Footballers with the Most Penalty Goals: The art of penalty-taking is a crucial aspect of football, and some players have mastered it like no other. With nerves of steel and unwavering confidence, these footballers have consistently converted penalties into goals, often making the difference between victory and defeat.
Among them, a select few have stood out for their exceptional penalty-taking prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
Footballers with the Most Penalty Goals
In this list, we’ll explore the footballers with the most penalty goals, showcasing their impressive skills and achievements in this high-pressure aspect of the sport.
30. Luís Figo
- Total Penalties Taken: 45
- Total Penalties Scored: 38
- Total Penalties Missed: 7
- Success Rate: 84%
Luís Figo has scored 38 penalties in his career with an impressive 84% success rate and just 7 misses. He played 127 matches for Portugal, setting a record at one time.
Figo’s awards include the 2000 Ballon d’Or and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year. Known for his controversial transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 for a then-world record fee, Figo’s career spanned both clubs, winning numerous titles including La Liga, Serie A, and UEFA Champions League.
He represented Portugal at multiple European Championships and World Cups, reaching the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
29. Kylian Mbappé
- Total Penalties Taken: 51
- Total Penalties Scored: 41
- Total Penalties Missed: 10
- Success Rate: 80%
Kylian Mbappé is known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring talent, has scored 41 penalties in his career with an 80% success rate. He’s joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, where he became their top scorer and won numerous titles including Ligue 1 and domestic cups.
Mbappé debuted for France in 2017 and played a crucial role in their 2018 World Cup victory, earning awards for his performances.
He’s won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, establishing himself among the world’s best players.
28. Robin Van Persie
- Total Penalties Taken: 46
- Total Penalties Scored: 39
- Total Penalties Missed: 7
- Success Rate: 84%
Robin van Persie is a top soccer player known for his skills as a striker. Initially played as a winger for Arsenal but later became a prolific striker, scoring many goals and even captaining the team for a season. He joined Manchester United and won the Premier League in his first year but struggled with injuries later.
After a stint in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, he returned to Feyenoord and helped them win the Dutch Cup.
Van Persie also played for the Netherlands in FIFA World Cups and European Championships, scoring 50 goals in over 100 matches. In his career, he scored 39 penalties with an impressive 84% success rate.
27. Mohamed Salah
- Total Penalties Taken: 49
- Total Penalties Scored: 39
- Total Penalties Missed: 10
- Success Rate: 80%
Mohamed Salah is celebrated as one of the best footballers of his generation. Known for his accurate finishing, dribbling skills, and speed, Salah has earned many awards, including Premier League Golden Boots and nominations for top honors Best FIFA Men’s Player and FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Beyond his football achievements, Salah is a symbol of pride in Egypt and has boosted Liverpool’s popularity in the Arab world. Known as the “Fourth Pyramid” in Egypt and the “Pride of the Arabs” across the region, Salah’s influence reaches far beyond the pitch.
He has scored 39 penalties in his career, with an impressive 80% conversion rate and just 10 misses.
26. Fabio Quagliarella
- Total Penalties Taken: 49
- Total Penalties Scored: 41
- Total Penalties Missed: 8
- Success Rate: 83%
Fabio Quagliarella 26th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is a skilled forward known for scoring and technical ability. He’s strong with long shots and headers, scoring many goals outside the penalty area.
Playing for eight Italian clubs, he won three Serie A titles with Juventus from 2011 to 2014. Quagliarella also earned awards like Serie A Goal of the Year in 2009 and was top Serie A scorer in 2018-19 with Sampdoria.
For Italy, he played in UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Quagliarella scored 41 penalties in his career, with an 83% success rate and only 8 misses.
25. Erling Haaland
- Total Penalties Taken: 45
- Total Penalties Scored: 41
- Total Penalties Missed: 4
- Success Rate: 91%
Erling Haaland, ranked 25th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is known for his size, speed, and scoring skills. He excels in holding up play, making intelligent movements, and contributing both in creating plays and scoring goals.
His successful career includes impressive spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund before joining Manchester City in 2022.
Haaland played a key role in their continental treble, setting a record with 52 goals in his debut season. He has earned many individual awards, such as the 2020 Golden Boy and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2023.
Haaland boasts an exceptional penalty record, scoring 41 penalties in his club and international career, with just 4 misses, showcasing an impressive 91% conversion rate.
