Penalty shootouts create some of football’s most unforgiving moments. One kick can shape a player’s legacy, decide a trophy and live in the memory of fans for decades. Here are 10 of the most painful and memorable penalty misses in major tournaments.
- Roberto Baggio – 1994 World Cup final
In the 1994 World Cup final in Pasadena, Italy and Brazil drew 0 0 after extra time. Baggio’s decisive penalty flew over the bar, giving Brazil a 3 2 shootout win and the world title. - Gareth Southgate – Euro 1996 semi final
England’s semi final with Germany at Euro 1996 ended 1 1 at Wembley before penalties. Southgate’s miss sent Germany to the final, where they went on to win the tournament. - David Trezeguet – 2006 World Cup final
France and Italy finished 1 1 after extra time in the 2006 World Cup final. Trezeguet struck the crossbar with France’s second kick, and Italy won the shootout 5 3. - John Terry – 2008 Champions League final
Chelsea and Manchester United drew 1 1 in Moscow before a dramatic shootout. Needing to score to win, Terry slipped and hit the post, and United eventually triumphed 6 5 on penalties. - Stuart Pearce – 1990 World Cup semi final
England’s 1990 World Cup semi final against West Germany ended 1 1 in Italy and went to penalties. Pearce saw his effort saved as England lost the shootout 4 3 and missed out on the final. - Kingsley Coman – 2022 World Cup final
Argentina and France drew 3 3 after extra time in the 2022 World Cup final in Lusail. Coman’s effort was saved in the shootout, which Argentina won 4 2. - Aurélien Tchouaméni – 2022 World Cup final
In the same shootout, Tchouaméni dragged France’s second penalty wide. His miss increased Argentina’s advantage and helped them secure the trophy. - Mohamed Salah – 2022 World Cup qualifying play off
Egypt and Senegal’s CAF play off went to penalties after a level aggregate score. Salah missed Egypt’s first kick in Dakar and Senegal went on to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. - Jadon Sancho – Euro 2020 final
England and Italy drew 1 1 at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final before a shootout. Sancho had his penalty saved as Italy won 3 2 on spot kicks to lift the trophy. - Brahim Díaz – 2025 AFCON final
In the 2025 AFCON final in Morocco, the match was level in normal time. Díaz missed a penalty during regulation, and Senegal later scored in extra time to win the title.
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