Top 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves in 2025

Top 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves in 2025 takes you inside the high-pressure moments where shot-stoppers became heroes. In a season filled with drama, unexpected turns, and unforgettable shootouts, these ten goalkeepers rose above the rest by consistently denying even the best strikers from the spot. From last-minute saves that preserved vital victories to game-changing moments in cup finals, each keeper on this list has demonstrated elite reflexes, fearless anticipation, and nerves of steel. Whether it’s an acrobatic dive to the corner or a calm read of the taker’s body language, their penalty-saving brilliance defined key moments of the year.

This feature doesn’t just highlight stats — it brings the drama of 2025’s biggest penalty saves to life. You’ll relive the season’s most thrilling saves, understand the mentality of a true shot-stopper, and see how goalkeepers became match-winners under the ultimate pressure. With a blend of established legends and breakout stars, the Top 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves in 2025 is a must-read for football fans who appreciate the art of goalkeeping. Discover who made the difference when everything was on the line — one penalty at a time.

10. Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Jordan Pickford once again proved his worth as Everton’s number one by making two crucial penalty saves during the 2024–25 Premier League season. Known for his quick reflexes and strong wrists, Pickford rose to the challenge in moments that demanded absolute focus. His standout penalty saves came against top-tier strikers, and each time, he held his ground, studied the taker’s run-up, and made the right call. These moments earned Everton vital points and showcased his reliability in tight games, especially as the team fought to avoid slipping down the table.

What sets Pickford apart is not just his shot-stopping but his mentality. He exudes confidence during one-on-one confrontations, especially from the penalty spot. His ability to stay calm and read the taker’s intentions gives him a distinct edge. In 2025, with Everton facing multiple high-pressure situations, Pickford’s interventions often came at the perfect time. Whether diving to his left or sticking a firm hand out to his right, his timing was spot-on. While others on this list may have more total saves, Pickford’s penalty stops came when his team desperately needed leadership, making them even more valuable in Everton’s survival campaign.

9. José Sá (Wolves)

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sá made his presence felt during the 2024–25 campaign by saving two penalties that made headlines for both timing and execution. Playing in the Premier League, where every moment can be decisive, Sá’s performances earned him praise for his sharp reactions and brave approach. His penalty saves came against strong opposition, and both turned the tide of their respective matches. His fearless dives, often pushing the ball away with strong palms, were enough to frustrate penalty takers and lift his side’s defensive confidence.

What made Sá stand out was his unwavering focus and anticipation. Unlike keepers who often guess, Sá combines data and instinct to choose his direction wisely. His agility and explosiveness allow him to cover ground quickly, making him a tough opponent from the spot. In a season where Wolves were involved in several tense matches, Sá’s ability to deny penalties added security at the back and gave fans moments of hope. He might not have had the most saves overall, but the ones he made were high-impact and emotionally charged. These moments secured his place among the top penalty stoppers of the year.

8. Noah Atubolu (Freiburg)

Freiburg’s rising star Noah Atubolu showcased his immense talent by saving two penalties in a single Bundesliga game on May 18, 2024, which carried through into the 2025 calendar year. That standout performance against a strong attacking side didn’t just make headlines—it made a statement. Atubolu’s composure, despite his youth, was evident as he guessed correctly on both attempts and stopped shots that were heading firmly for the bottom corners. His confident positioning and sharp lateral movement proved he is no ordinary prospect.

Atubolu’s performance that day added weight to his growing reputation as one of Germany’s top young goalkeepers. His reflexes and maturity beyond his years gave Freiburg an advantage few expected. Penalty saves aren’t just about diving the right way—they’re psychological battles—and Atubolu seems to enjoy the mind games. His calm eyes never wavered from the taker, and that presence helped him dominate the box. As the Bundesliga spotlight slowly shifts toward younger talents, Atubolu’s 2025 penalty heroics confirmed he’s ready for bigger stages, and possibly even a future spot in the national team setup.

7. David De Gea (Free Agent / Serie A)

David De Gea proved that class is permanent when he delivered a sensational performance in Serie A by saving two penalties in one match on October 6, 2024. Though technically late in 2024, this performance resonated through the early months of 2025, as clubs and fans discussed his ability to rise to the occasion despite limited playing time. Returning from a period of uncertainty after leaving Manchester United, De Gea reminded everyone why he was once among the best goalkeepers in the world.

His style hasn’t changed much—quick reflexes, long reach, and an incredible ability to read the taker’s intentions. In this particular match, he showed all of it. He didn’t just dive in the right direction; he stretched far and wide to reach two well-placed shots. These saves didn’t just preserve the scoreline—they shifted momentum. Clubs scouting for experienced goalkeepers in early 2025 saw his performance as a reminder of what he still offers. Whether he’s on a club roster or training independently, De Gea’s penalty-saving show in Serie A cemented his spot among the top ten for 2025.

6. Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona)

Paulo Gazzaniga stood tall for Girona during a critical match on October 6, 2024, saving two penalties that were vital in keeping his side in the game. While these saves occurred late in 2024, they significantly boosted Girona’s start to the 2025 season. Gazzaniga showed off his shot-stopping ability with two impressive dives, one to each side, denying powerful shots that seemed destined for the back of the net. The Argentine goalkeeper’s size and agility were crucial, as both saves came at crucial junctures in the game.

