Noah Atubolu, SC Freiburg’s 23-year-old goalkeeper born to Nigerian parents, made Bundesliga history over the weekend by becoming the first goalkeeper in the league to save five consecutive penalties.
Atubolu’s record-breaking run began in May 2024 when he saved two penalties against Union Berlin, followed by another stop against Bayer Leverkusen in December. He denied Werder Bremen from the spot in February 2025, and on Saturday added a fifth consecutive save against the same opponent in Freiburg’s 3-0 win.
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The shot-stopper, already nicknamed the “penalty killer” in Germany, has risen quickly to become one of the league’s most reliable young goalkeepers. His consistency in high-pressure moments has boosted Freiburg’s campaign and drawn wider attention across Europe.
Internationally, Atubolu has represented Germany at youth levels but remains eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level through his heritage.
With the Super Eagles often in search of long-term stability in goal, his historic achievement has sparked renewed debate about which country he will ultimately choose to represent.
