Setpiecetakers.com looks at the Best of the Best Penalty Takers for Real Madrid in modern history.
When it comes to football, there’s no denying that Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world. With a rich history of success and a roster full of talented players, it’s no wonder they’ve had their fair share of exceptional penalty takers over the years.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best penalty takers to have ever played for Real Madrid, examining their techniques, statistics, and impact on the team.
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Table of Contents
I. Cristiano Ronaldo – The King of Penalties
There’s no way to talk about the best penalty takers for Real Madrid without mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo. During his time with the club from 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo established himself as one of the greatest penalty takers in football history. His technique was simple yet effective – he would confidently approach the ball, take a few steps back, and strike it with power and precision.
Ronaldo’s record from the spot is truly impressive. He scored 13 consecutive penalties for Real Madrid between 2012 and 2015, setting a new club record. He netted 21 penalties for Los Blancos, making him the highest-scoring player from the spot in the club’s history.
Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and his time at Real Madrid (2009-2018) was nothing short of spectacular. During his nine seasons with the club, Ronaldo won numerous accolades, including two La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and five Ballon d’Or awards. He also broke countless records, including the club’s all-time leading scorer record, which he still holds today.
See Cristiano Ronaldo – Wikipedia
Ronaldo’s penalty-taking style perfectly reflected his personality – confident, fearless, and clinical. He approached each penalty with the same level of intensity and focus, never showing any signs of nerves or uncertainty. Ronaldo’s technique was textbook, with a consistent stance, a smooth run-up, and a powerful strike. He preferred to aim for the top corners, making it nearly impossible for goalkeepers to save his shots.
Did you know Ronaldo has missed only three penalties in his entire career at Real Madrid? Surprisingly, two of those misses came in the same game against Levante in 2011. Despite this rare hiccup, Ronaldo maintained an impressive conversion rate of 88% for Los Blancos.
But Ronaldo’s prowess from the penalty spot wasn’t limited to his goalscoring ability. He was also known for his ability to step up and score crucial penalties in big games, such as El Clásicos against Barcelona and Champions League finals. This mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure made him an invaluable asset to Real Madrid during his time with the club.
II. Raúl González – The Original Penalty Specialist
Before Cristiano Ronaldo arrived on the scene, Raúl González was the go-to man for penalties at Real Madrid. Nicknamed “El Factor X,” Raúl was known for his calm and composed demeanour when taking penalties, which earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable best penalty takers for Real Madrid and the game.
Raúl González Blanco, affectionately known as “El Factoría,” spent 16 illustrious years at Real Madrid, cementing himself as a legendary figure in the club’s history. During his tenure, Raúl won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and numerous individual honors. He remains the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
See Raúl (footballer) – Wikipedia
Raúl’s penalty-taking style was distinctively different from his successor, Ronaldo. While Ronaldo was known for his power and precision, Raúl relied more on finesse and placement. He had a signature move, dubbed the “Panenka,” named after the famous Czech player Antonín Panenka, who popularized the technique. Raúl would chip the ball down the middle, catching goalkeepers off guard and leaving them stranded.
Raúl’s success from the penalty spot was so remarkable that he earned the nickname “El Factoría” (The Factory) among Real Madrid fans. This name was given to him due to his ability to consistently produce goals from penalties, much like a factory produces goods.
Like Ronaldo, Raúl was also clutch when it mattered most. He scored several crucial penalties in big matches, including a vital equalizer against Barcelona in a 2001 El Clásico. His ability to stay focused and deliver under pressure made him a fan favourite and a key component of Real Madrid’s success during his time with the club.
III. Zinedine Zidane – The Master of the Spot Kick
Zinedine Zidane may not have been known for his goal-scoring exploits like Ronaldo or Raúl, but he was still an expert from the penalty spot. As a midfielder who controlled the game’s tempo, Zidane rarely took penalties for Real Madrid. However, when he did, he almost always delivered.
Zidane’s technique was unique among the best penalty takers for Real Madrid. Instead of relying on brute force or placement, he used finesse and creativity to beat goalkeepers. He would often chip down the middle or dink the ball into the corners, catching opposing keepers off guard and leaving them helpless.
