Top 15 Penalty Takers In Football History Till 2023
Arguably, one of the most anxiety-inducing moments in the world of soccer is the penalty kick – a psychological battle waged between two individuals, one ball, and stakes that couldn't be higher. In football's storied history, penalties, and missed penalties have etched memories filled with drama and controversy. At the professional level, a penalty is expected to be a guaranteed score; anything less is deemed a failure. Thus, this task is best suited for players with nerves of steel.
For goalkeepers, saving a penalty serves as a chance to stand out, shift the momentum of a game, and sometimes even redeem a teammate who conceded the foul. This article compiles a list of some of the greatest penalty takers in the history of football. While numerical penalty success rates form part of the ranking criteria, other factors such as style and the high-pressure situations in which these penalties were taken are also considered.
1. Matt Le Tissier
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Matt Le Tissier is revered among soccer aficionados as the greatest penalty specialist in football history. What sets him apart is his astonishing penalty conversion rate. During his 16-year tenure with Southampton in the English Premier League, Le Tissier missed just one of his 49 penalty attempts, boasting an impressive success rate of approximately 98%. Given such composure, it's no wonder Southampton fans affectionately nicknamed him "Le God."
2. Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer, the all-time leading goalscorer in the English Premier League, owed much of his success to his penalty-taking prowess. He notched a record-breaking 260 goals in 434 appearances, with his spot-kick ability playing a crucial role. Shearer's penalties were characterized by sheer power, often seeming as if he aimed to tear the leather off the ball.
3. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane left an indelible mark on the 2006 World Cup final with two unforgettable actions: his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi and his audacious penalty, which gave France an early lead. Zidane's hesitation and cheeky chipped shot on the grandest stage were nothing short of remarkable.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's prowess from the penalty spot is evident in numerous clutch moments for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Portugal. Ronaldo approaches penalty-taking with confidence, showcasing patience and poise, underlining the significance he attaches to these opportunities.
5. Johan Cruyff
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Johan Cruyff is celebrated for his revolutionary football ideas, which have left an enduring impact on the sport. He devised the innovative penalty maneuver showcased above, demonstrating not only his football intelligence but also impeccable timing.
6. Gerd Muller
Gerd Muller's place in German football history is secure. Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, he consistently converted penalties, often opting for the straightforward down-the-middle approach, a testament to his open play success.
7. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho's memorable tricks on the field were a reflection of his carefree playing style and exuberant personality. He showcased excellent finishing from the spot, often deceiving goalkeepers with subtle shifts in body weight before striking with precision.
8. Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister's penalty miss in the 1996 European Cup tournament against England might be a blemish on his record, but it doesn't diminish his overall penalty-taking prowess. McAllister was a determined player who often stepped up to take penalties and free kicks, displaying composure and effectiveness.
9. Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona, a beloved figure among Manchester United fans, brought both physicality and flair to the pitch. While occasionally enthusiastic from the spot, Cantona mostly buried his penalties with vigor.
10. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, the Italian maestro, possessed extraordinary vision and was renowned for his exquisite passing. He translated his ball mastery to penalty-taking, as demonstrated in his audacious chip against England in the 2012 European Cup.
11. Michael Ballack
German international Michael Ballack combined athleticism and technique to create an impressive soccer skill set. Ballack often utilized power and precision with his laces to guide the ball into the net from the penalty spot.
12. Michel Platini
Michel Platini, celebrated for his exquisite passing and dead-ball expertise, played a pivotal role in France's 1984 European Championship victory. He efficiently converted penalties by using his advanced technique to pick his spot calmly.
13. Steven Gerrard
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was known for his powerful long-range strikes but also demonstrated prowess from the penalty spot. He often relied on the same part of his right foot that made him lethal from 12 yards away.
14. Alessandro Del Piero
Legendary striker Alessandro Del Piero has consistently delivered for both club and country. His belief in his abilities, combined with his ball control, made him a formidable penalty taker.
15. Jose Luis Chilavert
Jose Luis Chilavert, the sole goalkeeper on this list, was a fearless and proficient penalty specialist. His willingness to take penalties, given his experience as a goalkeeper, likely provided a mental edge when facing the opposing goalkeeper's perspective.
In conclusion, these football legends have showcased exceptional penalty-taking skills throughout their careers, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game's history. While no list can be considered definitive, these players have undeniably contributed unforgettable moments to the world of football. Feel free to share your thoughts on who you believe should be on this list or deserves a higher position.