Scoring a penalty should be a simple task for a top player, but converting from 12 yards out is much more difficult in a high-pressure situation. And if the man standing between that player and the net is a top goalkeeper, that difficulty only increases. In order to calm their own nerves and to give themselves the edge over the goalkeeper, players have come up with many different ways of improving their chances from the spot over the years.
Here, a look at some of the footballers in the men's game who have employed unusual penalty techniques...
16. Simone Zaza Simone Zaza's dancing run-up might have become iconic had he scored in Italy's Euro 2016 semi-final shootout against Germany. But he missed and ended up looking extremely silly.
The former Juventus, Valencia and West Ham striker blasted his effort over the bar following the ridiculously long run-up, which was mocked mercilessly on social media and is what everyone remembers most about his career. After the match, which Italy lost, Zaza issued an apology to the fans. He said he had always taken penalties that way and been successful in the past, even beating Manuel Neuer once.
Not this time, sadly. 15. Andrej Kramarić Andrej Kramarić scored all four goals as Hoffenheim beat Borussia Dortmund 4-0 away from home on the final day of the 2019/20 Bundesliga season.
With no fans in the stadium due to Covid-19 and a hat-trick already in the bag, the Croatian forward hit his penalty while turning his head the other way and s.