Goalkeeping is one of the most thankless jobs in football. One moment of brilliance can go unnoticed, while a single mistake can be remembered forever. But there’s one scenario where goalkeepers get their shot at glory: penalties. In those nail-biting moments, the pressure is firmly on the taker, and the keeper stands on the verge of becoming the unexpected hero.

Watch: Prominent Penalty Saves in the ISL

Over the years, the Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed several shot-stoppers rise to the occasion from 12 yards. These are the goalkeepers who have built a reputation for saving penalties and coming up clutch when it matters most.

In this article, we look at the keepers who have saved the most penalties in ISL history and earned their status as penalty-saving legends.

Albino Gomes – 8 Penalty Saves

When it comes to penalties, Albino Gomes is in a league of his own. Since his ISL debut in 2015, he has shown an uncanny knack for reading minds and stopping shots from the spot. With eight penalty saves, he stands at the very top of the ISL record books—four clear of the next best.

His return to the league in the 2024–25 season with Jamshedpur FC was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he reclaim his spot under the spotlight, but he also pulled off four penalty saves in that single season alone. Among his standout moments in his career has been saving penalties from Sunil Chhetri twice —the ISL’s top scorer and one of the most dependable penalty takers. He has saved 50% of the penalties he faced.

Mohammad Nawaz – 4 Penalty Saves

Mohammad Nawaz may not be the tallest goalkeeper around, but his agility and quick reflexes have made him a dependable presence between the sticks. Since making his ISL debut as a promising youngster with FC Goa, Nawaz has consistently impressed with his smart decision-making and composure under pressure.

He has saved four penalties in the league so far—two with Mumbai City FC, one during his early stint with FC Goa, and another recently for Chennaiyin FC. With a penalty save accuracy of 26.7%, Nawaz stands ahead of others with a similar number of saves. Quietly and effectively, the shot-stopper is building a solid record from the spot.

Rehenesh TP – 4 Penalty Saves

Rehenesh TP has long been a reliable presence in goal, bringing calm and assurance to whichever team he represents. Over the years, he has donned the gloves for clubs like NorthEast United FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC.

Known for his overall consistency and composure, Rehenesh has also proven dependable from the spot. He has saved four out of 16 penalties faced, giving him a save accuracy of 25%. Three of those saves came during his stint with Jamshedpur FC, while the other came with Mumbai City FC last season. He was a key member of the Jamshedpur FC squad that lifted the ISL Shield in 2021-22. His anticipation and quick reactions make him a tough goalkeeper to beat in high-pressure situations.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 4 Penalty Saves

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the ISL since making his debut for Bengaluru FC in 2017. With over 160 appearances for the Blues, he has been a key figure in their success, playing a crucial role in one ISL Cup triumph and helping them reach three other finals.

A commanding presence between the posts, Sandhu’s towering frame and calm authority make him a difficult man to beat, especially from the spot. He has saved four penalties in the league so far, further underlining his reputation as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in Indian football. His four saves came across different seasons—two in 2019–20, and one each in 2017–18 and 2022–23.

Edel Bete – 3 Penalty Saves

Edel Bete will always hold a special place in ISL history. The Armenian international was a standout performer in the league’s inaugural season, playing a pivotal role in ATK FC's ISL Cup-winning campaign in 2014. With his sharp reflexes and composure under pressure, Bete quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers.

He carried that winning mentality to Chennaiyin FC, where he once again rose to the occasion, helping the Marina Machans lift their first ISL Cup in 2015. His form from the spot stood out as well, saving two penalties that season. In 2016, with FC Pune City, Bete denied a crucial spot-kick against his former side, ATK FC, a decisive save that helped secure the win.

Bete’s legacy may not be the longest in terms of appearances, but few goalkeepers have made as meaningful an impact across multiple clubs as he has.

Bete comes fifth in the all-time ISL penalty save rankings. However, five other goalkeepers—Mirshad Michu, Karanjit Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Laxmikant Kattimani, and Vishal Kaith—have also saved three penalties each in the league. Among this group, Bete leads with the highest success rate at 50%, followed by Michu (42.9%), Karanjit (27.3%), Kamaljit (16.7%), Kattimani (15.8%), and Kaith (13%).

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2024-2025 Albino GomesGurpreet Singh SandhuApoula Edima Edel BeteTP ReheneshMohammad Nawaz