See Zinedine Zidane – Wikipedia
Despite only scoring three penalties for Real Madrid, Zidane’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. His vision, passing ability, and leadership helped guide the club to numerous domestic and European titles, cementing his status as a true Madridista legend.
IV. Gareth Bale – The Welsh Wizard
Like Ronaldo among the best penalty takers for Real Madrid, Bale has a potent strike rate from the spot, converting 11 of his first 12 penalties for the club.
Bale’s technique is similar to Ronaldo’s – he takes a few steps back, runs up, and strikes the ball with a nasty pace. However, he also has a knack for placing the ball in the bottom corners, fooling goalkeepers with his accuracy.
Gareth Bale’s arrival at Real Madrid in 2013 marked the beginning of a new era for the club, and he quickly established himself as a key player for Los Blancos. While he’s primarily known for his lightning-fast speed and devastating runs down the wing, Bale has also proven to be a clinical finisher from the penalty spot.
One notable example of Bale’s penalty-taking prowess came in a 2016 La Liga match against Atlético Madrid. With the score tied at 1-1 and just minutes remaining, Bale stepped up to take a penalty and coolly slotted the ball past Jan Oblak to secure a crucial victory for Real Madrid.
V. Karim Benzema – The Foal
Karim Benzema may not have the same level of fame as some of his fellow Real Madrid penalty takers, but he’s certainly made a name for himself as a reliable finisher from the spot. Since joining the club in 2009, Benzema has scored 14 penalties for Real Madrid, showcasing his composure and skill under pressure.
Benzema’s technique is characterized by a slow and deliberate run-up, followed by a powerful shot that often finds its way into the top corners of the net. He’s also been willing to take risks and try unconventional approaches, such as his panenka-style penalty against Levante in 2019.
Honourable mention: Iker Casillas: The Unflappable Goalkeeper
In this chapter, we’ll delve into Casillas’ career at Real Madrid, analyze his penalty-taking style, discuss his most memorable penalties, and share a fun fact about his penalty-taking abilities.
Iker Casillas is one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, and during his illustrious career at Real Madrid, he proved to be an equally adept penalty-taker. Enough for us to include him in the list of the best penalty takers for Real Madrid.
Despite being a goalkeeper, Casillas displayed nerves of steel when stepping up to take penalties, successfully converting all three attempts he took for Los Blancos.
Iker Casillas joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 1999 and quickly rose through the ranks, making his professional debut for the club in 2000. He went on to become one of the longest-serving players in Real Madrid’s history, spending 16 seasons at the club before departing in 2015. During his time at Real Madrid, Casillas won numerous accolades, including five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and four UEFA Champions League crowns. He was named the FIFA World Goalkeeper of the Year five times and earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant goalkeepers in the world.
His calm and composed demeanour characterized Casillas’ penalty-taking style. Unlike some goalkeepers who might be visibly nervous or agitated when taking a penalty, Casillas always looked unfazed, exuding confidence and control.
He had a simple yet effective technique, taking a short run-up before striking the ball firmly with his right foot. Casillas rarely tried to get too fancy or attempt elaborate shots; instead, he focused on placement and power, aiming for the corners or the center of the goal. This straightforward approach served him well, as he never missed a penalty for Real Madrid.
Conclusion: Best penalty takers for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s legacy of exceptional penalty takers is undeniable, with each player bringing their own unique style and approach to the spot. From the ice-cool finishing of Raúl and Ronaldo to the creative flair of Zidane and Bale, these players have consistently delivered for Los Blancos when it matters most. They truly belong in the list of the best penalty takers for Real Madrid.
While many factors contribute to a team’s success, having a dependable penalty taker can make all the difference in high-pressure situations. As we’ve seen throughout history, Real Madrid’s ability to convert penalties has often been the deciding factor in tight matches and has played a significant role in their numerous championship victories.
As the club evolves and brings in new talent, it will be exciting to see which players emerge as the next great penalty takers for Real Madrid. One thing is certain, however – the standard set by the likes of Raúl, Ronaldo, Zidane, Bale, and Benzema will be difficult to surpass.
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