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

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

However, his Euros-winning effort brought the technique to a wider audience and the Panenka was born.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

In the 50 years since Panenka brought the dinked penalty to prominence, it has gradually become more common.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026