The Panenka penalty celebrates its birthday today, 48 years on since the eponymous Antonin Panenka won the 1976 European Championships for Czechoslovakia with a delicately chipped spot-kick.
Czechoslovakia won the tournament that year, held in Yugoslavia, defeating holders West Germany in the final following a 2–2 draw after extra time.
In modern football, the Panenka lives on as a household name – the cheekiest of set-pieces any player can vouch for from 12 yards, that only the bravest and most cool-headed penalty takers are capable of.
In recent years, three iron-stomached Celtic players come to mind who've executed the Panenka under pressure, on the biggest of stages, with the most flawless technique.
So Happy Birthday, the Panenka penalty. Let's celebrate with three of Celtic's best.
3. Odsonne Edouard
Celtic vs Copenhagen
UEFA Europa League
February 27, 2020
After drawing 1-1 with the Danish side in Copenhagen, Celtic had high hopes when bringing the second leg of their last-32 UEFA Europa encounter to Celtic Park. Celtic were ultimately undone 3-1 on the night, but Odsonne Edouard scored the cheekiest of Panenkas to restore parity on the scoreboard at 1-1 – with just seven minutes of normal time remaining.
Two quick-fire goals from the visitors after that killed any optimism in the final stretch, but the Frenchman's spot-kick was nevertheless a thing of beauty.
2. Matt O'Riley
Rangers vs Celtic
Scottish Premiership
April 7, 2024
To take a pressure penalty requires nerves at the best of times. But to do so against your rivals, away from home, in a stadium void of away supporters entirely requires a different level of calm. Step forward Matt O'Riley, who not only scored from the spot to extend Celtic's lead against Rangers at Ibrox to 2-0 in that moment, but did so with an expertly-weighted Panenka penalty that left goalkeeper Jack Butland with no hope whatsoever.
Who knows what the future holds for the Danish midfielder at Celtic, but this moment will live long in the memory no matter what unfolds.
1. Moussa Dembele
![Matt O'Riley's Panenka penalty against Rangers]()
Matt O'Riley's Panenka penalty against Rangers (Image: SNS)
Celtic vs Rangers
Scottish Cup
April 15, 2018
To overcome your rivals 4-0 at Hampden in the Scottish Cup is a reward unto itself, but Moussa Dembele's Panenka penalty at the national stadium was over and above the standout moment of that Glasgow derby triumph. Not only was it the best goal of the afternoon, in many ways it summed up Celtic's season to that point: confident, full of swagger and laser-focused on success.
Brendan Rodgers and side went on to win the Double Treble that season – two weeks later winning the Scottish Premiership in a 5-0 demolition of Rangers at Celtic Park – and Dembele's incredible spot-kick was easily one of the best goals scored en route to that domestic clean sweep.
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