24. Steven Gerrard
- Total Penalties Taken: 55
- Total Penalties Scored: 46
- Total Penalties Missed: 9
- Success Rate: 83%
Steven Gerrard, ranked 24th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is widely considered one of the greatest players.
He spent most of his career at Liverpool from 1998 to 2015, winning nine trophies including the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and three League Cups.
Gerrard also had a successful international career, earning 114 caps for England from 2000 to 2014, playing in several UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups.
Remarkably, Gerrard scored a total of 46 penalties in his club and international career, with just 9 misses, showing an impressive 83% conversion rate.
23. Kaká
- Total Penalties Taken: 56
- Total Penalties Scored: 48
- Total Penalties Missed: 8
- Success Rate: 85%
Kaká, 23rd among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He was known for his effortless style on the field. He could glide past opponents, deliver defense-splitting passes, and score consistently from a distance.
During his prime at Milan, Kaká showed speed, agility, and creativity, contributing significantly to the team’s success. He debuted for Brazil in 2002, winning the FIFA World Cup that year, and was part of Brazil’s successful FIFA Confederations Cup squads in 2005 and 2009.
Kaká scored a total of 48 penalties in his career, missing just 8 times, with an impressive 85% conversion rate.
22. Wayne Rooney
- Total Penalties Taken: 61
- Total Penalties Scored: 48
- Total Penalties Missed: 13
- Success Rate: 78%
Wayne Rooney, 22th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He was a dynamic forward known for his skill, strength, and ability in the air. He started at Everton and later moved to Manchester United, where he became their top scorer with 253 goals.
Rooney played in different attacking roles and won many titles with Manchester United, like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. He debuted for England at 17, scoring early and playing in several major tournaments.
Rooney scored 48 penalties in his career, missing just 13 times, showing an impressive 78% success rate.
21. Diego Milito
- Total Penalties Taken: 58
- Total Penalties Scored: 49
- Total Penalties Missed: 9
- Success Rate: 84%
Diego Milito 21th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He started at Racing Club in Argentina. He later played for Genoa and Real Zaragoza before gaining fame with Inter Milan during their treble-winning season in 2010.
Milito represented Argentina in Copa América and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Known as “Il Principe” (“The Prince”), he was skilled with both feet and his head, and was accurate in taking penalties. He scored 49 penalties in his career with an impressive 84% success rate.
Milito’s versatile career across different leagues earned him a reputation as a consistent and prolific center-forward. He left a lasting impact through goals and contributions to his teams’ successes, establishing himself as a formidable figure in football.
20. Eden Hazard
- Total Penalties Taken: 59
- Total Penalties Scored: 51
- Total Penalties Missed: 8
- Success Rate: 86%
Eden Hazard is ranked 20th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is famous for his amazing dribbling skills. He started his career impressively at Lille before moving to Chelsea in 2012, where he won many awards including the UEFA Europa League and Premier League titles, and was named PFA Young Player of the Year.
In 2019, Hazard joined Real Madrid but struggled with injuries, leading to his retirement in 2023. He played over 126 matches and led his teams to the quarter-finals in major tournaments.
Hazard scored 51 penalties in his career, missing just 8 times, showing an impressive 86% conversion rate. His creativity and scoring ability made him one of the best players in the world during his prime.
19. Ruud van Nistelrooy
- Total Penalties Taken: 65
- Total Penalties Scored: 52
- Total Penalties Missed: 13
- Success Rate: 80%
Ruud van Nistelrooy was a prolific goal-scorer known for his accuracy and ability to score penalties. He scored 52 penalties in his career with an impressive 80% success rate, missing only 13 times.
Starting in the Netherlands, he moved to Manchester United where he won multiple trophies including the Premier League. He later played for Real Madrid, winning La Liga twice.
He represented the Netherlands in major tournaments the World Cup and Euros, retiring in 2012 as one of football’s top strikers.
18. Diego Maradona
- Total Penalties Taken: 58
- Total Penalties Scored: 54
- Total Penalties Missed: 4
- Success Rate: 93%
Diego Maradona is ranked 18th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He was a legendary Argentine player known for his extraordinary skills and vision on the field. He played as a classic number 10, excelling as a playmaker or second striker.
