Wait, Robert Pires on a GREATEST penalty takers list? YES — but also for the WORST penalty ever taken! The Arsenal legend is here because his career penalty record was actually very good... but that one moment against Manchester City in 2005 where he tried to pass the penalty to Thierry Henry and COMPLETELY messed it up? That's the stuff of NIGHTMARES!
The Record
- Attempted the infamous 'pass penalty' with Thierry Henry vs Manchester City in 2005 — it went horribly wrong
- The failed penalty is considered one of the most embarrassing moments in Premier League history
- Despite the disaster, Pires had a respectable penalty conversion rate throughout his career
- Scored important penalties for Arsenal during their Invincibles era and beyond
- The penalty routine was actually inspired by Johan Cruyff's famous 1982 penalty assist — but Cruyff's actually WORKED
The Verdict
Pires is proof that even great penalty takers can have TERRIBLE moments. His career record from the spot was solid, but that one failed pass to Henry lives rent-free in every football fan's memory. Sometimes trying to be clever from 12 yards backfires SPECTACULARLY!
Tomorrow: #25 — Stay tuned for the next penalty king!
