Scoring from the penalty spot may seem easy, but history has shown that even the greatest players can succumb to pressure. However, some players have mastered the art of penalties, turning spot-kicks into a reliable source of goals. Here’s a look at the Top 10 penalty scorers in 21st Century and how they’ve built their legacy from 12 yards.
Top 10 penalty scorers in 21st century
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 173 Penalties
Football’s all-time leading goal scorer is also the undisputed king of penalties. Ronaldo’s technique—combining power, precision, and composure—has made him one of the most feared penalty-takers. From Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nasr and Portugal, he has consistently converted from the spot, often in high-pressure moments.
- Hulk – 116 Penalties
A surprising entry at No. 2, Hulk’s powerful left foot has been a deadly weapon in leagues across Brazil, Portugal, Russia, and China. His ability to smash the ball with incredible force makes him one of the hardest penalty takers to read.
- Lionel Messi – 109 Penalties
Messi’s penalty-taking ability has often been debated, but his numbers don’t lie. While he has missed a few crucial ones, his overall record remains impressive. His signature approach—waiting for the goalkeeper’s movement before calmly slotting the ball—has made him Argentina’s and Barcelona’s go-to man from the spot.
- Harry Kane – 89 Penalties
England’s all-time top scorer is one of the most clinical penalty takers in modern football. Kane’s accuracy and ability to place the ball into the corners make his penalties almost unstoppable. His composed finish against France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals was a rare miss in an otherwise flawless penalty record.
- Neymar – 88 Penalties
The Brazilian superstar is known for his flair and unpredictability, but when it comes to penalties, he is as efficient as they come. Neymar’s signature slow run-up and ability to deceive goalkeepers have helped him score crucial spot-kicks for Santos, Barcelona, PSG, and Brazil.
- Robert Lewandowski – 88 Penalties
One of the most technically gifted strikers of his generation, Lewandowski’s penalty-taking ability is exceptional. His stutter-step approach forces goalkeepers to commit early, allowing him to slot the ball into the open side. He rarely misses from the spot.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – 87 Penalties
A player who thrives on confidence, Zlatan has converted penalties across multiple leagues, including Serie A, La Liga, the Premier League and the MLS. His powerful strikes and cheeky Panenka finishes make him an unpredictable penalty taker.
- Francesco Totti – 86 Penalties
A true legend of AS Roma and Italian football, Totti was the definition of a clutch penalty taker. His calmness and precision made him a trusted figure from the spot throughout his career. His iconic Panenka against the Netherlands in Euro 2000 remains one of the most famous penalties in history.
- Dušan Tadić – 85 Penalties
A lesser-known name in this list, Tadić has quietly built an incredible penalty record. His reliability for Ajax and Serbia shows his ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations.
- Ciro Immobile – 84 Penalties
Lazio’s all-time top scorer has been a consistent penalty specialist in Serie A. His sharp finishing ability extends to spot-kicks, making him a dependable scorer for club and country.
These ten players have turned penalties into an art, mastering technique, composure, and mind games against goalkeepers. While some rely on power (Hulk, Zlatan), others use precision (Messi, Lewandowski), and a few mix in deception (Neymar, Totti). However, one thing remains constant—when these players step up to the spot, fans expect the net to ripple.
