Penalty kicks are a unique challenge in football deceptively simple, yet psychologically intense. Scoring from the spot requires composure, technique, and confidence, especially in high-pressure situations. While some players are known for their flair or speed, others are remembered for their clinical ability to convert penalties. Here’s a look at the top 10 footballers with the most penalty goals in official matches based on available data as of mid-2024.
10. Ronaldinho

Rounding out the list is Brazilian magician Ronaldinho, with 70 penalty goals. While better known for his flair and dribbling, Ronaldinho was also a reliable penalty taker. His creativity and unpredictability extended to penalties, where he often outsmarted goalkeepers with subtle placement and feints.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
10 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | 70 |
9. Alan Shearer

Premier League all-time top scorer Alan Shearer netted 72 penalty goals. His powerful, no-nonsense style of shooting made him lethal from the spot. Representing clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, Shearer rarely missed, always choosing placement and force over tricks.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
9 | Alan Shearer | England | 72 |
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8. Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero scored 77 penalties during his career, mainly with Juventus. Known for his elegant playing style and accuracy, Del Piero often opted for placement over power. His ability to stay calm and pick his spot, even under intense pressure, made him a reliable scorer for both club and country.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
8 | Alessandro Del Piero | Italy | 77 |
7. Robert Lewandowski

Polish goal-machine Robert Lewandowski has scored 78 penalty goals, often making it look effortless. Whether for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or the Polish national team, Lewandowski is known for his calm, consistent technique and high conversion rate. He’s one of the few modern forwards with a near-flawless penalty record.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
7 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | 78 |
6. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović scored 85 goals from the penalty spot during his globe-trotting career, playing in leagues across Europe and the U.S. His combination of physical dominance and mental fortitude made him nearly unbeatable from 12 yards. Zlatan’s unique charisma and confidence translated into ice-cold penalties that left goalkeepers guessing.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
6 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Sweden | 85 |
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5. Francesco Totti

Roma legend Francesco Totti scored 86 penalties, many with his trademark “Panenka” chip a risky but stylish move. Totti’s cool demeanor, excellent vision, and creativity made him a unique and confident penalty taker. He remains a beloved figure in Italian football for his loyalty, skill, and flair.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
5 | Francesco Totti | Italy | 86 |
4. Roberto Baggio

Roberto Baggio is both revered and remembered for his relationship with penalties most famously missing in the 1994 World Cup final shootout. Still, he scored 101 penalties in his career, showcasing remarkable accuracy throughout his time with Juventus, AC Milan, and other Serie A clubs. Baggio’s elegance and composure made him one of Italy’s most trusted spot-kick takers.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
4 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | 101 |
3. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, one of football’s all-time greats, has scored 109 penalties so far. While he hasn’t always had a flawless record from the spot, his calmness, creativity, and ability to read the goalkeeper make him a dangerous penalty taker. Messi has taken penalties for Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina, often delivering in crucial moments despite the spotlight.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
3 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 109 |
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2. Ronald Koeman

Surprisingly second on the list is Ronald Koeman, a central defender with an exceptional scoring record. The Dutchman netted 113 penalties in official matches during his career, primarily for clubs like Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. Koeman was known for his powerful right foot, technical precision, and unmatched ability to handle pressure, making him a true anomaly in penalty-taking history.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
2 | Ronald Koeman | Netherland | 113 |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with an astonishing 163 penalty goals. Renowned for his clinical finishing and nerve under pressure, Ronaldo has been the go-to penalty taker for every team he’s played for including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. His methodical run-up, intense focus, and power-packed shots make him one of the greatest spot-kick specialists in history.
Rank | Player | Country | Penalty Goals Scored |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 163 |
Conclusion
These players not only topped goal charts but also earned reputations as trustworthy penalty takers. Whether in routine league games or World Cup finals, the ability to score from the spot often made the difference. Their records are a testament to nerves of steel, endless practice, and exceptional technique.
FAQ
1. Who has scored the most penalty goals in football history?
Answer: Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most penalty goals in official matches, with 163 goals as of mid-2024. He has consistently taken penalties for club and country throughout his career.
2. Was Ronald Koeman a forward, since he scored so many penalties?
Answer: No, Ronald Koeman was actually a defender. However, he was renowned for his powerful shooting and accuracy, which made him one of the most effective penalty takers in history, scoring 113 goals from the spot.
3. Why are penalty goals so important in football?
Answer: Penalty goals often come during high-pressure moments and can significantly impact a match’s outcome. Taking penalties requires composure, confidence, and technical precision qualities that not every player possesses.