The 10 Best Penalty Takers in World Football at the Moment
- Penalties may appear simple, but the 12-yard distance can pose a significant mental challenge
- Ivan Toney has just missed two penalties in his entire career, while Chelsea star Cole Palmer has never missed any
- While some of the world's top players struggle with penalties, the ten best penalty-takers possess unwavering confidence in their abilities
Football is a sport consistently filled with drama, chaos, and anticipation.
The world's top teams dream of lifting the most prestigious trophies, often relying on crucial moments like penalty kicks.
Source: UGC
As players step up to take a penalty, emotions and nerves can be overwhelming.
Scoring from 12 yards may seem straightforward, but it involves much more, including psychological battles to outwit the goalkeeper.
With this in mind, Legit.ng has ranked the six best penalty takers in the world.
Best penalty takers in world football
Joao Pedro
Brighton have been a heartwarming story in the Premier League since their promotion in 2017, known for making smart and astute signings like Joao Pedro.
Despite a lengthy injury spell, the Brazilian has become a key player for the Seagulls, and his penalty-taking prowess has endeared him to fans.
Pedro has missed only one penalty out of 14 attempts, a smaller sample size than others on this list but indicative of his world-class ability from the spot.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is often described as 'robotic' due to his precise movements and instincts in the final third.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker, now a pivotal player for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, has missed only five out of 50 penalties in his career.
Haaland's preference for powerful shots rarely leads to misses, making him one of the Premier League's top players.
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has won every major football trophy, enjoying a stellar career with Bayern Munich and now at Barcelona, per Transfermarkt.
Known for his composure in high-pressure situations, Lewandowski has taken nearly 90 penalties, scoring 80 of them.
Unlike some players, the Polish striker mixes up his shots, making it difficult for goalkeepers to predict his moves.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is known for his calmness in the final third, earning him a reputation as one of the world's best midfielders.
Despite occasional controversies over his diving and constant communication with referees, Fernandes has been Manchester United's go-to penalty-taker since joining from Sporting Lisbon.
With a conversion rate of 90%, scoring 54 out of 60 penalties, his stuttered run-up often confounds goalkeepers.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has never missed a penalty in his career. The young Manchester City prodigy has taken 14 penalties, confidently scoring each one.
In the 2023/24 season, Chelsea frequently benefitted from Palmer's penalty-taking talent, with his calm, low-placed shots frustrating goalkeepers.
Palmer is undoubtedly one of the best penalty-takers in the world.
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane, the Bundesliga’s top scorer for the 2023-24 season, is England’s second player to join Bayern after a prolific career with Tottenham Hotspur.
Kane has taken 85 penalties, scoring on 74 occasions, achieving a solid 87% success rate. This impressive consistency ranks him as one of the top penalty takers in the game.
Lionel Messi
A true legend of the game, Lionel Messi is often regarded as the greatest player of all time. Alongside his scoring and playmaking prowess, Messi is a reliable penalty taker.
Out of 141 career penalties, he has converted 110, giving him an impressive success rate of nearly 75%.
For a player with his longevity and impact, these numbers underscore his consistency and skill on the spot.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list of elite penalty takers with his unmatched record
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has taken 192 penalties, converting 163, making him the player with the most penalties taken.
His 85% scoring rate underscores his reliability and consistency, cementing his place as one of the best.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney's penalty against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals was a standout moment.
Under immense pressure, Toney coolly stared down Yann Sommer before slotting the ball into the bottom corner, showcasing his penalty-taking talent.
Having missed just two penalties in his career, Toney's reliability is a significant asset for Brentford, although a transfer could be on the horizon.
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku stands out as one of Belgium’s greatest strikers. Known for his versatile and prolific career, he has played for top clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and now Roma.
With 37 goals from 43 penalty attempts, he maintains an impressive 86% conversion rate, solidifying his status as one of the most reliable penalty takers in football today.
Chelsea star in trouble after violent conduct
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nicolas Jackson could be in trouble after a video showed him slapping an opponent during the fracas that ensued at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea's disciplinary issues this season have been laid bare, with the club racking up many yellow cards in the first seven games of the season.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
