Taking a penalty is as much about psychology as it is technique. Across the modern era, a handful of players have consistently risen to the challenge, scoring when it matters most. Here are the 15 best penalty takers of the 21st century, judged not just by conversion rates, but also pressure moments, technique, and longevity.
15. Edinson Cavani
Across Napoli, PSG, and Uruguay, Cavani has remained a consistent and efficient penalty taker. His strike rate sits just under 79%, and he rarely lets emotion cloud his execution. 62 penalties scored and 16 missed.
14. Ciro Immobile
A goal machine in Serie A, Immobile has quietly built one of the best penalty records in Europe, with 86 converted at a rate close to 81%.
13. Cole Palmer
A rising midfield star with ice in his veins, Cole Palmer has shown incredible calm under pressure from the spot. He has converted 18 penalties and missed just 1 so far in his senior career, boasting a 94% success rate, a level of composure that places him among the most clinical young penalty takers in today’s game.
12. Andriy Shevchenko
In his Milan prime, Shevchenko was the man for the moment. His penalty technique was flawless, and he buried 44 across his career. Calm and clinical, he never overthought things.
11. Jorginho
Jorginho brought a unique rhythm to modern penalties. His slow-hop technique confused goalkeepers across Europe. At his peak, he was near-untouchable, with a stretch of 43 penalties scored in his career.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan took penalties like he played the game; full of personality and control. With 87 penalties scored, his ability to mix up power and finesse made him a constant threat from 12 yards.
9. Steven Gerrard
Gerrard didn’t overcomplicate things. Just power, placement, and confidence. He was Liverpool’s go-to man from the spot for over a decade, converting 46 penalties, many of them in high-stakes moments.
8. Frank Lampard
Lampard made penalties look like business. 61 converted in his Chelsea career, with almost robotic consistency. In title races and cup ties, he was always the first to step up.
7. Francesco Totti
Few took penalties with more style than Totti. Whether smashing it or going for a Panenka, he oozed confidence. 86 penalties scored for Roma, and countless clutch moments in Serie A.
6. Neymar Jr
Often under the radar when it comes to penalties, Neymar’s record is elite. His blend of flair, hesitation, and precision results in keepers diving early — and the ball calmly rolled the other way. 88 goals from the spot speaks for itself.
5. Harry Kane
Despite one huge miss for England, Kane remains one of the most clinical penalty takers in world football. His accuracy and power, along with 89 successful conversions, make him a standout in this generation.
4. Bruno Fernandes
Since joining Manchester United, Bruno has emerged as one of the most accurate penalty takers in Europe. His hop-step has become a trademark, and with a conversion rate over 91%, he’s among the most reliable in the game today. 61 scored, 6 missed. Wow.
3. Lionel Messi
Messi’s penalty journey has been mixed, early inconsistencies gave way to a decade of maturity and precision. With 143 penalties taken and 112 scored, including in a World Cup final and multiple UCL knockout stages, Messi has delivered when it matters most. His style is simple: pick a corner, place it. No gimmicks, just precision under pressure.
2. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s approach is all about patience. He waits for the keeper to commit, then places it with ruthless accuracy. 88 career penalties scored, with a success rate around 90%, elite numbers, delivered with elite calm.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
No one has scored more penalties in football history. Ronaldo’s tally of 174 is mind-blowing, and his record in finals, qualifiers, and crunch-time moments is legendary. While his conversion rate (84%) isn’t the highest, his mental toughness is unmatched.
Honourable Mentions:
• Sergio Ramos
• Balotelli
• Tévez
• Yaya Toure
• Marco Reus
• Cole Palmer
• Gonzalo Montiel
• Wayne Rooney
• Luis Suarez
