7 Worst Penalty Takers of All Time 

Taking a penalty kick might seem straightforward, a shot from 12 yards with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, the pressure can be immense, and even top footballers have faltered in these crucial moments. 

Here’s a look at some players who have struggled notably from the penalty spot.

Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Edin Džeko, a prolific striker with a career spanning clubs like Manchester City, Roma, and Fenerbahçe, tops this list due to his unexpected difficulties with penalty kicks. Džeko has missed 9 out of 20 penalty attempts, resulting in a 45% miss rate. His most recent miss occurred during a crucial match for Fenerbahçe, underscoring that even seasoned goal-scorers can succumb to the pressures of the penalty spot.

Fernando Llorente (Spain)

Fernando Llorente, a striker celebrated for his aerial prowess and physical presence, has played for clubs including Juventus, Swansea City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite his goal-scoring capabilities, Llorente has been inconsistent from the penalty spot, missing 7 out of 17 attempts, which amounts to a 41% failure rate. His struggles with penalties have been a surprising aspect of his otherwise successful career.

M’Baye Niang (Senegal)

M’Baye Niang, a forward with experience in clubs like AC Milan, Sampdoria, and Rennes, has had a turbulent history with penalty kicks. He has missed 6 out of 15 attempts, resulting in a 40% miss rate. A notable miss occurred during his time at AC Milan, where his failed penalty contributed to a 1-0 defeat against Roma in 2016.

Adem Ljajić (Serbia)

Adem Ljajić, an attacking midfielder known for his technical skills, has played for teams such as Roma, Torino, and Fenerbahçe. Despite his on-field creativity, Ljajić has faced challenges with penalty kicks, missing 6 out of 16 attempts, which translates to a 38% failure rate. These struggles have been surprising, given his otherwise adept ball control and precision.

Aleksandar Kolarov (Serbia)

Aleksandar Kolarov is renowned for his powerful left foot and proficiency in free kicks. However, his performance from the penalty spot has been less impressive. Throughout his career with clubs like Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan, Kolarov has missed 5 out of 13 penalty attempts, equating to a 38% miss rate. This contrast highlights the distinct pressures associated with penalty kicks compared to open-play set pieces.

Majeed Waris (Ghana)

Majeed Waris is a quick and skillful forward who has played for various clubs, including Lorient and Valenciennes. Despite his agility and goal-scoring abilities, Waris has been unreliable from the penalty spot. He has missed 4 out of 11 penalty attempts, resulting in a success rate of just 36%. Notably, in 2017, his missed penalty led to a crucial loss for Lorient against Dijon.

Juan Pablo Ángel (Colombia)

Juan Pablo Ángel, a Colombian striker, had a notable career, especially during his time with Aston Villa in the English Premier League. Despite his talent, Ángel had significant difficulties with penalty kicks. He converted only 5 out of 10 penalty attempts during his tenure at Aston Villa, resulting in a 50% success rate. This inconsistency from the spot often overshadowed his contributions on the field.