Ranking the Top 7 Penalty Takers in Football History

Penalty kicks are captivating to watch on screen, yet for the player tasked with taking the shot, it's an entirely different story – a moment that demands heroism.

The player grapples with a tumultuous blend of pressure from their own thoughts and the global fan base, all counting on them to deliver.

Throughout the years, football has earned its place in history as a beloved "people's sport," cherished and viewed by millions around the globe.

The intrigue and intensity escalate, particularly when it's the pivotal moment that determines victory for clubs in head-to-head matches.

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Penalty kicks stand out as one of the most heart-pounding elements in any football match, and Sports Brief has assembled a list of the top 7 penalty-takers in the history of the sport.

7. Jorge Luiz Frello (Jorginho)

Jorginho, a dual Brazilian and Italian national, is renowned for his precision and dependability when it comes to taking penalty shots.

As an Arsenal midfielder who seldom falters, he exhibits shrewd tactics that deceive the goalkeeper, compelling them to move in the wrong direction and thereby clearing the path for him to slot the ball into the net.

While he has had his share of penalty misses, such as in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, he undeniably ranks among the elite in the history of penalty-takers in the game.

6. Frank Lampard

Lampard, a seasoned figure in crucial penalty moments for both his club and country, consistently embraced the responsibilities that accompany being the designated penalty taker.

Notably, he confidently converted his attempt in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United, per UEFA.

Moreover, in a poignant display of resilience, he successfully dispatched a penalty in the semi-final versus Liverpool, only days after the loss of his mother. With an unwavering preference for his right foot, Lampard's penalty-taking prowess exemplifies pure class.

5. Alessandro Del Piero

Del Piero, the former Juventus forward and free-kick maestro, is renowned for his composed and precise strikes, exemplified by his historic goal in the 2006 World Cup Final against France.

His ability to make scoring appear effortless is a testament to his unruffled demeanour when slotting the ball into the back of the net.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is the pinnacle when it comes to saving the most remarkable for the final moments!

There's no doubt that he stands at the summit as the world's premier penalty-taker. This record-breaking maestro is celebrated for his exceptional skill and unfaltering ability to conclude the task at hand.

He exudes unwavering confidence on the football pitch. With a demeanour that exudes poise and patience, he meticulously demonstrates how seriously he regards these opportunities, as evident from his focused body language.

3. Michel Platini

One of the best footballers ever to play for France, Platini helped his country win the 1984 European Championship. He was named as the tournament's best player and was the leading goalscorer.

Platini could get the job done from the penalty spot. By employing his advanced technique, Platini was efficient at picking his spot and calmly finding the back of the net.

2. Marco Van Basten

The legendary figure from the Netherlands, AC Milan, and Ajax, Van Basten claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or award thrice, in 1988, 1989, and 1992.

Alongside his prolific goal-scoring abilities, he earned the title of FIFA World Player of the Year. He will forever be etched in the annals of football history for leading the Netherlands to victory at Euro 1988, securing their sole international trophy.

Van Basten boasts an impressive record of 53 successful penalty conversions out of 57, yielding a remarkable 94% conversion rate during his illustrious football career.

Unfortunately, his path to continued success was marred by knee injuries, which ultimately compelled him to retire at the young age of 28.

1. Matthew Le Tissier

Matt Le Tissier is celebrated by soccer historians as the ultimate maestro of penalties in the history of world football.

This accolade stems from his astonishing penalty conversion rate. Over his 16-year tenure with the English Premier League club Southampton, Le Tissier missed only a solitary penalty out of 49 attempts, boasting an astounding success rate of nearly 98 percent, per Give Me Sport.

His unflappable demeanour earned him the affectionate nickname "Le God" from his devoted Southampton fans.