With his compact build, low center of gravity, and superb dribbling ability, Maradona was among the most skilled players in the sport. Nicknamed “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”), he was a leader both on and off the field.
Maradona’s club career included successful spells at Barcelona and Napoli, where he won Serie A titles. He captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Throughout his career, Maradona scored 54 penalties with an impressive 94% conversion rate, missing only 5 times. His impact and legacy in football remain profound.
17. Sergio Aguero
- Total Penalties Taken: 73
- Total Penalties Scored: 58
- Total Penalties Missed: 15
- Success Rate: 79%
Sergio Agüero is ranked 17th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He draws inspiration from legends Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona, particularly the Brazilian Ronaldo.
Starting at Independiente and playing for Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, Agüero had a successful decade, winning multiple league titles and honors. Despite a short stint at Barcelona and retirement in 2021 due to heart issues, Agüero’s impact remains significant. He scored 58 penalties with an impressive 79% conversion rate, missing only 15 times in his career.
Agüero contributed to team successes, including Argentina’s under-20 team and their Copa América victory in 2021. His legacy as a skilled and versatile forward is celebrated in football history.
16. Frank Lampard
- Total Penalties Taken: 70
- Total Penalties Scored: 60
- Total Penalties Missed: 10
- Success Rate: 85%
Frank Lampard is ranked 16th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is recognized as one of the best midfielders of his time. Known for his versatility, Lampard excelled in various midfield roles from attack to defense.
He started at West Ham United and achieved great success at Chelsea, becoming their top scorer with 211 goals. Lampard won three Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups, and two League Cups.
Playing for England, Lampard appeared in 106 matches and won awards like PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. He scored 39 penalties with an impressive 80% success rate, showing his skill from the spot throughout his career.
15. Edinson Cavani
- Total Penalties Taken: 75
- Total Penalties Scored: 60
- Total Penalties Missed: 10
- Success Rate: 85%
Edinson Cavani, ranked 13th for most penalty goals in football history, is among the greatest strikers of his generation. Known for his speed, strength, and precise finishing, Cavani is versatile, scoring goals with both feet and head. Nicknamed “El Matador” for his lethal finishing, he’s considered one of Uruguay’s top players.
Cavani played for clubs like Danubio, Palermo, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Manchester United, and Valencia, winning multiple league titles and cups. He played a key role in Uruguay’s success in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.
Throughout his career, Cavani showed a strong work ethic and exceptional goal-scoring skills across different top European leagues. He scored 39 penalties with an impressive 80% conversion rate, solidifying his reputation as a prolific goal-scorer in football.
14. Ronaldinho
- Total Penalties Taken: 87
- Total Penalties Scored: 70
- Total Penalties Missed: 17
- Success Rate: 80%
Ronaldinho is ranked 14th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is one of the greatest players ever known for his skill and versatility. He could play on the wings or as a number 10, dazzling as a winger or attacking midfielder.
He won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d’Or, achieving success in World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d’Or. Known for his tricks, no-look passes, and spectacular goals, Ronaldinho played for clubs like Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, and Fluminense.
Ronaldinho won the Copa América, FIFA World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup, mesmerizing fans worldwide. He scored 70 penalties with an impressive 80% success rate during his career.
13. Gerd Müller
- Total Penalties Taken: 84
- Total Penalties Scored: 70
- Total Penalties Missed: 14
- Success Rate: 83%
Gerd Müller is ranked 13th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He wasn’t fast but had a low center of gravity, quick turns, and great balance. His teammate Franz Beckenbauer praised Müller’s speed in beating opponents effortlessly.
Playing for West Germany, Müller scored 68 goals in 62 games. At Bayern Munich, he played for 15 years, scoring 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches, setting a record. He also won the Golden Boot at the 1970 FIFA World Cup and the Ballon d’Or.
Müller held the World Cup goal-scoring record for 32 years and was named one of the world’s greatest players in the FIFA 100 list in 2004. He scored 70 penalties in his career with an 83% success rate, missing only 14 times.
12. Alan Shearer
- Total Penalties Taken: 77
- Total Penalties Scored: 72
- Total Penalties Missed: 5
- Success Rate: 94%
Alan Shearer is ranked 12th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He started at Southampton with a creative role. Later, he was known for holding up the ball and creating chances. Despite criticism for being physical, he showed strong leadership.
