Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an unexpected milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the player with the most penalty misses in football history, totaling 34 failed attempts from the spot.
The record-breaking miss occurred during Portugal’s recent international friendly against Ireland, where Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. This latest miss edged him past the previous record held by Lionel Messi, marking a rare moment of statistical infamy for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Despite the unwanted record, Ronaldo’s overall penalty performance remains among the best in world football. He has taken 211 penalties, converting 177, which translates to a success rate of 83.8%. His consistency and composure under pressure have contributed significantly to his goal tally across club and international competitions.
Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League and captaining the Portugal national team, continues to defy age and expectations with his performances. While this record may not be one he celebrates, it underscores the volume of high-stakes moments he has faced throughout his career.
Football analysts note that Ronaldo’s penalty record is a reflection of his longevity and prominence in the sport. Few players have had the opportunity to take as many spot-kicks, and even fewer have maintained such a high conversion rate over two decades.