Top 10 goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup

When it comes to the FIFA World Cup, strikers and midfield maestros often steal the headlines. However, behind every great team performance, there is usually a goalkeeper who steps up when it matters most. Shot-stoppers play a vital role in ensuring their nation’s success, making incredible saves that keep dreams alive on the world’s biggest stage. This article dives deep into the goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, ranking them from 10 to 1. Along the way, we’ll highlight their statistics, heroic performances, and how they made history.

Our focus keyword in this article is goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, and it will appear multiple times to emphasize the theme of our discussion.

10. David Ospina – Colombia (10 Saves)

David Ospina has long been a reliable figure between the posts for Colombia. At the World Cup, he proved himself yet again by making 10 crucial saves. His save percentage of 76.9% highlights his ability to step up during big games. While Colombia’s journey at the tournament did not end with glory, Ospina’s reflexes and composure were vital in keeping his side competitive.

What sets Ospina apart is his calmness under pressure. Whether facing long-range shots or close-range efforts, he managed to give Colombian fans hope with his sharp goalkeeping. For fans of Colombian football, Ospina’s performances were a reminder of how goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup can leave an unforgettable impact even if their team doesn’t win the trophy.

9. Manuel Neuer – Germany (11 Saves)

Manuel Neuer is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of modern football. Known for revolutionizing the sweeper-keeper role, Neuer has always been more than just a shot-stopper. During his World Cup campaign, he recorded 11 saves with a 73.3% save rate.

Though Germany faced disappointment in the tournament, Neuer’s ability to command his area and organize his defense remained unquestionable. His agility and anticipation allowed him to keep his team in the game on multiple occasions. Neuer’s inclusion on this list shows that even the best in the world sometimes face overwhelming challenges, but their contribution is still undeniable.

When discussing goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Neuer’s name comes up not only for his numbers but also for his tactical evolution of the game.

8. Robin Olsen – Sweden (11 Saves)

Sweden’s Robin Olsen made a name for himself at the World Cup with a string of strong performances. Matching Neuer with 11 saves, Olsen stood out thanks to his outstanding 84.6% save percentage, one of the highest on this list.

His commanding presence in the box helped Sweden advance further than many expected. Olsen’s consistency in making key stops proved essential for his team’s defensive strength. He showed that a goalkeeper doesn’t need a big-name reputation to shine when the spotlight is on.

In conversations about goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Olsen exemplifies how resilience and timing can elevate a goalkeeper into global recognition.

7. Fernando Muslera – Uruguay (11 Saves)

Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera is a veteran goalkeeper who brought stability and leadership to his national side. With 11 saves and a remarkable 91.7% save rate, he delivered one of the most efficient goalkeeping displays at the tournament.

Muslera’s incredible reflexes and anticipation gave Uruguay a solid foundation in their defense. His performances often boosted the confidence of his backline, allowing them to play more aggressively knowing they had a reliable man guarding the posts.

Among goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Muslera is remembered for his calm and assured presence that inspired both teammates and fans.

6. Yann Sommer – Switzerland (12 Saves)

Switzerland’s Yann Sommer has built a reputation in Europe as one of the most underrated yet consistently brilliant goalkeepers. At the World Cup, he showcased his talent with 12 saves and a 70.6% save percentage.

Sommer’s reflex saves and ability to deny strikers in one-on-one situations stood out. Switzerland may not have been a tournament favorite, but Sommer’s contributions allowed them to punch above their weight.

For many fans, Sommer’s name now ranks high whenever discussions arise about goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, thanks to his agility and mental toughness on football’s biggest stage.

5. Eiji Kawashima – Japan (13 Saves)

Japan’s Eiji Kawashima had a memorable World Cup campaign, recording 13 saves with a 66.7% save percentage. Kawashima’s determination and resilience stood out, particularly against physically stronger opponents.

Although Japan’s tournament ended earlier than they had hoped, Kawashima’s efforts between the posts earned him recognition worldwide. His bravery in facing relentless attacks was a testament to his fighting spirit.

His place among the goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup is proof that even underdog nations can produce world-class goalkeeping performances that inspire millions.

