The 15 Highest Pressure Penalties in Football History – Ranked

July 6, 2025 Oliver Obel

Football thrives on drama, and no moments are more nerve-wracking than penalties taken with everything at stake. From World Cup finals to Champions League glory, these are the 15 most pressure-packed penalties ever taken — some converted with icy precision, others missed in heartbreaking fashion.

15. Andriy Shevchenko – 2005 Champions League Final vs Liverpool – Miss

Milan had clawed back from a devastating collapse, and Shevchenko had the chance to keep their dreams alive. But his tame effort was saved by Jerzy Dudek, sealing one of football's greatest comebacks.

14. Roberto Baggio – 1994 World Cup Semi-final vs Bulgaria – Make

Before his infamous miss in the final, Baggio had already showcased his brilliance. His calm finish in the semi was crucial in propelling Italy to the biggest stage.

13. Jorginho – Euro 2020 Semi-final vs Spain – Make

The Italian midfielder executed his signature hop-step penalty with total calm under shootout pressure. It sent Italy to the final and reinforced his reputation as a penalty specialist.

12. Bukayo Saka – Euro 2024 Semi-final vs Netherlands – Make

After the heartbreak of his miss in 2021, Saka returned with bravery and composure. His successful penalty was a moment of redemption and national pride.

11. Lionel Messi – 2022 World Cup Final vs France – Make

Messi opened the scoring in the shootout after already converting during the game. The weight of a nation on his back, he showed composure and delivered on the biggest day of his career.

10. David Beckham – Euro 2004 Quarter-final vs Portugal – Miss

Beckham, one of England’s icons, skied his penalty high into the stands. It was another chapter in England’s long history of shootout disappointments.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2016 Champions League Final vs Atlético Madrid – Make

The pressure of sealing the shootout rested on Ronaldo’s shoulders, and he delivered emphatically. His strike secured Real Madrid’s 11th European crown and sparked wild celebrations.

8. Fabio Grosso – 2006 World Cup Final vs France – Make

After a stunning semi-final goal, Grosso completed Italy’s World Cup journey with the winning penalty. His composed finish delivered the nation’s fourth world title.

7. Lionel Messi – 2016 Copa América Final vs Chile – Miss

Messi’s miss in the final devastated Argentina and prompted his brief retirement from the national team. It was a painful setback in his long search for international success.

6. Zinedine Zidane – 2006 World Cup Final vs Italy – Make

In a moment of supreme confidence, Zidane chipped a panenka off the crossbar and in. Doing so in a World Cup Final made it one of the boldest penalties ever attempted.

5. Kylian Mbappé – Euro 2020 Round of 16 vs Switzerland – Miss

France’s entire tournament fate rested on Mbappé, but his shot was saved. It completed a shocking upset and marked a rare failure on a massive stage for the young star.

4. Kylian Mbappé – 2022 World Cup Final vs Argentina – Make

Mbappé scored three penalties in the same final — two during regular and extra time, one in the shootout. His performance under unimaginable pressure was nothing short of phenomenal.

3. John Terry – 2008 Champions League Final vs Manchester United – Miss

Terry had the chance to win Chelsea’s first European title, but he slipped and hit the post. His emotional collapse afterward captured the agony of a career-defining miss.

2. Didier Drogba – 2012 Champions League Final vs Bayern Munich – Make

Drogba had equalized late with a powerful header and then stepped up for the decisive kick. He slotted it home coolly to give Chelsea their first Champions League trophy.

1. Roberto Baggio – 1994 World Cup Final vs Brazil – Miss

One of the most iconic moments in football history, Baggio’s miss ended Italy’s hopes. Despite being his nation’s hero all tournament, that one shot over the bar became his legacy's heaviest burden.