The 11 Most Embarrassing Panenka Penalties Ever: Lookman Tops the Cringe Pile

Ever tried a Panenka? That audacious little chip down the middle, named after the Czech legend Antonin Panenka who stunned the world in the 1976 Euros final. It demands ice in your veins, pinpoint technique and a sprinkle of luck. Botch it, though, and you're the laughing stock of the dressing room – ego shredded, mates giving you the cold shoulder.

We've scoured the archives to rank the 11 worst attempts. These aren't just misses; they're comedy gold that left legends looking like amateurs. Buckle up for the countdown.

From Confidence Blunders to Hall of Shame (11-6)

11. Troy Parrott

Irish hotshot Troy Parrott, riding high after bagging five goals against Portugal and Hungary, fancied his chances in injury time for AZ Alkmaar. 1-0 down in the Eredivisie, 99th minute – perfect moment for swagger. Instead, he floated it high into the stands. Not his day, mate.

10. Andrea Pirlo

Even the maestro Andrea Pirlo has off days. In a 2010 friendly against Barcelona, keeper Jose Pinto called his bluff and palmed it away. No harm done in a meaningless game, but still a rare Pirlo pratfall.

9. Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling's Carabao Cup quarter-final stinker against Leicester City in 2018 had keeper Danny Ward in stitches. Man City's winger chipped it tamely – saved, and the mockery was instant. Proper giggles.

8. Francesco Totti

Francesco Totti, king of the Panenka (remember that Euro 2000 beauty vs the Dutch?), had a nightmare against Lecce. The ball barely left the ground, straight into the keeper's mitts. Il Re's grimace said it all.

7. Dango Ouattara

Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara in an FA Cup shootout vs Brentford – winners off to face Leeds in the quarters. With little else to play for, he lofts a daft one right to Alphonse Areola. Gift horse? Looked it in the mouth.

6. Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker, one shy of Bobby Charlton's England record, steps up vs Brazil at Wembley in 1992. Scuffs it into the turf, no height, saved. Graham Taylor's brutal dig: "We played Brazil with 10 men." Oof.

The Absolute Howlers (5-1)

5. Enzo Le Fée

Enzo Le Fée tried chipping Caoimhin Kelleher, a keeper with nerves of steel. It looped gently into his gloves – viral clip screamed "catching practice!" Rumours of a barefoot trek home were probably exaggerated.

4. Sergio Agüero

Sergio Agüero could've doubled Man City's lead vs Chelsea in 2021. Edouard Mendy gobbled his cheeky effort, sparking a 2-1 Blues comeback that delayed the title bash. Kun owned it on Twitter: bad call, full blame.

3. Peter Crouch

Prime Peter Crouch – robot dancer, England hero, hat-trick machine. But penalties? This flop reminded us why we're doomed from 12 yards. Still love the lanky legend.

2. Javier Hernández

Chicharito in stoppage time, hat-trick and winner on the line in MLS. John Pulskamp minds his plan, denies the Mexican magic. Gutting.

1. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman's 98th-minute penalty for Fulham to nab a draw at West Ham in 2020. Floats it feebly, saved. Teammates Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney played it cool post-match, but the dressing room? Nuclear.

These flops prove the Panenka's a high-wire act. Next time you're at the pub, raise a glass to the brave (and foolish). Who's your favourite fail?

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