He played his entire career in England’s top league, starting in 1988 at Southampton and then moving to Blackburn Rovers, where he won the 1994–95 Premier League and two Golden Boots. His transfer to Newcastle United in 1996 set a record. Leading Newcastle to two FA Cup finals, he became their top scorer before retiring in 2006.
Shearer earned 63 caps for England, scoring 30 goals. He shone at Euro 1996, winning the Golden Boot and being named in the Team of the Tournament. Known for scoring penalties, Shearer netted 72 with a 94% success rate, missing only 5 times.
11. Harry Kane
- Total Penalties Taken: 85
- Total Penalties Scored: 74
- Total Penalties Missed: 11
- Success Rate: 87%
Harry Kane is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and strong leadership, has scored 74 penalties in his career with an impressive 87% success rate and just 11 misses. His career highlights include leading Tottenham to UEFA Champions League runners-up in 2019 and being named the Premier League’s top scorer and top assist provider in the 2020-21 season.
In 2023, Kane made headlines by becoming Bayern Munich’s most expensive signing ever at €110 million. His debut season with Bayern saw him clinch the European Golden Shoe with 36 Bundesliga goals.
Kane has scored 63 goals for England, notably winning the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s top scorer, leading England to a fourth-place finish. He also captained England to the runner-up position at UEFA Euro 2020, marking their first major final since 1966.
10. Ciro Immobile
- Total Penalties Taken: 81
- Total Penalties Scored: 75
- Total Penalties Missed: 6
- Success Rate: 93%
Ciro Immobile is ranked 10th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is a versatile striker known for his goal-scoring ability and dynamic playing style. Nicknamed “King Ciro” by Lazio fans, Immobile excels with offensive movement, finishing with both feet, and effective aerial play.
His hardworking approach includes pressing opponents and linking up with teammates, making him a valuable goal scorer and team player.
Immobile has played for clubs like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Sevilla but made a significant impact at Lazio, becoming their all-time top scorer.
With an impressive 93% success rate, Immobile has scored 75 penalties in his club and international career, cementing his reputation as a prolific and reliable goal-scorer.
9. Alessandro Del Piero
- Total Penalties Taken: 97
- Total Penalties Scored: 77
- Total Penalties Missed: 15
- Success Rate: 79%
Alessandro Del Piero is ranked 9th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He was a highly skilled and versatile forward known as a “fantasista” in Italy. Famous for his creativity, flair, and technical skills, Del Piero’s playing style focused on attacking creativity and goal-scoring rather than just poaching goals.
Del Piero played 19 seasons for Juventus, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 290 goals and winning many titles, including six Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League.
He represented Italy in several FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, winning the 2006 World Cup. Del Piero was also skilled in penalties, scoring 77 with a 79% success rate throughout his club and international career.
8. Neymar
- Total Penalties Taken: 94
- Total Penalties Scored: 77
- Total Penalties Missed: 17
- Success Rate: 81%
Ranked 8th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. Neymar is famous for his dazzling skills, creativity, and goal-scoring abilities, reminiscent of Ronaldinho.
Neymar excels with both feet, is good at heading, and is accurate with free-kicks and penalties. From his early days at Santos to forming the celebrated MSN trio at Barcelona, and later joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a record transfer, Neymar has consistently shined, earning many individual honors and helping his teams succeed.
He is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer and has won the FIFA Confederations Cup and led Brazil to their first Olympic gold in men’s football.
Neymar has scored 74 penalties with an 81% success rate in his club and international career, demonstrating his proficiency and precision from the spot.
7. Robert Lewandowski
- Total Penalties Taken: 88
- Total Penalties Scored: 79
- Total Penalties Missed: 9
- Success Rate: 89%
Robert Lewandowski is ranked 7th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is known for his precise and efficient finishing with both feet and his head. He is celebrated for his height, strength, balance, pace, smart movement, and overall proficiency in the game.
Lewandowski has scored over 600 career goals for club and country. He played for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and helping Bayern win the UEFA Champions League in 2019–20.
Lewandowski is their all-time top scorer and the third-highest men’s international goalscorer in Europe. He has won many awards, including the Best FIFA Men’s Player, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, and the European Golden Shoe. With 77 penalties scored and a 79% success rate, his goal-scoring ability extends to penalty kicks.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimović
- Total Penalties Taken: 102
- Total Penalties Scored: 85
- Total Penalties Missed: 17
- Success Rate: 83%
Zlatan Ibrahimović is ranked 6th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is known as one of the greatest strikers ever. Famous for his acrobatic skills, technical skills, and physical dominance, he has scored over 570 goals, including 500 for clubs, and won 34 trophies.
