The most prolific players from 12 yards.
Although it’s generally considered that a footballer should always score a penalty, a combination of things – mostly pressure – means it’s not always as easy as that.
READ MORE:
Highest paid Premier League players by club.
Mario Balotelli pig – Liverpool teammates mock striker.
Statistically best Premier League Team of the Season so far.
So here CaughtOffside brings you the 10 best penalty takers currently playing in world football.
8. Frank Lampard – Manchester City (on-loan from New York City FC)
Penalties scored: 43/49.
The veteran midfielder is lethal when it comes to spot-kicks and his record speaks for itself, with over 50% of Lampard’s strikes going to the goalkeeper’s right.
7. Sejad Salihovic – Hoffenheim and Bosni & Herzegovina
Penalties scored: 21/24.
Something of a set piece specialist Salihovic famously scored two penalties against Borussia Dortmund at the end of the 2012/13 season to save his side from relegation from the Bundesliga.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid and Portugal
Penalties scored: 35/37.
It doesn’t really matter where this Madrid man is on the pitch or what part of his body he is using he can usually score and from 12 yards that is no different.
4=. Giuseppe Rossi – Fiorentina and Italy
Penalties scored: 12/13.
Despite being injured for much of last term it was a great surprise when Rossi didn’t make the Italians’ squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and judging by the nation’s performance there he should have gone.
4=. Leighton Baines – Everton and England
Penalties scored: 12/13.
Up until David de Gea’s save during Sunday’s Premier League loss to Manchester United this left-back had a 100% record from the spot and he will be looking to get back to scoring ways as soon as possible.
3. Mario Balotelli – Liverpool and Italy
Penalties scored: 25/26.
Just one miss from the spot for this Italian as well, although upon moving to Anfield this summer the 24-year-old was told that Reds captain Steven Gerrard would remain the preferred penalty taker.
2. Ryad Boudebouz – SC Bastia and Algeria
Penalties scored: 11/11.
Some may be surprised to see this 24-year-old so high up the list, but the attacking midfielder has scored all 11 of the penalties that he has taken in his career to date.
1. Eden Hazard – Chelsea and Belgium
Penalties scored: 16/16.
Since the departure of Lampard from Stamford Bridge over the summer this Belgium international has established himself as the first choice penalty taker and like Boudebouz has a 100% record.