Penalties in football are the ultimate test of skill and composure. Standing 12 yards from goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat, some players have turned this high-pressure moment into an art form. Using data from PopFoot, which tracks penalty goals up to the 21st century, this article counts down the top 10 players with the most penalty goals in football in the 21st century. From the 10th spot to the number one, we’ll explore their records, their techniques, and what made them so deadly from the spot.
10. Ciro Immobile – 84 Penalty Goals
Starting the list at number 10 is Italy’s Ciro Immobile, who has scored 84 penalties out of his 317 career goals. Immobile, a prolific striker for Lazio, has a no-nonsense approach to penalties. He often strikes the ball with power, aiming for the bottom corners, leaving goalkeepers with little chance. Of his 84 penalties, 61 came during his time at the Italian league, where he has been the go-to man for spot-kicks. His ability to deliver in Serie A, one of the toughest leagues for strikers, highlights his consistency and nerve.
9. Dusan Tadic – 85 Penalty Goals
In ninth place is Serbia’s Dusan Tadic, with 85 penalties out of 246 total career goals. Tadic has been a penalty specialist, particularly during his time at Ajax, where he scored 52 of his penalties in the Dutch Eredivisie. His technique is all about precision—he often places the ball into the corners, making it nearly impossible for goalkeepers to save. Tadic’s cool-headedness has made him a reliable option for both club and country, stepping up in crucial moments with remarkable consistency.
8. Francesco Totti – 86 Penalty Goals
At number eight is Italian legend Francesco Totti, who netted 86 penalties out of 316 career goals. Totti, who spent his entire career at AS Roma, was a master of technique and creativity. His signature move from the spot was the “cucchiaio”—a delicate chip that floated over diving goalkeepers, a move that became iconic in Italy. Totti’s penalty record is a reflection of his longevity, as he was Roma’s primary penalty taker for over 20 years, delivering time and again in high-stakes matches.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 87 Penalty Goals
Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimović takes the seventh spot with 87 penalties out of 572 total goals. Zlatan, known for his larger-than-life personality, brought that same confidence to penalty kicks. He often went for power, smashing the ball with such force that goalkeepers had little chance, even if they guessed the right way. His penalty record spans his time at clubs like PSG, AC Milan, and Manchester United, where he was often the designated taker. Zlatan’s mental strength and self-belief made him a formidable presence from the spot.
6. Robert Lewandowski – 88 Penalty Goals
Tied for fifth place is Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, with 88 penalty goals out of 687 total career goals. Lewandowski’s approach to penalties is a mix of precision and power, often aiming for the corners with a clean, powerful strike. He scored 61 of his penalties during his time at Bayern Munich, where he became the Bundesliga’s most prolific penalty taker. Lewandowski has also been deadly in the UEFA Champions League, converting 16 penalties in the competition. His focus and consistency have made him a nightmare for goalkeepers.
5. Neymar – 88 Penalty Goals
Sharing the fifth spot is Brazil’s Neymar, who also has 88 penalties out of 443 career goals. Neymar’s penalty-taking is an extension of his flair and creativity on the pitch. He often uses feints and changes of pace in his run-up to confuse goalkeepers, then finishes with a precise strike. His record includes penalties scored at Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been a primary penalty taker.
He said he even taught his idol Lionel Messi how to take penalties during their time at PSG. Neymar’s ability to read goalkeepers and adapt mid-run-up has made him a dangerous penalty taker throughout his career.
4. Harry Kane – 89 Penalty Goals
England’s Harry Kane takes the fourth spot with 89 penalties out of 441 total goals. Kane, the talisman for Tottenham Hotspur and the English national team, is known for his calm and clinical approach. He uses a short run-up and focuses on placement, often striking the ball firmly into the corners. Kane has delivered in big moments, including key penalties in the Premier League and at Euro 2020 for England. His reliability from the spot has been a cornerstone of his goal-scoring record.
3. Lionel Messi – 109 Penalty Goals
At number three is Argentina’s Lionel Messi, with 109 penalty goals out of 853 career goals. Messi’s penalty style is a blend of finesse and intelligence, he often opts for a delicate chip or a precise side-foot finish, outsmarting goalkeepers with his unpredictability. During his time at Barcelona, he took 107 penalties and converted 82 of them, showcasing his consistency. Messi has also delivered in clutch moments, like his penalty in the 2022 World Cup final, proving his ability to perform under the highest pressure.
2. Hulk – 116 Penalty Goals
In second place is Brazilian forward Hulk, who has scored 116 penalties out of 435 total goals. Known for his brute strength, Hulk’s penalty technique is all about power. He often blasts the ball with such force that goalkeepers have little chance, even if they dive the right way. His record spans his time at clubs like Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Shanghai SIPG, where he was a reliable penalty taker. Hulk’s physicality and confidence have made him a fan favorite, and his penalty record cements his place among the elite.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 173 Penalty Goals
Topping the list is Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with an astonishing 173 penalty goals out of 927 total career goals. Ronaldo’s penalty record is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. His technique is unmistakable, a stutter-step run-up, a powerful strike, and pinpoint accuracy. He scored 79 penalties in 438 appearances for Real Madrid alone, often in high-stakes matches like UEFA Champions League finals and World Cup qualifiers. Ronaldo’s mental strength and relentless drive have made him the greatest penalty scorer in football history.
