World Cup 2018: Ranking the Best Penalty Takers in Russia

#6 Cristiano Ronaldo (84.55%)

Cristiano Ronaldo

While much higher than his rival Messi, Ronaldo is also in the unfamiliar position of being below the podium in any ranking. The Portuguese forward has taken more penalty-kicks than anyone on this list (and most likely any active player) with 123 (the next five have taken 141 combined).

Despite such huge volume, Ronaldo has still managed to score a high percentage of his spot-kicks (as indicated by his ranking). However similarly to Messi, Ronaldo’s ability at the spot has declined over the past few years.

Before 2014, Ronaldo’s penalty success percentage (both for clubs and Portugal) was an astronomical 88.89%. Since then, Ronaldo’s percentage has declined to a more average 78.43% (though still a passable number).

He even missed a crucial penalty in a goalless draw against Austria in the opening games of their 2016 Euros campaign. Nonetheless as his effort against Spain showed, Ronaldo continues to be one of the best penalty takers in the World.