These moments were more than just athletic displays—they were leadership moments. Gazzaniga kept his teammates focused and calm after each stop, turning the pressure back on the opposition. It’s not easy to stay composed after saving one penalty, let alone two in the same match. His performance caught the eye of La Liga fans and analysts alike, and Girona’s improved form heading into 2025 owes much to his presence between the posts. His experience in English and Spanish football shows in how he handles high-stakes scenarios, and this two-save performance was the perfect example of Gazzaniga rising when it mattered.

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5. Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)

Aaron Ramsdale delivered one of the most memorable individual performances of the 2025 Premier League season when he saved two penalties in a single match on April 12. On loan to Southampton from Arsenal, Ramsdale reminded everyone of his elite quality as a shot-stopper. Facing a relentless opponent, Ramsdale kept his cool under pressure. The first penalty was low and powerful, but he got down swiftly to palm it away. Minutes later, he read the taker’s eyes and leapt the opposite direction for another save—earning a standing ovation from the away fans.

These back-to-back saves didn’t just stop goals—they changed the entire course of the game. Southampton, fighting to climb away from the relegation zone, took full advantage and pulled off a shock result. Ramsdale’s composure and bravery in facing down two penalty takers in one game made headlines across England. It also reignited conversations about his future with Arsenal and whether he should be their number one again. His performance that day reminded fans and critics alike that Ramsdale has the mentality and technical ability to shine at the highest level, especially when the pressure is at its peak.

4. Mike Maignan (France / AC Milan)

Mike Maignan once again lived up to his reputation as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers when he saved two penalties in a crucial Nations League shootout for France in March 2025. Known for his incredible composure and sharp reactions, Maignan stood tall in the quarterfinal clash. Facing elite-level forwards with everything on the line, Maignan delivered the kind of performance every country dreams of in a goalkeeper. His two saves—one low to the corner, the other high and wide—were match-winning moments in an emotionally charged international tie.

The pressure of representing your country in a knockout scenario can overwhelm even experienced players, but Maignan handled it with supreme confidence. His ability to stay still just long enough to unsettle the taker and then spring into action was textbook perfect. The saves secured France’s advancement and proved Maignan’s value not only to Les Bleus but to his club, AC Milan, as well. Goalkeepers rarely get the spotlight, but Maignan’s performance in that shootout earned him global praise. For a team that relies heavily on solid defense, Maignan was the rock that held it all together in 2025’s most high-stakes international moments.

3. Augusto Batalla (Rayo Vallecano)

In February 2025, Augusto Batalla produced a jaw-dropping performance for Rayo Vallecano by saving two penalties in one of the most dramatic La Liga matches of the season. Playing in a fierce Madrid derby, Batalla turned into an impenetrable wall at the most crucial times. The first save came early in the match, diving low to his right to deny a powerful effort. Later, with the game hanging in the balance, he read the second taker perfectly and made another full-stretch stop that had fans erupting in celebration.

Batalla’s double save was more than a statistical feat—it was the emotional spark Rayo Vallecano needed. His bravery and reading of the game injected belief into his side, helping them grab a rare derby win. The match went viral across Spanish media, with pundits praising Batalla’s awareness and timing. For a goalkeeper not always in the global spotlight, these penalty saves elevated his status overnight. His performance in that game, and particularly those saves, were among the defining moments of Rayo’s season. In 2025, Batalla proved that even outside the biggest clubs, world-class goalkeeping can shine just as brightly.

2. James Trafford (Burnley)

James Trafford made national headlines in January 2025 when he saved two penalties in a single match during Burnley’s Championship campaign. In a tense battle that had implications for promotion, Trafford emerged as the game’s savior. The first penalty was a rocket aimed toward the top corner, but Trafford somehow managed to tip it over. Just when the crowd thought lightning wouldn’t strike twice, he saved another—diving low and strong to keep Burnley in control. His reactions were world-class, and both saves sent Turf Moor into wild celebrations.

At just 22, Trafford’s confidence and authority between the posts were remarkable. These weren’t just routine stops—they came in a high-pressure match, and the result depended on them. Trafford’s calm demeanor and mature decision-making helped stabilize the defense around him. His performance that day wasn’t just about technical skill; it was about presence and leadership. Pundits across England began calling for him to be considered for the national team. With such impressive performances early in the year, Trafford quickly became one of the most talked-about young goalkeepers in English football, and his double penalty save remains one of the Championship’s standout moments of 2025.

1. Josh Keeley (Leyton Orient)

Josh Keeley claimed the top spot in 2025 by becoming the undisputed “penalty king” in English football, saving four penalties during the League One season. At just 21 years old, the Irish goalkeeper displayed composure well beyond his years. His standout moment came during a playoff shootout where he saved two spot-kicks, helping Leyton Orient progress in one of the season’s most dramatic finishes. Over the course of the year, Keeley continued to frustrate penalty takers with his unpredictable movements, steady positioning, and lightning-quick dives.

What made Keeley’s season so special wasn’t just the number of saves—it was the timing. Each of his four penalty saves came in high-pressure matches, including cup games and promotion battles. He didn’t just guess right—he made strikers hesitate, forcing errors and capitalizing on mental pressure. His consistent shot-stopping earned him admiration across the EFL and even drew attention from higher-tier clubs. Keeley may not play in one of Europe’s top five leagues, but his performances in 2025 proved that talent shines at every level. With four penalty saves and a fearless mindset, Josh Keeley earned the number one spot in this year’s list with a season fans won’t soon forget.

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