Goalkeeper once targeted by former Super Eagles coach Peseiro sets Bundesliga record

Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu etched his name into Bundesliga history on Matchday 4 by saving his fifth consecutive penalty in the league, helping his side secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen. 

Atubolu, 23, denied Romano Schmid's 59th-minute spot-kick, maintaining Freiburg’s two-goal lead and ensuring a clean sheet. 

The feat establishes a new Bundesliga record for consecutive penalties saved, emphasizing the young shot-stopper’s growing prominence in German football.

Atubolu’s remarkable penalty-stopping streak spans several high-profile opponents, including André Silva of Bremen in February, Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen in December 2024, and Kevin Volland and Josip Juranović of Union Berlin in May 2024. 

His composure in high-pressure situations complements a stellar 2024-25 campaign, during which he set a club record by going 576 minutes without conceding a goal.

The goalkeeper has represented Germany at multiple youth levels, including U17, U19, U20, and U21, and became provisionally cap-tied to Germany in May 2019 when he started against Austria at the U17 European Championship.

Born to a German mother and Nigerian father, Atubolu is eligible to play for Nigeria and has been linked with the Super Eagles. 

His potential has drawn interest from the Nigeria Football Federation, although former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro had previously suggested it would be difficult to persuade him to switch allegiances, given his prospects with Germany.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: scfreiburg.com

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