in stop penalties thanks to his meticulous study of the rivals. During his career in Villarreal, Liverpool y Napoli, He has managed to stop 16 of the 65 Penaltis faced. His performance in the FA Cup final 2006, where he stopped three shots in the batch, is one of the most remembered.
Manuel Neuer: The German wall
The German Manuel Neuer It is synonym for security under sticks. With more than 25 penalties for your career, Its imposing size and reflexes have been fundamental to Bayern Munich and the German team. His ability to intimidate launchers makes him one of the best in this facet.
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Rogério Ceni: The scorer and stop goalkeeper
Although he is known for being the most scorer in history, Rogério Ceni was also a specialist in stop penalties. Throughout his career, shortcut 20 Shots from eleven meters, complementing your impressive record of more than 100 goals scored.
Gianluigi Buffon: A giant in decisive moments
The Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon has been a teacher in reading the pitchers. With more than 30 Criminals, His serenity and leadership have been key in both Juventus and the Selection of Italy. His long career keeps him as one of the best of all time.
Hugo Gatti: The madman who dominated penalties
El Argentino Hugo Gatti, nicknamed “The madman”, He is remembered for his unconventional style and his courage in penalties. Con 26 Shots saved throughout his career, Share the record of more penalties detained in Argentine football with Ubaldo Fillol.
Dominik Livakovic: The new penalty star
Croatian Dominik Livaković stood out in the World Cup in Qatar 2022 By stopping four penalties in decisive batches, matching historical feats of archers as Goycochea (although without the strange ritual of the Argentine) y Schumacher. His performance was crucial for Croatia to reach the semifinals.
Paulo Gazzaniga: The best penalty shortcut on today
in the season 2024-2025, El Argentino Paulo Gazzaniga, defending the goal of Girona in LaLiga, It has become the best goalkeeper by sticking penalties in European leagues. His incredible capacity to stop shots from eleven meters has been decisive in the success of his team. He was team goalkeeper like Tottenham or Southamptom.
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Helmuth Duckadam: The European Cup hero
In 1986, Romanian goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam wrote his name in history by stopping four consecutive penalties in the European Cup final, Giving the title to Steaua de Bucharest against Barcelona. This feat is still one of the most legendary European football.
Ricardo Pereira: The nightmare of England
Portuguese Ricardo Pereira became the executioner of England in the Eurocup 2004 and the World Cup 2006, where he stopped decisive penalties in both batches. In 2004, He even removed his gloves to stop Ashley Cole's shot and then mark the victory penalty.