The Top 10 Players with the Most Penalty Goals in 2025 have shown exceptional composure, precision, and nerve under pressure, making them the most reliable spot-kick specialists of the year. Penalty goals often decide tight matches, and these players consistently rose to the occasion, converting crucial chances into game-winning goals across major leagues and international competitions. Their ability to maintain calm in high-stakes moments highlights their mental strength as much as their technical skill. Whether it’s blasting the ball powerfully into the net or delicately placing it out of the goalkeeper’s reach, these athletes have perfected various penalty techniques that keep opponents guessing.
From seasoned veterans with years of experience to emerging stars making their mark, this list reflects a diverse group united by their deadly efficiency from the penalty spot. Their penalty goals not only boosted their teams’ chances of victory but also elevated their individual reputations as clutch performers. Throughout the 2025 season, these players demonstrated remarkable consistency, contributing vital goals that often changed the course of leagues and tournaments. If you’re interested in the best penalty takers and want to know who dominated the spot-kick charts in 2025, this comprehensive list covers all the top scorers you need to know.
10. Neymar Jr. — Al Hilal’s Penalty Specialist

Neymar Jr. continued to show his prowess as a penalty taker in 2025, scoring 3 crucial penalties for Al Hilal and Brazil. Despite his primary role as a creative forward, Neymar’s ability to maintain calm under pressure during penalty situations remains impressive. Each penalty he converted this year demonstrated his trademark blend of confidence and flair, often fooling goalkeepers with subtle changes in placement and power.
His penalty-taking technique combines a smooth, measured run-up with precise ball placement. Neymar is known for mixing power shots with cheeky, well-placed chips that test a goalkeeper’s reflexes. His versatility in penalty execution keeps opponents guessing and adds an extra threat to his team’s attack.
Though he scored fewer penalties than some of his peers, Neymar’s goals often came in high-stakes matches, contributing to important wins and vital points. His experience and reputation make him a natural choice for penalty duties, and his 2025 penalty success rate reinforces his status as one of football’s most reliable spot-kick takers.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo — Veteran Spot-Kick Master

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s all-time greats, maintained his penalty-scoring form in 2025 by netting 4 penalties for Al Nassr and Portugal. Known for his powerful and accurate shots, Ronaldo’s penalty record has been exceptional throughout his career, and 2025 was no exception. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a trusted figure for spot-kicks.
Ronaldo’s penalty style combines explosive power with pinpoint precision. His trademark stutter-step run-up can disrupt goalkeepers’ timing, increasing his chances of scoring. Beyond technique, Ronaldo’s mental toughness and confidence shine brightest when the pressure is at its peak, often converting penalties in crucial moments.
Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo continues to be a vital goal-scoring asset for club and country, particularly from the penalty spot. His four penalties this year contributed significantly to his teams’ attacking output, proving that his penalty-taking prowess remains as deadly as ever.
8. James Ward-Prowse — The Premier League’s Dead-Ball Expert

James Ward-Prowse scored 4 penalty goals for West Ham United and England in 2025, continuing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable dead-ball specialists. Known for his technique and composure, Ward-Prowse combines power with precision, making him a dependable penalty taker for both club and country.
Ward-Prowse’s penalty approach is methodical and practiced, featuring a steady run-up and calm execution. His ability to pick his spot and vary his penalty style keeps goalkeepers on their toes. He often targets the corners or uses subtle deception to outwit the goalkeeper, ensuring a high conversion rate.
In addition to penalties, Ward-Prowse is also renowned for his free-kick expertise, adding another layer to his value. His penalty goals in 2025 often came at critical junctures, contributing to key victories and vital points in league and international matches. His consistency and skill make him one of the best spot-kick takers in modern football.
7. Robert Lewandowski — Clinical Finisher for Club and Country

Robert Lewandowski continues to be one of the most clinical penalty takers in world football, scoring 4 penalties in 2025 for FC Barcelona and Poland. His composed demeanor and technical skill make him a reliable option when his teams earn spot-kicks. Lewandowski’s penalty goals have been instrumental in securing wins and maintaining momentum.
Lewandowski’s penalty style is straightforward but effective, focusing on placement and power. His calmness in front of goal allows him to pick his spot carefully and strike with confidence. Over the years, he has refined his technique to adapt to different goalkeepers, often using subtle changes in speed and direction.
His 2025 penalty goals showcase his continued importance to both club and country. As one of the premier strikers globally, Lewandowski’s ability to convert penalties under pressure enhances his already impressive goal-scoring record.
6. Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United’s Set-Piece Leader

