Top 10 Players With Most Penalties Scored in Football

Scoring the most penalties in football is no easy task. The pressure of a penalty kick can unsettle even experienced players. Only the most composed can handle stepping up from 12 yards with expectations high. While some see it as simple, the mental strength required sets great players apart. This is why having a penalty specialist is vital. Here, we highlight the top 10 players with most penalties scored in football history.

List of Players With the Most Penalties Scored in Football History

Rank	Player	Goals
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	168
2	Ronald Koeman	113
3	Lionel Messi	111
4	Roberto Baggio	101
5	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	87
6	Francesco Totti	86
7	Robert Lewandowski	83
8	Alessandro Del Piero	77
9	Alan Shearer	73
10	Ronaldinho	70

10. Ronaldinho – 70 Penalties

Ronaldinho, known for his exceptional skills and flair on the field, was also reliable when it came to penalties. Though he is remembered more for his dazzling plays and tricks, the Brazilian managed to score 70 penalties throughout his career, despite missing 17. One notable miss occurred at Wembley against England. His ability to perform under pressure from a young age helped establish his reputation as a versatile player.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Captains with the Most Matches in T20I History

9. Alan Shearer – 73 Penalties

Alan Shearer was known for his powerful and straightforward penalty-taking approach. He was not one for delicate finishes but relied on sheer force to send the ball into the net, scoring 73 times from the spot. His precision and power resulted in an impressive 91% conversion rate, with only seven misses throughout his career. His final career goal came from a penalty in a 4-1 win for Newcastle against Sunderland in April 2006.

8. Alessandro Del Piero – 77 Penalties

Alessandro Del Piero, one of Italy’s greatest football legends, was trusted with penalty duties throughout his illustrious career. He scored 77 penalties, playing for teams like Juventus, the Italian national team, and even Sydney FC. Del Piero notably scored in the 2006 World Cup final, taking Italy one step closer to victory before Fabio Grosso’s decisive goal.

7. Robert Lewandowski – 83 Penalties

Robert Lewandowski is the first active player on this list, and he continues to increase his tally of most penalties scored in football. The Polish striker is known for his unique style of penalty-taking, often waiting for the goalkeeper to move before placing the ball with precision. Lewandowski’s record includes most penalties scored in football, with a remarkable 83 penalties converted and just 10 missed, giving him an impressive success rate of 89%. This record spans his time at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.

6. Francesco Totti – 86 Penalties

Francesco Totti, the legendary AS Roma icon, scored 86 penalties during his career, ranking high for most penalties scored in football. With an accuracy of 81.1%, he was consistent despite missing a fair number, ranking third in missed penalties since 2001. Most of Totti’s successful penalties came for Roma, cementing his legacy at the club.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Youngest Players in UEFA EUROs History

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 87 Penalties

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his towering presence, scored 87 successful penalties in his career, making him one of the players with the most penalties scored in football. His powerful and low shots were hard for goalkeepers to stop.

One memorable moment was when he scored a penalty against Inter Milan while being taunted by former teammate Julio Cesar. His consistent success from the spot solidified his place among the top players with the most penalties scored in football.

4. Roberto Baggio – 101 Penalties

Roberto Baggio, a Ballon d’Or winner in 1993, is well-remembered for being among the most penalties scored in football history due to his composure and technical skill. Over his career, he scored 101 penalties, making him a standout figure. Despite missing as many penalties as Totti, Baggio still ranks higher because of his impressive overall total. Penalties accounted for nearly a third of his career tally of 334 goals. His journey of scoring penalties began in 1984 and concluded in 2002, marked by a final goal for Brescia against Perugia.

3. Lionel Messi – 111 Penalties

Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has stepped up for penalty duties in countless high-pressure situations, including World Cup finals. Most penalties scored in football often come with mixed results, and despite his impressive record of 111 goals from the spot, Messi’s conversion rate is 78%, with 31 misses. This statistic serves as a reminder to fans that even legends can have moments of vulnerability.

2. Ronald Koeman – 113 Penalties

Ronald Koeman, celebrated more for his defensive skills, is surprisingly second on the list of most penalties scored in football. The former Barcelona star and current Netherlands manager showcased exceptional accuracy, netting 113 penalty goals with very few misses. His impressive consistency throughout his career highlights his remarkable ability to perform under pressure, making him one of the best in this aspect of the game.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 168 Penalties

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with an astonishing 168 penalties scored, making him the player with the most penalties scored in football, far ahead of his competitors. Though critics may label him “Penaldo,” his incredible efficiency at converting penalties cannot be denied. A recent memorable moment came during Euro 2024, where his reaction after missing a penalty highlighted just how rare such events are for him. Known for his relentless pursuit of records, Ronaldo may not realistically aim for 200 penalty goals, but as the player with the most penalties scored in football, he would undoubtedly try if given the opportunity.

READ MORE: