Record! A goalkeeper saves 5 consecutive penalties successfully

Noah Atubolu is now the first goalkeeper in Bundesliga history to achieve a streak of five consecutive penalty saves.

During Freiburg’s 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen on September 20th, goalkeeper Noah Atubolu successfully saved Romano Schmid’s penalty, thus becoming the first goalkeeper in Bundesliga history to record five consecutive penalty saves..

At the 57th minute, the referee had to consult VAR after Jordy Makengo handled the ball inside the penalty area. The final decision awarded Bremen a penalty.

Facing the penalty spot was Romano Schmid, who had successfully converted two penalties this season. However, Atubolu guessed correctly and dived to make the save, keeping a clean sheet for Freiburg at a crucial moment.

This save not only helped Freiburg maintain their lead but also secured Atubolu’s place in Bundesliga history with a record of five consecutive penalty saves. This impressive streak began in May 2024 when he denied two attempts by Union Berlin.

In December 2024, Atubolu continued to frustrate Leverkusen from the penalty spot. Then in February 2025, he made another mark by stopping Bremen, before repeating this feat once more against Bremen in September 2025.

Coach Julian Schuster stated after the match: “Atu’s penalty save was the key factor that secured the victory. He deserves all the praise.” With consistent form and strong mental resilience, Atubolu is gradually becoming the silent leader in Freiburg’s goal.

Since Mark Flekken left Freiburg for Brentford in 2023, Atubolu has been trusted as the starting goalkeeper at just 21 years old. Under former coach Christian Streich and now Julian Schuster, this young keeper has not only maintained his performance but continuously improved. From being an “unexpected successor,” Atubolu is now emerging as one of Bundesliga’s top shot-stoppers.

Experts in Germany believe this is the right time for Atubolu to get a chance with the national team. At 23 years old, with his reflexes, game reading, and increasingly mature composure, he is fully capable of competing for the starting spot in the German national team for upcoming major tournaments.

Atubolu’s penalty save record not only holds personal significance but also gives Freiburg a huge boost in the Bundesliga race. His streak of five consecutive penalty denials has made him the league’s “penalty nightmare” and one of the most exciting goalkeepers to watch in Europe currently.