Football penalties are among the most dramatic moments in association football. A single kick can decide a league match, determine which team advances in a cup competition or crown a champion in a major international tournament. For players, goalkeepers and supporters, penalties combine technical ability, tactical preparation and intense psychological pressure.
A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits an offence punishable by a direct free kick inside their own penalty area, subject to the Laws of the Game. A penalty kick taken during a match is different from a penalty shootout, which is used to determine a winner when a competition requires one after a drawn match or tie.
Understanding football penalties means knowing when referees award them, where the ball is placed, what goalkeepers are allowed to do, how retakes are decided and how shootouts determine a winner. These rules are governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
What Is a Penalty in Football?
A penalty kick is a direct attempt to score from the penalty mark, awarded after a qualifying direct-free-kick offence by the defending team inside its own penalty area while the ball is in play. The penalty area is the large rectangular area in front of each goal.
Unlike a free kick, where the attacking team may have to beat a defensive wall, a penalty kick creates a direct contest between the identified kicker and the defending goalkeeper. Other players must remain in the required positions until the kick is taken.
A referee may award a penalty for offences such as tripping, pushing, holding, striking or handling the ball illegally inside the penalty area. The exact decision depends on the nature of the incident and the relevant Laws of the Game.
Football Penalty Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Penalty mark | The ball must be stationary, with part of it touching or overhanging the penalty mark. |
| Distance from the ball | Other players must remain at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the penalty mark. |
| Goalkeeper position | The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, between the goalposts and facing the kicker until the ball is kicked, with at least part of one foot touching, in line with or behind the goal line. |
| Direction of the kick | The ball must be kicked forward. A backheel is permitted if the ball moves forward. |
| Second touch | The kicker must not deliberately touch the ball again until another player has touched it. |
| Scoring | A goal can be scored directly from a penalty kick. |
| Retake | A retake may be ordered for certain offences, including qualifying goalkeeper offences when the kick is missed or saved. |
These requirements are set out in IFAB Law 14: The Penalty Kick.
When Is a Penalty Awarded in Football?
A penalty is awarded when a player commits an offence punishable by a direct free kick inside their own penalty area while the ball is in play. The referee considers the action, its location and the applicable rules before making the decision.
1. Fouling an Opponent
Tripping, kicking, pushing, charging illegally, striking or attempting to strike an opponent can result in a penalty when the offence occurs inside the defending team's penalty area and is punishable by a direct free kick.
2. Holding or Pulling
A defender who unfairly holds an opponent's shirt or body to prevent movement may concede a penalty if the offence meets the relevant criteria and takes place inside the penalty area.
3. Handball Offences
Some deliberate or otherwise punishable handling offences inside the penalty area result in a penalty. However, not every contact between the ball and a player's hand or arm is an offence. The referee must apply the handball provisions in the Laws of the Game.
4. Illegal Challenges
A reckless or otherwise punishable challenge inside the penalty area can lead to a penalty. Depending on the offence, the referee may also issue a yellow or red card.
5. Goalkeeper Fouls
A goalkeeper can concede a penalty by committing a qualifying direct-free-kick offence against an opponent inside the penalty area. Goalkeepers are not exempt from the rules governing fouls simply because they are allowed to use their hands within their own penalty area.
How Is a Penalty Kick Taken?
The referee ensures that the ball and players are correctly positioned before signalling for the penalty. The kick must follow the procedure specified in Law 14.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Place the ball | The ball is positioned on the penalty mark and must be stationary. |
| 2. Identify the kicker | The player taking the kick must be clearly identified. |
| 3. Position the goalkeeper | The goalkeeper stands on the goal line between the goalposts and faces the kicker. |
| 4. Position other players | Players must remain outside the penalty area, behind the penalty mark and at least 9.15 metres from the mark. |
| 5. Referee's signal | The referee signals for the kick to be taken once the required positions are satisfied. |
| 6. Take the kick | The kicker strikes the ball forward towards the goal. |
| 7. Continue or restart play | The referee applies the rules according to whether a goal is scored, the ball rebounds, the goalkeeper saves it or an offence occurs. |
Can a Goalkeeper Move Before a Penalty Is Taken?
