Penalty shootouts have become an indispensable part of football, especially in tense, decisive matches. These moments often create unforgettable drama, when players have to face enormous pressure to bring victory to their team. However, in football history, there are special penalty shootouts that fans cannot forget, not only because of their length but also because of the emotional situations. One of the longest penalty shootouts left the entire football world amazed and in awe, when the players went through a series of tense kicks and ended in a draw. Today, let’s Bestsoccertips.com learn about the top 8 longest penalty shootout in football history through the article below!
Top 8 longest penalty shootout in football history
8. Liverpool 14-13 Middlesbrough: 30 penalties
This match, a dramatic confrontation between Middlesbrough and Liverpool under the leadership of coach Brendan Rodgers, will forever be an unforgettable memory in football history. Both teams played fiercely and constantly gave fans eye-catching plays. Liverpool, despite dominating the game, could not finish off their opponents in regular time. Just when it seemed that victory was in the hands of Rodgers’ team, Middlesbrough’s Patrick Bamford suddenly shone, scoring in extra time to equalize the score and drag the match into a penalty shootout.
After the tense minutes passed, the match was decided by a dramatic penalty. Middlesbrough had the opportunity to win win, but they missed the final penalty. This was the turning point of the match, as Liverpool took their chances and won after 30 penalties, creating an unforgettable result. The final penalties brought Liverpool a lucky victory, but no less deserved after a dramatic moment.
7. Worcester 13-14 Scunthorpe: 32 penalties
The longest penalty shootout in FA Cup history took place between Scunthorpe and Worcester, as the two teams faced each other in a tense and dramatic match. This match kept fans glued to the screen, as a total of 32 penalties were taken. Each kick was filled with pressure, with the suspense lasting, as the two teams overcame each difficult challenge.
Scunthorpe showed their mettle in winning a tense penalty shootout, while Worcester were defeated after missing the decisive spot-kick in the last minute. With this result, Scunthorpe progressed to the next round of the FA Cup, a dramatic and unforgettable victory, a testament to the relentless fighting spirit of the players.
6. Netherlands U21 13-12 England U21: 32 penalties
The European Under-21 Championship is where young stars represent their countries, trying to make a name for themselves and prove their talent on the pitch. One of the notable matches of the tournament was the dramatic confrontation between the Netherlands and England in the semi-finals. The two teams gave fans a performance full of youthful energy and a thirst for victory. Both teams showed excellent technique and strong fighting spirit, making the match extremely tense.
Although England played with great effort and created many chances, the Netherlands showed more courage in the decisive minutes. Finally, after a series of tense situations, England missed the decisive penalty kick, which opened up the opportunity for the Netherlands to score the decisive goal. This victory helped the Netherlands advance to the final, thereby continuing their journey to conquer the European U21 Championship title.
5. Preston 16-15 Fulham: 34 Penalties
A remarkable record was set this year, 2024, when Premier League side Fulham faced a tough test in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout. The match was played in a tense atmosphere, with both teams showing determination to win, with Fulham not expecting to go to the deciding penalty shootout.
In this dramatic penalty shootout, Fulham were stunned to see their opponents overcome them brilliantly. The high-pressure penalties did not go in the capital side’s favour, and in the end, they had to accept defeat in an unexpected result. This match not only created a new record in the history of the Carabao Cup but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Fulham fans.
4. Old Wulfrunians 19-18 Lane Head: 44 Penalties
The JW Hunt Cup, a non-league competition, saw a thrilling encounter between Old Wulfrunians and Lane Head. Although neither team played in the top flight, the match was not without tension and excitement. After a draw in regular time, a penalty shootout was the deciding factor. A total of 44 penalties were taken between the two teams, each one carrying a huge amount of pressure.
After a long and dramatic penalty shootout, Old Wulfrunians emerged victorious. Despite Lane Head’s best efforts, they were unable to overcome the challenge of the final penalty. When Lane Head missed the decisive kick, Old Wulfrunians took the opportunity to win, a thrilling and unforgettable victory in JW Hunt Cup history.
3. KK Palace 17-16 The Civics: 48 penalties
The screams of excitement and tension rang out in the 2005 Namibia Cup final, as both teams went into a penalty shootout after the scores were level at 2-2 after normal time. It was a thrilling game, with both KK Palace and Civics showing no less strength and determination. With all hopes pinned on the penalty shootout, 48 penalties were taken between the two teams, each carrying a bit of luck and unforgettable pressure.
In the end, KK Palace emerged victorious and were crowned champions after a lengthy penalty shootout. Civics missed the decisive penalty in the last minute, which opened the door for KK Palace to score the winning goal and win the cup. This was not only a team victory, but also one of the longest penalty shootouts in the history of the Namibia Cup, leaving an indelible mark on football fans.
2. Washington 25-24 Bedlington: 54 penalties
A tense penalty shootout took place after the first round of the Memorial Cup ended in a 3-3 draw, which went into extra time. Both teams refused to give up and fought to the end, bringing the match to a ruthless contest. After being unable to determine a winner in regular time and extra time, the final decision was made in a penalty shootout. In total, 54 penalties were taken between the two teams, making this the second longest penalty shootout in football history.
After a long and tense penalty shootout, Washington emerged victorious and advanced to the next round of the Memorial Cup. Their determination and grit helped them overcome their opponents in the final minutes, securing a dramatic victory. This was one of those games that will go down in history with an unforgettable penalty shootout, marking a significant step forward in Washington’s journey in the tournament.
1. SC Dimona 23-22 Shimshon Tel Aviv: 56 penalties
In May 2024, a memorable record was set in the world of football, when the promotion play-off semi-final between SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv went down in history. Both teams played an extremely tense match, with neither team scoring a decisive goal after regulation time and extra time. As a result, the match had to go into a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In a suffocating atmosphere, players from both teams faced a series of shots, creating a match that will be remembered for its extreme tension.
The penalty shootout between SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv lasted a record-breaking amount, with a total of 58 penalties taken. It was not only a battle of technique, but also a battle of wits, as each penalty kick could change the outcome of the match. After a long and relentless shootout, SC Dimona finally won, overcoming Shimshon Tel Aviv in a dramatic moment. With this victory, they made history, setting a record that is not easy to break in the promotion play-offs.
Conclusion
longest penalty shootout in football history is not only a memorable sporting event, but also a testament to the perseverance and never-give-up fighting spirit of the players. Those moments have become a part of the legend in the hearts of fans, engraved in the memories of those who witnessed it. No matter the result, matches with long penalty shootouts will always be endless stories about love, passion and the drama of football.
See more: Overwhelmed by the top 10 most expensive football player transfers