Mario Balotelli and the 6 Best Penalty Takers in World Football Right Now

Taking a good penalty consistently requires impeccable technique and execution. It also requires a self-belief and confidence in oneself that can occasionally border on the obnoxious. 

No surprise then, that Milan striker and ever-reliable headline generator Mario Balotelli is one of the best around when it comes to converting from 12 yards out. 

But who else in world football can match the ex-Inter and Manchester City star from the spot? Here are six of the very best takers from across the globe; of course, headed by none other than Super Mario himself. 

Rogerio Ceni

There is a long and rich tradition of South American goalkeepers refusing to simply keep the ball out of their own net, but going up and getting their own names on the scoresheet.

Jose Luis Chilavert, Rene Higuita and (just outside of the region) Mexico's Jorge Campos were some of the finest exampless of shot-stoppers making their mark at the other end, but none come close to Sao Paulo legend Rogerio Ceni. 

Still playing at 40 years old, the Brazilian has amassed an astonishing 112 goals between free kicks and penalties, a mark that is unlikely to ever be beaten by another keeper. A fan of the big blast from 12 yards out, Ceni's record includes a 21-goal season in 2005; a ratio of one goal every four games than many strikers (naming no names) would be pleased to reach. 

Sebastian Abreu

The Uruguayan is another South American veteran who makes it onto our list, and with good reason. Now playing with Rosario Central of Argentina at the grand old age of 36, El Loco still has the magic touch when it comes to converting from the spot. 

Aside from the eponymous inventor of the kick, Abreu is perhaps one of the premier exponents of the "Panenka" penalty. Not only that, but the larger-than-life striker even had the guts to use the trick on the deciding kick of a World Cup shootout, sending Ghana home with a nonchalant flick of his boot. 

Even in the twilight of a career that has seen him play for a staggering 19 different clubs, Abreu is still going strong, and when Central win a penalty, there is only one man they turn to. 

Steven Gerrard

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A great conversion rate is not the only prerequisite for entering this list of the best penalty takers. Some, like Liverpool's stalwart Steven Gerrard, have earned their place by hitting home from the spot consistently when it really mattered. 

The midfielder made the scoresheet for the Reds for a record, 15th consecutive season at the weekend. Of course, the goal came from a penalty, drilled home to perfection by the Liverpool idol.  

Gerrard likes to blast home his spot-kicks in the same way he has smashed so many memorable long-range efforts over the years, but he does it with an accuracy that rarely fails. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

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Like most of Cristiano Ronaldo's attributes and statistics, it is not usually a single, game-winning or historic moment that comes to mind that marks him out as special. It is sheer force of numbers that win the Madrid star his place on the list. 

Ronaldo has converted 28 of his 30 penalties in the last three Liga seasons, giving him an impressive 93.3 percent accuracy rate that puts him alongside the very best takers. High, low, left, right or centre, the power and precision with which the Portugal international hits his efforts make them devilishly difficult to stop. 

Andrea Pirlo

Aside from a certain physical resemblance, Juventus veteran and all-round wizard on the ball Andrea Pirlo shares something else with El Loco Abreu. Both have attempted Panenka penalties at crucial points of an international tournament, and both have succeeded. 

Pirlo, one of the greatest dead-ball specialists currently active, had his moment of glory in Euro 2012's penalty shootout against England. The fact Italy were trailing in the quarter-final did not faze the midfielder, neither did Joe Hart's flailing and theatrics in goal that were soon to look rather ridiculous. 

The ice-cold playmaker chipped down the middle as the Manchester City keeper threw himself to the right, setting Italy on the way to victory after a blow England could not recover from. 

Mario Balotelli

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September 22 was a landmark day for Mario Balotelli. Napoli goalkeeper Jose Reina guessed right and kept out the flamboyant striker's penalty, the first time that he has ever erred from the spot in a competitive match. 

Despite the end of a 26-penalty winning streak, it should not deter Super Mario for long. Even the best make mistakes; and with his combination of brilliant ability and sky-high confidence, Balotelli will not hesitate in asking for the ball again the next time a decision goes Milan's way.