The Top Penalty Scorers Since 2000: “Penaldo” Leads the Way
Scoring a penalty might seem simple, but in reality, it requires a unique combination of skill, composure, and mental strength. The pressure of the moment, the goalkeeper’s unpredictability, and the expectations of fans all contribute to making penalty-taking an art that only a few have truly mastered.
Over the years, some of football’s greatest players have proven themselves to be specialists from the spot, consistently converting crucial penalties for their clubs and national teams. In this article, we take a closer look at the top penalty scorers in Europe’s top five leagues since 2000, ranking them from lowest to highest based on the number of penalties scored.
27. Kaká – 29 Penalties
The Brazilian maestro Kaká was known for his elegance and ability to glide past defenders, but he was also a composed penalty taker. While he may not have taken as many spot-kicks as others on this list, he still managed to score 29 times from 12 yards during his illustrious career with AC Milan and Real Madrid.
26. Wayne Rooney – 31 Penalties
Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney, was a dependable penalty taker during his time at Old Trafford. The Englishman’s powerful strikes and ability to handle high-pressure situations made him a trusted option from the spot, contributing to his incredible goal tally.
25. Dani Parejo – 31 Penalties
A midfield general, Dani Parejo has been a consistent and reliable penalty taker throughout his career, particularly with Valencia and Villarreal. His calmness under pressure and technical ability have made him one of La Liga’s most trusted penalty specialists.
24. Sejad Salihovic – 31 Penalties
Sejad Salihovic may not be the most famous name on this list, but his efficiency from the spot was remarkable. Playing mainly in the Bundesliga, the Bosnian midfielder was known for his deadly left foot and ability to convert penalties with ease.
23. Mark Noble – 31 Penalties
A West Ham United legend, Mark Noble was the club’s designated penalty taker for over a decade. His impeccable accuracy and consistency made him one of the most reliable penalty takers in Premier League history.
22. Giuseppe Rossi – 32 Penalties
The Italian forward Giuseppe Rossi was a clinical finisher with a knack for scoring from the penalty spot. Injuries hampered his career, but when fit, he was a lethal striker, particularly during his time with Villarreal in La Liga.
21. Mario Balotelli – 32 Penalties
Mario Balotelli’s penalty-taking record is legendary, with an almost unrivaled conversion rate. His famous “no-look” run-up and effortless finishing made him one of the most feared penalty takers, whether playing in Serie A or the Premier League.
20. Luís Figo – 33 Penalties
A true legend of the game, Luís Figo was not just a great dribbler and playmaker but also an excellent penalty taker. His ability to remain composed in crucial moments saw him convert 33 penalties during his career at clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.
19. Diego Milito – 33 Penalties
Diego Milito was a striker who thrived under pressure, and his penalty record reflects that. Best known for leading Inter Milan to a historic treble in 2010, he was a reliable scorer from the spot throughout his career.
18. Fabio Quagliarella – 34 Penalties
An evergreen striker in Serie A, Fabio Quagliarella has been a prolific goalscorer for multiple clubs. His technical ability and coolness in penalty situations helped him secure 34 successful penalty conversions.
17. Ciro Immobile – 35 Penalties
Ciro Immobile has been a goal machine in Serie A for years, with a significant portion of his goals coming from the penalty spot. His precise finishing and ability to read goalkeepers have made him Lazio’s designated penalty taker.
16. Aritz Aduriz – 35 Penalties
Aritz Aduriz was a late bloomer in football, but he became a legendary striker for Athletic Bilbao. His penalty-taking was just as reliable as his open-play finishing, securing him a spot among the best in Europe.
15. Eden Hazard – 36 Penalties
Eden Hazard’s dribbling and agility were world-class, but his penalty-taking ability was equally impressive. His composure and deceptive finishing technique made him a trusted taker at Chelsea and Real Madrid.
14. David Villa – 37 Penalties
Spain’s all-time top scorer, David Villa, was a lethal finisher both in open play and from the penalty spot. His accuracy and confidence helped him rack up 37 successful penalties throughout his career.
13. Ruud van Nistelrooy – 39 Penalties
Ruud van Nistelrooy was one of the most clinical strikers of his generation, and his penalty-taking ability was a key part of his goal-scoring prowess. Whether at PSV, Manchester United, or Real Madrid, he rarely missed from the spot.
12. Robert Lewandowski – 39 Penalties
One of the greatest strikers of his era, Robert Lewandowski has been Bayern Munich’s go-to penalty taker for years. His technique, power, and precision have made him one of the most reliable scorers from 12 yards.
11. Antonio Di Natale – 41 Penalties
Antonio Di Natale was an underrated striker who consistently delivered for Udinese in Serie A. His ice-cold mentality from the penalty spot helped him amass an impressive 41 penalties.
10. Sergio Agüero – 41 Penalties
Manchester City’s all-time top scorer, Sergio Agüero, was a master at finding the net, including from the penalty spot. His quick footwork and ability to send goalkeepers the wrong way made him one of the best penalty takers of his time.
9. Ronaldinho – 44 Penalties
Ronaldinho’s flair and creativity extended to his penalty-taking, where he often used tricks and feints to outwit goalkeepers. His relaxed but effective approach saw him score 44 penalties during his storied career.
8. Alessandro Del Piero – 44 Penalties
A Juventus legend, Alessandro Del Piero was known for his free-kicks and penalties alike. His calm demeanor and precise shooting made him a reliable scorer from the spot.
7. Steven Gerrard – 46 Penalties
Liverpool’s captain fantastic, Steven Gerrard, was always ready to step up in crucial moments. His powerful yet accurate penalty-taking helped him convert 46 spot-kicks throughout his career.
6. Edinson Cavani – 48 Penalties
Cavani’s movement and finishing were exceptional, and that included his penalty-taking. Whether at Napoli, PSG, or Manchester United, he was a trusted name from the spot.
5. Frank Lampard – 50 Penalties
Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, Frank Lampard, was known for his goal-scoring ability from midfield. His penalty-taking was a huge part of that, with 50 successful conversions.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 64 Penalties
A larger-than-life character on and off the pitch, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalties were as powerful as his personality. His confidence and technique ensured he found the net 64 times from 12 yards.
3. Lionel Messi – 75 Penalties
Messi has scored hundreds of goals in his career, with 75 of them coming from penalties. While he has missed a few crucial ones, his overall ability from the spot has been undeniable.
2. Francesco Totti – 75 Penalties
The King of Rome, Francesco Totti, was a master of penalties. His signature “cucchiaio” (chip) technique became legendary, and he remains one of Serie A’s all-time best penalty takers.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 114 Penalties
At the top of the list stands Cristiano Ronaldo, the ultimate goal-scoring machine. His ability to handle pressure, precision, and sheer determination have made him the most prolific penalty scorer in modern football history.
