Cristiano Ronaldo Leads in Most Missed Penalties Since 2001

Penalty kicks in football often appear to be straightforward scoring chances, but they present a significant psychological challenge for players. Standing close to the goal, a player must overcome mental pressure before demonstrating skill, facing a prepared goalkeeper, intense crowd pressure, and a moment that allows no margin for error.

Despite teams having designated penalty takers, history shows that even the greatest footballers worldwide have missed penalties. Their frequent attempts have placed them at the top of the list of most missed penalties.

Leading Players with Most Missed Penalties

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most missed penalties since 2001, having failed to convert 36 attempts. This is notable given his reputation as one of the game’s most prominent penalty takers, often entrusted with crucial shots for both his clubs and the Portugal national team.

Argentine star Lionel Messi ranks second, missing 34 penalties. Known for taking decisive penalties even under challenging circumstances, Messi has experienced some failures despite his confidence.

Brazilian forward Neymar is third on the list, with 22 missed penalties. Neymar’s approach involves a unique technique based on deception and timing, yet he has also missed several attempts.

Italian striker Ciro Immobile appears in fourth place, having missed 19 penalties. His position as his teams’ primary penalty taker over many years contributes to this total.

Francesco Totti ranks fifth with 18 missed penalties, despite his calmness and extensive experience in penalty situations.

Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimović is sixth, missing 17 penalties. He is known for his confidence and willingness to shoot under various conditions.

Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho is seventh with 16 missed penalties, reflecting that penalty kicks were not his strongest skill despite his exceptional talent.

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani also missed 16 penalties, maintaining a consistent role as a primary penalty taker for his teams.

French forward Kylian Mbappé is ninth with 15 missed penalties, indicating the significant responsibility he has carried from a young age.

Antonio Di Natale holds the tenth position, having missed 14 penalties during his notable career in the Italian league.

Argentine striker Sergio Agüero is eleventh on the list, also with 14 missed penalties, despite being one of the Premier League’s most distinguished forwards.

Penalty Success Rates of Top Missed Penalty Takers

According to the British network GiveMeSport, the success rates alongside missed penalties for these players since 2001 are as follows:

• Cristiano Ronaldo – 36 missed penalties – 83.5% success rate
• Lionel Messi – 34 missed penalties – 77.3% success rate
• Neymar – 22 missed penalties – 80.9% success rate
• Ciro Immobile – 19 missed penalties – 81.9% success rate
• Francesco Totti – 18 missed penalties – 81.1% success rate
• Zlatan Ibrahimović – 17 missed penalties – 83.6% success rate
• Ronaldinho – 16 missed penalties – 81.1% success rate
• Edinson Cavani – 16 missed penalties – 79.7% success rate
• Kylian Mbappé – 15 missed penalties – 77.2% success rate
• Antonio Di Natale – 14 missed penalties – 75.8% success rate
• Sergio Agüero – 14 missed penalties – 77.4% success rate