Most players walk up to a penalty looking like they have been summoned to the headmaster's office. Ronaldinho walked up looking like he was on his way to a party. He strolled, picked his spot, scored, and then produced that famous toothy grin.
The easy manner fooled people. Goalkeepers expected more urgency, and by the time they had worked out he was actually shooting, the ball was usually in the net. It was the same joy and flair he showed everywhere else on the pitch, simply pointed at a smaller target.
He scored numerous penalties for Barcelona, PSG, AC Milan and Brazil, including Champions League spot kicks for Barcelona taken with that trademark calm. The rest of his cabinet is not bad either: the 2002 World Cup and the 2005 Ballon d'Or.
Why the smile mattered
Pressure is what beats most penalty takers, and Ronaldinho never seemed to feel it. While others trembled he looked as though he was enjoying himself, which he probably was.
He was not the most clinical name in this countdown. He was easily the most fun to watch from 12 yards, and that relaxed brilliance puts him at 18.
Number 17 follows tomorrow.
