Taking a penalty is more about psyche than technique. Throughout the contemporary age, a select group of players has repeatedly risen to the occasion, scoring when it counts the most. Here are the top 15 penalty takers of the 21st century, as determined not only by conversion rates but also by pressure moments, technique, and longevity.
15. Edinson Cavani.
Cavani has consistently and efficiently taken penalties for Napoli, PSG, and Uruguay. His strike rate is just under 79%, and he rarely allows emotion to affect his performance. Sixty-two penalties were scored and sixteen missed.
14. Ciro is immobile.
A goal machine in Serie A, Immobile has quietly built one of the best penalty records in Europe, with 86 converted at a rate close to 81%.
13. Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer, a budding midfield star with ice in his veins, has demonstrated great composure under pressure from the spot. He has converted 18 penalties and missed only one in his senior career, with a 94% success rate and a degree of poise that ranks him among the most clinical young penalty takers in today’s game.
12. Andrey Shevchenko
Shevchenko was the man for the time in Milan during his peak years. His penalty technique was immaculate, and he scored 44 throughout his career. He remained calm and clinical, never overthinking things.
11. Jorginho.
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