Top 15 Penalty Takers in World Football Currently [Ranked]

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Bruno Fernandes are currently among the top penalty kick takers in world football.

By: Anna Ciao

07/10/2024 07:52

Taking a penalty might seem like one of the simplest tasks in football: a free shot at goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, it's a skill that requires incredible consistency to execute successfully.

The immense pressure and scrutiny on the player taking the penalty can often be overwhelming, even for some of the greatest goalscorers in the sport. As a result, not everyone thrives under the spotlight that accompanies such moments.

Here's a compilation of the top 15 penalty takers in world football currently. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane are among the standout names renowned for their exceptional records from the penalty spot. The rankings consider various factors that contribute to their success in this critical aspect of the game.

Ranking Factors

Penalty Record (Career)
Recent Record From the Spot
Technique
Composure Under Pressure
Importance of Penalties Scored

15 Best Penalty Takers in World Football Right Now [Ranked]
Rank	Player	Penalties Scored	Penalties Missed
1	Cole Palmer	14	0
2	Ivan Toney	30	2
3	Bruno Fernandes	54	6
4	Robert Lewandowski	80	9
5	Cristiano Ronaldo	163	30
6	Erling Haaland	45	5
7	Jorginho	42	8
8	Harry Kane	74	11
9	Lionel Messi	110	31
10	Romelu Lukaku	37	6
11	Kylian Mbappe	42	10
12	Sergio Ramos	32	5
13	Joao Pedro	13	1
14	Alexis Mac Allister	12	1
15	Bukayo Saka	12	2

15th - 11th

Kylian Mbappe misses out on the top 10

Alexis Mac Allister and Joao Pedro may surprise some by appearing among world-class stars on this list. Despite being Premier League players, both have been nearly flawless from the penalty spot, each having missed only once in their careers. Currently, Mac Allister edges ahead of Joao Pedro with one additional successful conversion.

Bukayo Saka has notably improved his penalty record since his miss in the Euro 2020 shootout defeat. However, a crucial miss against West Ham during Arsenal's 2022/23 title challenge setback means he settles for the 15th position in these rankings.

Sergio Ramos stands out as the lone defender on this list, having scored over 30 penalties. His commanding presence and clutch performances explain why the former Real Madrid stalwart boasts such an impressive record despite his defensive responsibilities.

In a surprising turn, Kylian Mbappe, the superstar of France and Paris Saint-Germain, does not make the top 10. Although he famously scored two penalties in a heroic effort during the 2022 World Cup final, the 25-year-old has also faced challenges in this aspect. Nonetheless, converting 42 out of 52 career penalties underscores his confidence and status as a 2024 Ballon d'Or contender.

10th - 6th

Lionel Messi hasn't got the best record from 12 yards

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, narrowly secures a spot in the top 10 penalty takers currently. Despite a notable panenka miss in a crucial moment during Argentina's Copa America campaign, the 37-year-old has an impressive record of 110 goals from 141 spot kicks. His extensive experience at the highest level may skew the statistics slightly against him.

Romelu Lukaku follows closely behind Messi in this ranking, displaying little nerves from the penalty spot. During his loan spell at Roma in the 2023/24 season, the Belgian forward had two penalty opportunities, converting one and missing the other.

Jorginho is known for his effective stuttered run-up technique in penalty taking. Although he hasn't taken many penalties recently due to Bukayo Saka being Arsenal's designated taker, Jorginho's deceptive approach often catches goalkeepers off guard.

Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, both known for their clinical finishing, occupy the 6th and 8th positions respectively. While Kane has faced more high-pressure situations, he has also missed more penalties compared to Haaland. Both players typically opt for powerful shots, with Haaland boasting a higher conversion rate.

5th - 1st

Cole Palmer is yet to miss from the spot

Cristiano Ronaldo, renowned as the top goalscorer in football history, naturally features prominently in any discussion about the best penalty takers. The Portuguese superstar has taken a significant number of penalties and boasts an impressive record of converting 163 out of nearly 200 attempts.

Robert Lewandowski and Bruno Fernandes also instill fear in goalkeepers and fans alike when they step up for a penalty. Between them, they have missed just 15 penalties out of a combined total of 134, showcasing their expertise in these high-pressure moments.

In England, Ivan Toney and Cole Palmer vie for top honors, with Palmer narrowly edging ahead due to his flawless record in senior penalty kicks. Known for his "Ice Cold" celebration, the 22-year-old Chelsea player displays remarkable composure in every situation. Toney, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record of 30 penalties scored with only two misses, demonstrating his unique approach and unwavering precision when facing the goalkeeper.

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Written by: Anna Ciao

Anna Ciao is a sports content contributor at Betimate. Born and raised in a rural village in China, I have had a passion for football and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, from a young age. Along with diligent studies, I achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 in the English language, and I have become a content contributor specializing in sports, particularly football, as I am today. I hope that my articles are helpful to readers.