Top 10 players who have scored the most penalties in the 21st century

Some big names like Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic, and Messi make this list
Some big names like Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic, and Messi make this list

#7 STEVEN GERRARD | 46 penalties

Steven Gerrard in action for Liverpool
Steven Gerrard in action for Liverpool

Another player who spent his entire career playing for only one club in Europe, Steven Gerrard is a bonafide Liverpool legend and has scored a number of penalties.

Having joined the Liverpool academy aged nine, Gerrard would go on to become one of their very best players, as well as one of the very best in the Premier League. A midfielder by trade, the England international could operate in more attacking positions if required. A talisman for Liverpool during his prime, Gerrard made more than 700 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 186 goals.

He left Liverpool in 2015 for a stint in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy, retiring in 2016. Currently, he is the manager of Scottish Premiership club Rangers.


#6 EDINSON CAVANI | 48 penalties

Edinson Cavani in Uruguay colours
Edinson Cavani in Uruguay colours

An underrated player throughout his whole career, Edinson Cavani is one of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe's top five leagues this century.

Having joined Palermo in Italy in 2007 from Danubio, the Uruguay international moved to Napoli in 2010, becoming an instant goalscoring success with the Italian giants. After leading the line for Napoli for three seasons, Paris Saint-Germain decided to splurge €64 million on the striker, and Cavani did not disappoint. He is currently the club's all-time top goalscorer, having scored 200 goals for them in all competitions.

Now 33, the striker is currently a free agent. He has been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Manchester United and Chelsea over recent months.


#5 FRANK LAMPARD | 50 penalties

Frank Lampard is the current Chelsea manager
Frank Lampard is the current Chelsea manager

One of the best midfielders of this generation, there is no denying Frank Lampard's influence at Chelsea as a player.

Having begun his career at West Ham United, Lampard moved to Chelsea in 2001. He would go on to spend 13 years with the club, making nearly 650 appearances in all competitions and scoring 211 goals. A goalscoring midfielder, the England international was well-renowned for his late runs into the opposition box, as well as his passing and work ethic.

After short stints with Manchester City and New York City, the England international retired in 2016. He managed Championship side Derby County for a season, before becoming manager of Chelsea in 2019.


#4 ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC | 64 penalties

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world

An extremely prolific goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's attitude and self-belief over the years have been well-highlighted.

A controversial figure, Ibrahimovic has never shied away from making brutal remarks. A talismanic striker who has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, the Sweden international's physicality, technical ability and intelligence have made him a cult favourite at almost all his clubs. Ibrahimovic over the years has payed for the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

Now 38, the former Ajax striker continues to go strong, and is currently playing for AC Milan. In the season gone by, he made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals remaining as reliable as ever from the penalty spot.


Also Read: 10 most underrated players in football at the moment

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now