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Contrary to popular belief, scoring penalties is not a child's play. Mental fortitude and intelligence is required and not many players are able to do it on a consistent basis.
While penalties are taken mostly by forwards, the likes of Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos have shown that it is not necessarily the case all the time. The art of scoring penalties is one which requires mental strength and resilience. On that note, let us take a look at the:
top 10 players to have scored the most penalties in the 21st century.
#10 SERGIO AGUERO | 41 penalties
Regarded as one of the best strikers to have played in the Premier League, Sergio Aguero continues to be a vital cog for Manchester City.
The Argentina international began his European journey with Atletico Madrid, scoring at a prolific rate for the La Liga giants at a young age. After scoring more than 100 goals for them in all competitions, Aguero moved to Manchester City in 2011 for £35 million. Since joining them, the 32-year old has made more than 350 appearances in all competitions for them, scoring an astounding 254 goals so far.
Out of those 254 goals, only 41 have been penalties, highlighting the former Independiente striker's quality as a finisher. Despite the likes of young Gabriel Jesus in the squad, Aguero remains the first-choice striker for manager Pep Guardiola.
#9 RONALDINHO | 44 penalties
One of the greatest players of the modern generation, Ronaldinho's larger than life persona has made him a well-renowned face across the world.
An incredibly gifted playmaker with an abundance of creativity and fine passing ability, the Brazil international was an extremely skillful player. Ronaldinho plied his trade in Europe for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan, with his stint in Spain the highlight of his career. Pre-Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho was the guy who ran Barcelona's attack.
While his off-the-field antics may have made the headlines over recent years, there is no denying the quality of Ronaldinho. The former Flamengo player scored 145 goals in all competitions for his three European clubs, out of which 44 were penalties.
#8 ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO | 44 penalties
Alessandro Del Piero spent the entirety of the 21st century playing for only one club in Europe; his beloved Juventus.
Having joined the Italian giants from Padova in 1993, Del Piero would go on to spend 19 years with the Turin-based club, becoming one of Italy's finest attackers in the process. A technically gifted and creative forward, the Italy international was highly regarded for his versatilty across the forward line as well as his eye for goal. Currently, he is the second highest all-time Italian top-scorer in all competitions.
Del Piero left Juventus in 2012, moving to Australia to play for Sydney FC, before finishing his career with a short stint in Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos FC. In this century, the forward scored more than 150 goals in all competitions for Juventus, out of which 44 were penalties.
Also Read: 5 players who have won the Premier League, Champions League and the World Cup
#7 STEVEN GERRARD | 46 penalties
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
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
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
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
#3 LIONEL MESSI | 75 penalties
Arguably the greatest player to have ever graced a football field, Lionel Messi's legend increases on a daily basis.
Playing for a Barcelona side which is in disarray, the Argentina international has been his side's best passer, best creator and best goalscorer for some time now. The diminutive forward, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, has been the only bright light in a shambolic season for the Camp Nou outfit. "Messidependencia" is well and truly in full flow.
Now 33, there have been rumours that Messi is unhappy with how the club is being run. With just a year left in his contract, it has been suggested that the superstar forward might leave Barcelona this summer for a new challenge.
Check out Lionel Messi's net worth in 2020 here.
#2 FRANCESCO TOTTI | 75 penalties
One of Roma's finest, Francesco Totti was affectionately called L'Ottavo Re di Roma (The Eighth King of Rome), due to his performances for Roma.
A one-club man, Totti spent his entire playing career with the Italian side. A forward of some quality, the Italy international's creativity, vision and passing often saw him operate as an attacking midfielder, on the wings or as a second striker. Totti is the top goalscorer and the most capped player in Roma's history, making nearly 800 appearances in all competitions and scoring 307 goals before retiring in 2017.
He spent a short time as a club director for Roma, stepping down from the role in 2019 after publicly criticising owner James Pallotta.
#1 CRISTIANO RONALDO | 114 penalties
The one player who has given Lionel Messi tough competition for the mantle of the greatest player of all time is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Debates have raged over who is the better player, with no straightforward conclusion. Ronaldo, for his part, has played for three of the biggest clubs in Europe so far. Having begun his career with Sporting CP, the Portugal international would make his name with Manchester United, before moving to Real Madrid. At Real Madrid Ronaldo established himself as one the best to have played the game.
Currently he is at Juventus, where even at the age of 35 he has been the club's best player. In the season gone by, the forward scored 37 goals in all competitions in 46 appearances.
Also Read: Top 10 international goalscorers of all time
