Okay news reports that Portuguese and Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reached an unusual milestone in his illustrious career — becoming the player with the most penalty misses in football history.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess and longevity at the highest level of the sport, missed his 34th career penalty during Portugal’s international fixture against Ireland on Saturday. His spot-kick was stopped by Brentford’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, marking yet another rare setback in an otherwise remarkable career.
According to a Monday report by Planet Football, Ronaldo’s total number of failed penalty attempts now stands at 34, surpassing all other players in recorded football history. However, the statistic comes with important context — the 39-year-old has also taken 211 penalties, converting 177, giving him a success rate of 83.8 percent, which remains significantly above the global average.
When viewed within the broader context of football’s penalty history, Ronaldo’s record underscores both his exceptional consistency and the volume of opportunities he has earned over two decades of top-flight competition. He has taken more penalties than any other footballer, a reflection of his leadership role and the trust placed in him by coaches throughout his club and international career.
The report also listed the seven players with the most missed penalties in modern football, with Brazil’s Ronaldinho ranked seventh with 16 misses, Zlatan Ibrahimović sixth with 17, and Italy’s Ciro Immobile fifth with 19. Legendary Italian forward Francesco Totti came in fourth with 20 misses, while Neymar sits third with 22, and Lionel Messi second with 32.
Despite now topping that list, Ronaldo’s conversion efficiency remains among the best in football history. Analysts argue that such statistics highlight not failure, but longevity and courage — as only players who consistently take responsibility in high-pressure moments accumulate such numbers.
Sports observers have noted that Ronaldo’s penalty record mirrors his broader football journey — one defined by resilience, risk-taking, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. His success rate still outpaces several modern forwards, and even with the latest miss, his contribution to club and country remains unparalleled.
At 39, Ronaldo continues to feature prominently for both Portugal and Al Nassr, maintaining peak physical condition and competitive drive that few in football history have sustained for so long. His latest record, though “unwanted” by definition, serves as another testament to the scale and endurance of a career that continues to redefine football’s statistical boundaries.