Starting at Malmö FF, Zlatan played for top European clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. He made a huge impact as a goal-scorer and leader.
For Sweden, Zlatan became the all-time leading scorer with 62 goals, playing in several World Cups and European Championships. His awards include 12 Guldbollen and a FIFA Puskás Award for an amazing 35-yard bicycle kick against England. He scored 85 penalties with an 83% success rate, also excelling in free-kicks, which added to his legendary goal-scoring career.
5. Francesco Totti
- Total Penalties Taken: 106
- Total Penalties Scored: 86
- Total Penalties Missed: 20
- Success Rate: 81%
Francesco Totti, ranked 5th among the players with most penalty goals in football history. He is known for his goal-scoring, ball control, vision, and playmaking skills. He spent his entire career at Roma, becoming a club legend and winning Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana titles.
Totti was a versatile and hardworking center-forward, known for creating opportunities and contributing to both attack and defense. His physical strength and powerful shots highlighted his adaptation to modern football.
With Italy, Totti won the 2006 World Cup and reached the UEFA Euro 2000 final. He earned many awards, including being named in the FIFA 100, winning the European Golden Shoe, and multiple Oscar del Calcio awards. Totti scored 86 penalties with an 81% success rate.
4. Roberto Baggio
- Total Penalties Taken: 119
- Total Penalties Scored: 101
- Total Penalties Missed: 18
- Success Rate: 84%
Roberto Baggio, known as the “Divine Ponytail,” made a huge impact on football with his elegance, playmaking, and penalty-taking skills. He scored 101 out of 119 penalties, an 84.87% success rate.
Playing mainly as a second striker, Baggio was praised for his vision, creativity, and goal-scoring. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or in 1993.
Baggio played 56 games for Italy, scoring 27 goals. He helped Italy reach the 1994 World Cup final and won the World Cup Silver Ball. Despite his success, he famously missed a crucial penalty in the final shootout against Brazil.
Baggio was the first footballer inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
3. Lionel Messi
- Total Penalties Taken: 141
- Total Penalties Scored: 110
- Total Penalties Missed: 31
- Success Rate: 78%
Lionel Messi, nicknamed the “Atomic Flea” for his agility and low center of gravity, excels both in open play and from the penalty spot.
Despite being shorter, Messi’s strength, balance, and quick feet make him one of the greatest players ever. He has won many awards, including a record eight Ballon d’Ors and six European Golden Shoes. Most of his career was at Barcelona, where he helped win ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions Leagues.
With Argentina, Messi won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, earning his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023.
Messi has scored 110 penalties, adding to his impressive goal record and proving his skill in crucial moments.
2. Ronald Koeman
- Total Penalties Taken: 120
- Total Penalties Scored: 113
- Total Penalties Missed: 7
- Success Rate: 94%
Ronald Koeman has scored an impressive 113 penalties in his career with a 94% success rate and just 7 misses. Starting his career at Groningen, he moved to Ajax and then to PSV, winning multiple Eredivisie titles and the European Cup with PSV in 1988.
At Barcelona under Johan Cruyff’s management, Koeman was part of the “Dream Team” that won four consecutive La Liga titles and the European Cup in 1992, where he scored the winning goal in the final.
He starred for the Netherlands, winning UEFA Euro 1988 and participating in multiple World Cups and European Championships. Currently, he’s back as the manager of the Netherlands national team.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Total Penalties Taken: 192
- Total Penalties Scored: 163
- Total Penalties Missed: 29
- Success Rate: 84%
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the most penalty goals in football history. He has an 84% success rate, scoring 163 out of 192 penalties.
Ronaldo is one of the best footballers ever. He can play in many positions and is strong with both feet. He’s won many trophies, including five Ballon d’Or awards, league titles, and major wins with Portugal.
He’s Portugal’s most-capped player, with over 200 games, and their top scorer. He led Portugal to win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. Off the field, he’s a global superstar and the highest-paid athlete, earning over $1 billion. His great penalty scoring adds to his legacy as one of the best ever.