Fifty years later, Panenka penalties celebrate a unique legacy
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 6:00 AM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026

August 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Antonin Panenka's iconic penalty that secured the European Championship for Czechoslovakia. As part of the commemoration, a selection of 50 notable attempts at the Panenka penalty will be highlighted. The move gained wider recognition during Euro 2000 when Francesco Totti executed it, reviving interest in the technique. This retrospective reflects on the evolution of this signature shot in soccer.
- •The classic Panenka penalty was first executed by Antonin Panenka in 1976.
- •Francesco Totti popularized the shot during Euro 2000, enhancing its status in soccer.
- •Fifty notable Panenka attempts will be showcased as part of the commemoration.
- 6:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — On the spot: 50 of the most famous – and infamous – Panenka penalties of all time
"The 50th anniversary is the perfect time to remember 50 of the most famous – and infamous – attempts at the Czech’s chip It is 50 years since Antonin Panenka won the European Championship for Czechoslovakia with the most audacious penalty ever taken. His signature chip wasn’t instantly eponymous. A search of the British newspaper archives shows that it was barely mentioned until Francesco Totti dusted it off for the internet generation at Euro 2000. It was at least another decade before Panenka was commonly used as a noun, and it did not have its own Wikipedia page until 2014, but in 2026 every football fan has an idea of what it means. The 50th anniversary is the perfect time to remember 50 of the most famous – and infamous – attempts. Continue reading...
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