Bruno Fernandes scored 5 penalty goals in 2025 for Manchester United and Portugal, reinforcing his role as a key set-piece taker. Fernandes’ penalty-taking skills combine technical proficiency with mental fortitude, enabling him to convert crucial spot-kicks consistently.
Fernandes approaches penalties with confidence and precision, often placing the ball in the corners with a controlled strike. He studies goalkeepers’ tendencies to anticipate their moves, improving his chances of success. His quick decision-making and composure under pressure are vital during tense match moments.
Throughout 2025, Fernandes’ penalties have contributed significantly to Manchester United’s campaigns in the Premier League and European competitions. His leadership on the field extends to set-piece situations, where he inspires teammates and demands respect from opponents.
Also Read:
- The 10 Players with the Most Free Kick Goals in 2025
- Top 10 teams with the most possession in a single match in 2025
- Top 10 Teams with the Most Yellow Cards in 2025
- Top 10 Teams with the Most Penalty Goals Scored in 2025
5. Mohamed Salah — Liverpool’s Reliable Penalty Taker

Mohamed Salah scored 5 penalty goals in 2025, demonstrating his reliability from the spot for Liverpool and Egypt. Salah’s speed and agility might grab headlines, but his penalty-taking ability is equally impressive, showcasing a calm and composed approach.
Salah uses a balanced run-up and varies his penalty technique, sometimes opting for power and at other times finesse. His ability to read goalkeepers and adjust his placement accordingly makes him a consistent threat from the penalty spot.
His penalty goals have often come at pivotal moments, helping Liverpool secure wins and vital points. Salah’s reputation as a clutch player extends to penalties, where he delivers with precision and confidence for both club and country.
4. Lionel Messi — The Maestro’s Penalty Precision

Lionel Messi scored 6 penalty goals in 2025 with Inter Miami and Argentina, continuing his legacy as one of football’s most skillful penalty takers. Known for his impeccable technique and composure, Messi combines accuracy with subtle deception.
Messi’s penalty style is marked by a calm, steady run-up and precise placement. He often targets the corners or softly chips the ball, making it difficult for goalkeepers to predict his shot. His years of experience allow him to remain unshaken in high-pressure moments.
In 2025, Messi’s penalties played a vital role in both MLS and international fixtures. His ability to convert spot-kicks consistently has helped his teams clinch important results, reinforcing his status as a clutch player on the biggest stages.
3. Harry Kane — Premier League’s Deadly Penalty Scorer

Harry Kane scored 6 penalty goals in 2025 for Bayern Munich and England, cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s and Europe’s top penalty takers. Kane’s ability to maintain focus and deliver under pressure makes him a formidable spot-kick specialist.
Kane’s penalty-taking technique combines power with precision. His measured run-up allows him to generate controlled shots aimed at the corners of the goal. He often varies his placement to keep goalkeepers guessing, increasing his conversion rate.
His penalty goals have been crucial in tight matches, often providing Bayern and England with the edge needed to secure victories. Kane’s consistency and leadership qualities make him one of the most respected penalty takers in world football.
2. Erling Haaland — Manchester City’s Clinical Spot-Kick Specialist

Erling Haaland scored 7 penalty goals in 2025, proving himself a clinical finisher for Manchester City and Norway. Known for his physicality and power, Haaland combines these attributes with calmness and accuracy from the penalty spot.
Haaland’s penalty style is direct and forceful, often striking the ball with power into the corners. Despite his aggressive approach, he exhibits excellent control, ensuring the ball stays on target. His confidence in front of goal translates well to penalty situations.
Throughout the 2025 season, Haaland’s penalties have been vital for Manchester City’s domestic and European campaigns. His ability to convert high-pressure spot-kicks consistently adds a valuable dimension to his goal-scoring prowess.
1. Kylian Mbappé — The 2025 Penalty King

Kylian Mbappé led the 2025 penalty charts with an impressive 8 goals for Paris Saint-Germain and France. His blend of speed, skill, and composure makes him one of the most feared penalty takers worldwide. Mbappé’s technique combines power with pinpoint accuracy, often placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Mbappé approaches penalties with great confidence and a well-studied plan. He often varies his placement and shot power to keep goalkeepers guessing. His ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations allows him to convert crucial penalties in big matches.
His penalty goals have been essential in PSG’s Ligue 1 campaign and France’s international fixtures, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes. Mbappé’s dominance from the penalty spot in 2025 cements his status as the top spot-kick specialist of the year.
FAQ’s:
Who scored the most penalty goals in 2025?
Kylian Mbappé was the top penalty scorer in 2025, netting an impressive 8 goals across club and international matches, making him the leading spot-kick specialist of the year.
Do the penalty goal counts include international matches?
Yes, the penalty goal totals for 2025 include goals scored in all official competitions, covering domestic leagues, cups, UEFA tournaments, and international fixtures for their national teams.
What qualities make these players successful penalty takers?
Successful penalty takers combine technical skill, mental composure, and strategic planning. They study goalkeepers’ tendencies, maintain calm under pressure, and execute their shots with precision and confidence.