4. Cho Hyun-woo – South Korea (13 Saves)

South Korea’s Cho Hyun-woo became one of the breakout stars of the World Cup. With 13 saves and an impressive 81.2% save rate, Cho demonstrated agility, bravery, and remarkable concentration.

Perhaps his most memorable moment came against Germany, where he played a crucial role in South Korea’s historic victory. His ability to deny top-class strikers gave his team a fighting chance in every match.

When reflecting on goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Cho Hyun-woo stands as an example of how lesser-known players can rise to international prominence through determination and skill.

3. Igor Akinfeev – Russia (14 Saves)

Igor Akinfeev, the Russian captain and goalkeeper, cemented his legacy during his World Cup campaign. With 14 saves and a 73.7% save percentage, he not only protected the goal but also inspired an entire nation.

Akinfeev’s crowning moment came in the penalty shootout against Spain, where his legendary save with his foot sent Russia into the quarterfinals. That single act of brilliance is etched in World Cup history.

As one of the most iconic goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Akinfeev is remembered not just for his numbers but also for his leadership and unforgettable heroics.

2. Kasper Schmeichel – Denmark (21 Saves)

Kasper Schmeichel produced a masterclass in goalkeeping at the World Cup. With 21 saves and an outstanding 91.3% save rate, he was nothing short of phenomenal. His reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and composure under pressure placed him among the tournament’s best performers.

Schmeichel’s standout moment came during the penalty shootout against Croatia, where he saved two penalties, nearly guiding Denmark into the next round. His efforts won him admiration worldwide and showed the value of a world-class goalkeeper.

Among goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Schmeichel’s statistics and performances put him in a league of his own.

1. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico (25 Saves)

Topping the list is Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, who delivered a breathtaking performance throughout the tournament. With 25 saves and an 80.6% save percentage, Ochoa became the undisputed hero for Mexico.

His agility, reflexes, and determination frustrated some of the world’s best attackers. Time and again, Ochoa pulled off saves that seemed impossible, keeping Mexico’s hopes alive. He became a global sensation, with fans worldwide praising his performances.

Whenever the conversation turns to goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup, Ochoa’s name inevitably comes up first. His shot-stopping ability and passion made him a symbol of hope for his nation and a star of the tournament.

From David Ospina at number 10 to Guillermo Ochoa at number 1, this list highlights the brilliance, resilience, and importance of goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup. Each of these players carried the hopes of their nations and left unforgettable memories through their outstanding performances.

While attackers score the goals that make headlines, it is often the goalkeepers who prevent heartbreaks and keep dreams alive. These ten men remind us that football is not just about attacking flair but also about the art of defending the net at the highest level.

Comparison Table

Rank	Goalkeeper	Country	Saves	Save %
10	David Ospina	Colombia	10	76.9%
9	Manuel Neuer	Germany	11	73.3%
8	Robin Olsen	Sweden	11	84.6%
7	Fernando Muslera	Uruguay	11	91.7%
6	Yann Sommer	Switzerland	12	70.6%
5	Eiji Kawashima	Japan	13	66.7%
4	Cho Hyun-woo	South Korea	13	81.2%
3	Igor Akinfeev	Russia	14	73.7%
2	Kasper Schmeichel	Denmark	21	91.3%
1	Guillermo Ochoa	Mexico	25	80.6%

In the grand narrative of football, strikers may score the goals, but goalkeepers write the stories of survival. This ranking of goalkeepers with the most saves at the World Cup proves once again why the men in gloves are as legendary as the men who score the winning goals.

FAQ

Who made the most saves at the World Cup?

Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico tops the list with 25 saves and an 80.6% save percentage, making him the goalkeeper with the most saves at the World Cup.

Which goalkeeper had the highest save percentage?

Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera recorded the highest efficiency with a 91.7% save rate, showing his outstanding shot-stopping ability.

Are saves the only measure of a goalkeeper’s performance?

No. While saves are a key metric, a goalkeeper’s leadership, positioning, and ability to organize the defense also play a huge role in their overall impact during the World Cup.