The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, between the goalposts and facing the kicker until the ball is kicked. At the moment of the kick, at least part of one foot must touch, be in line with or be behind the goal line.
A goalkeeper cannot simply move completely off the goal line before the kick to gain an unfair advantage. If the goalkeeper commits an offence and the penalty is missed or saved, the referee may order a retake under the applicable rules. If the ball enters the goal despite the goalkeeper's offence, the goal is normally awarded.
The goalkeeper may move along the goal line and use body positioning to make the target appear smaller, provided the relevant rules are respected. Goalkeepers also try to read the kicker's body shape, approach, preferred foot and likely direction of the shot.
What Happens if a Penalty Is Missed?
The outcome depends on where the ball goes and whether it remains in play. A missed penalty does not automatically mean that play stops.
| Situation | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| The ball goes wide | A goal kick is normally awarded. |
| The ball goes over the crossbar | A goal kick is normally awarded. |
| The goalkeeper saves the ball and it stays in play | Play continues, and attacking players may try to score from the rebound. |
| The ball hits the post and rebounds into play | Play continues unless the ball goes out or the referee stops play. |
| The kicker touches the ball a second time before another player | An indirect free kick is normally awarded to the defending team, subject to the applicable rules. |
| The goalkeeper commits a qualifying offence and the kick is missed | The referee may order a retake under Law 14. |
A penalty taker cannot normally score from their own rebound without another player touching the ball first. For example, if the kick hits the post and returns directly to the original kicker, that player must not touch it again before another player does.
What Is a Penalty Shootout in Football?
A penalty shootout is a method used to decide a winner when competition regulations require one and the match or tie remains level after the permitted playing time. It is commonly used in knockout tournaments, cup finals and international competitions.
Unlike a penalty awarded during normal play, a shootout takes place after the match has ended. The teams take alternating kicks, and the team scoring more penalties wins. A shootout is not the same as a sequence of penalties awarded during a match.
How Does a Football Penalty Shootout Work?
Under the standard procedure, each team takes up to five kicks, alternating between the two teams. A different eligible player must take each kick until every eligible player has taken one before any player can take a second.
The shootout can finish before all five kicks have been taken by each side. If one team has already scored more goals than the other could possibly reach with its remaining kicks, the shootout ends immediately.
If the teams remain level after five kicks each, the shootout continues in a sudden-death format. Each team takes one kick per round, and the contest ends when both teams have taken the same number of kicks in the round and one has scored while the other has not.
| Stage | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Before the shootout | The referee follows the prescribed procedure to determine the goal and which team kicks first. |
| First five kicks | Teams take alternating kicks, using different eligible players. |
| Early finish | The shootout ends when the other team can no longer catch up with its remaining kicks. |
| Scores level after five each | The shootout moves into additional rounds. |
| Sudden death | Teams continue taking equal numbers of kicks until one leads after both have taken a kick in the same round. |
The exact procedure is described in IFAB Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match.
Penalty Kicks During a Match vs Penalty Shootouts
| Feature | Penalty During a Match | Penalty Shootout |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | During normal time or extra time | After the match has ended |
| Why it happens | A qualifying offence in the penalty area | To decide a winner when required by competition rules |
| Number of kicks | As many as the referee awards during play | Usually up to five per team before possible sudden death |
| Rebounds | The ball may remain in play after a save or rebound | The kick ends when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the referee stops play for an offence |
| Players involved | The kicker, goalkeeper and other players following the Laws of the Game | Eligible players and goalkeepers following the shootout procedure |
| Purpose | To punish a qualifying offence with a direct scoring opportunity | To determine the winner of a tied contest |
Famous Penalty Shootouts in Football History
Penalty shootouts have created some of the most memorable scenes in football. They can turn a match into a test of nerve, with every kick carrying enormous importance for the players and supporters.
1. Brazil vs Italy, 1994 FIFA World Cup Final
Brazil defeated Italy in a penalty shootout after the final ended 0–0 following extra time. Roberto Baggio's missed kick became one of the most widely remembered moments in World Cup history, while Brazil celebrated winning the tournament.
