Panenka

American  

[puh-nen-kuh] / pəˈnɛn kə /

noun

Soccer.

1. a method for taking a penalty kick in which the player takes a slow, gently arching shot to the center of goal because the goalie is likely to have lunged to one side in anticipation of a faster ball targeting one of the goal’s edges.

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Etymology

Origin of Panenka

First recorded in 2000–05; named after Czech soccer player Antonín Panenka (born 1948)

Example Sentences

While West Ham are celebrating their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Ouattara will be regretting his costly decision to try a Panenka in Monday night's tense penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Mbappe's team-mate Brahim Diaz, who missed a similar attempted Panenka penalty for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, was on the pitch to see it as he returned to action for his club.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Mbappe's team-mate Brahim Diaz, who missed a similar attempted Panenka penalty for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, was on the pitch to see it as he returned to action for his club.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

France legend Zinedine Zidane has a claim for taking the most high-pressure Panenka, in the 2006 World Cup final with his penalty hitting the underside of the crossbar and just crossing the line.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Is a Panenka ever the right choice for a penalty?

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026