The 20 Greatest Penalty Takers in Football History – Ranked

May 28, 2025 Oliver Obel

In the high-pressure moment of a penalty kick, only the calmest and most clinical players thrive. Through artificial intelligence analysis, this list highlights the 20 greatest penalty takers of all time—football legends who consistently delivered from 12 yards.

20. Jose Altafini

Jose Altafini might not be a household name today, but his record from the spot speaks volumes. Scoring 14 out of 18 penalties, he holds a modest 77.8% conversion rate, enough to earn a place on this elite list.

19. Harry Kane

The current England captain boasts 89 goals from the spot out of 100 attempts. Kane’s calmness and power under pressure have made him one of the best modern penalty takers.

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18. Ladislav Kubala

László Kubala — By Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Fotopersbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 – negatiefstroken zwart/wit, nummer toegang 2.24.01.05, bestanddeelnummer 906-0012 – Nationaal Archief Fotocollectie Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25395964

Barcelona legend Ladislav Kubala scored 45 of his 46 penalties, missing only once. His near-perfect record cements his legacy as one of the most dependable takers in football history.

17. Alessandro Del Piero

With 77 penalties scored from 92 attempts, Del Piero showcased a blend of finesse and confidence. The Juventus icon often took spot-kicks with a touch of elegance that matched his style of play.

16. Frank Lampard

Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer found the net 61 times from the spot out of 72 attempts. His technique and consistency made him a reliable choice from 12 yards for both club and country.

15. Ray Stewart

Ray Stewart missed just one of the 50 penalties he took, converting 49. His accuracy and nerves of steel earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most underrated spot-kick specialists.

14. Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer with his wife — Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

The Premier League’s all-time top scorer also knew how to handle pressure from the spot, scoring 73 of his 80 penalties. Shearer’s power and conviction made his penalties tough to stop.

13. Mario Kempes

The Argentine forward converted 47 of 53 penalties during his career. Kempes combined flair and focus, ensuring he delivered in crucial moments.

12. Zlatan Ibrahimović

With 87 goals from 104 penalty attempts, Ibrahimović proved his value across multiple leagues. His confidence and bold style often unsettled goalkeepers before he even struck the ball.

11. Pelé

Though no detailed records are available, Pelé is widely acknowledged as a clinical penalty taker. His legendary status and finishing ability earn him a deserved place just outside the top ten.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has scored 174 of his 207 penalties, a remarkable tally by any standard. While critics point to a few high-profile misses, his longevity and consistency from the spot are unrivaled.

9. Lothar Matthäus

A defensive midfielder by trade, Matthäus scored 67 out of 76 penalties. His accuracy and composure were key to his success, making him a reliable option in big matches.

8. Francesco Totti

The Roma legend took 106 penalties and scored 86, becoming known for his trademark Panenkas. Though not the most efficient on the list, his daring and technique made him unforgettable.

7. Diego Maradona

Maradona converted 54 of 58 penalties, thriving under the most intense pressure. His talent and poise shone through even in chaotic, high-stakes moments.

6. Ronald Koeman

Photo: Piotr Piatrouski / Shutterstock.com

Koeman, a defender by position, managed to score 114 of 122 penalties. His blend of power and precision made him a rare and deadly asset from the spot.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane scored 11 of 15 penalties, with his most iconic being the 2006 World Cup Final Panenka. Though his conversion rate isn’t elite, the significance of his goals secures his place.

4. Michel Platini

Platini missed just two of his 46 penalties, scoring 44 with exceptional grace. His accuracy and leadership made him a go-to player for France and Juventus in crucial moments.

3. Robert Lewandowski

With 88 penalties scored from 98 attempts, Lewandowski’s 89.8% success rate is elite. His consistency and calm approach define him as one of the best modern takers.

2. Josef Bican

Though exact numbers are debated, Bican is credited with a near-perfect penalty record. Playing from the 1930s to 1950s, his finishing prowess remains legendary.

1. Matt Le Tissier

Le Tissier scored 43 of his 44 career penalties, boasting a 97.7% success rate. Universally regarded as the most reliable penalty taker in history, he was nearly impossible to beat from the spot.