2. Italy vs France, 2006 FIFA World Cup Final
Italy won the 2006 World Cup final against France on penalties after the match finished 1–1 following extra time. The shootout gave Italy its fourth men's World Cup title.
3. Chelsea vs Bayern Munich, 2012 UEFA Champions League Final
Chelsea won the Champions League final on penalties against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Didier Drogba converted the decisive kick after the match ended 1–1 following extra time, giving Chelsea its first European Cup title.
4. Argentina vs France, 2022 FIFA World Cup Final
Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 3–3 draw following extra time. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé both played major roles in the final, but Argentina prevailed in the shootout to win the World Cup.
Text Slider: Important Football Penalty Facts
Why Are Penalties Difficult to Save?
Saving a penalty is difficult because the goalkeeper must react to a powerful shot taken from relatively close range. The kicker can choose the direction, height and pace of the shot, leaving the goalkeeper with very little time to respond.
Goalkeepers study penalty takers, look for clues in their body movement and sometimes anticipate a preferred side. However, a well-placed shot can be extremely difficult to reach even when the goalkeeper guesses correctly.
Penalty takers also face psychological pressure. The crowd, the scoreline, the importance of the competition and the possibility of missing can influence concentration. Successful penalty takers usually combine technique, composure and a clear decision about where to place the ball.
Common Penalty-Kick Mistakes
- Changing the decision too late: Hesitation during the run-up can affect the quality of the strike.
- Putting too much power into the shot: A powerful kick is not always accurate, and a well-placed shot can be more effective.
- Ignoring the goalkeeper: Some takers decide on their target in advance, while others react to the goalkeeper's movement. Either approach requires good execution.
- Violating the rules: Illegal feinting after completing the run-up, a second touch or other offences can result in the kick being recorded as missed or the referee awarding a restart under the Laws of the Game.
- Losing composure: Pressure can affect the run-up, balance and contact with the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Football Penalties
How far is the penalty spot from the goal?
The penalty mark is 11 metres, equivalent to 12 yards, from the midpoint between the goalposts.
Can a goalkeeper move before a penalty kick?
The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, between the goalposts and facing the kicker until the ball is kicked. At the moment of the kick, at least part of one foot must touch, be in line with or be behind the goal line.
Can a penalty taker score from a rebound?
Not directly from their own rebound. The kicker must wait until another player touches the ball before touching it again.
How many penalties does each team take in a shootout?
Each team normally takes up to five kicks in the first round. If the scores remain level, the shootout continues into additional rounds.
What happens if both teams score the same number of penalties?
If the shootout remains level after five kicks each, the teams continue taking kicks in sudden death until one leads after both teams have taken the same number of kicks in a round.
Can a goalkeeper score a penalty?
Yes. A goalkeeper can take a penalty when selected and eligible under the relevant rules. Goalkeepers may also take part in a penalty shootout if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can a referee award a penalty after a handball?
Yes, if the handball is an offence punishable by a direct free kick and occurs inside the offending team's penalty area while the ball is in play.
Does a saved penalty count as a missed penalty?
For ordinary match statistics, a saved kick is generally recorded as a penalty attempt that did not result in a goal. However, the ball may remain in play after the save, allowing another player to score from the rebound.
Can a penalty be retaken?
Yes. A retake may be ordered when certain offences occur, including qualifying goalkeeper offences when the kick is missed or saved. The correct decision depends on the specific incident and the Laws of the Game.
Are penalty shootouts part of normal match time?
No. A penalty shootout is a separate procedure conducted after the match has ended when competition rules require a winner.
Conclusion
Football penalties are a fundamental part of the game, providing a direct scoring opportunity after certain offences inside the penalty area and a method of deciding winners in knockout competitions. Understanding the difference between a penalty during a match and a penalty shootout helps explain why the rules and outcomes can differ.
From the position of the ball and goalkeeper to the rules on rebounds and sudden death, each detail matters. Penalties also remain a test of technique, preparation and composure, producing memorable moments that can define a player's career or a team's place in football history.
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