Psychology explains why football’s biggest stars face extra pressure during penalty shootouts

Penalty shootouts are among the most edge-of-the-seat dramatic moments in sports. For a few seconds, an entire match, and sometimes an entire tournament, can come down to one player standing 12 yards away from the goal. Millions of fans watch every movement, every facial expression, and every kick. While supporters often assume that football’s biggest stars have an advantage because of their talent and experience, psychology research suggests the opposite can sometimes happen.

Elite players often carry greater expectations than others. Fans expect them to score, teammates look toward them in key moments, and media attention can magnify every success or mistake. That pressure can create a mental challenge that goes far beyond technique or skill. Researchers who have studied penalty shootouts over the years say performance under extreme pressure is heavily influenced by emotions, decision-making, and the way the brain reacts in stressful situations. Here is why football's biggest stars may sometimes feel a heavier burden during penalties.

FAME CAN BECOME AN EXTRA WEIGHT


A study titled 'When Superstars Flop: Public Status and Choking Under Pressure' by sports psychologist Geir Jordet examined major international penalty shootouts and found an interesting pattern. The research suggested that players with higher public status sometimes performed worse under pressure compared with players carrying less attention. The reason may be simple. Star players are expected to deliver in crucial moments. Missing a penalty for a superstar can lead to headlines, criticism, and endless social media discussions. The fear of failure can become stronger than the desire to succeed.


FEAR OF LOSING CHANGES THE MIND

Another study by Geir Jordet and Esther Hartman, Avoidance Motivation and Choking Under Pressure in Soccer Penalty Shootouts, analyzed hundreds of penalties from major tournaments. Researchers found that players under 'must-score' situations often showed signs of increased pressure and stress.
Instead of thinking about scoring, players may start thinking about avoiding mistakes. Psychologists call this 'avoidance motivation'. When athletes focus more on not failing, they can become tense and change natural movements.

PRESSURE CAN AFFECT DECISION-MAKING AND BODY CONTROL

A 2023 study published in 'Psychology of Sport and Exercise' by Michel Brinkschulte, Fabian Wunderlich, Philip Furley, and Daniel Memmert examined more than 1,700 penalties from international competitions. Researchers found that high-pressure situations increased the chances of players missing the target entirely. Stress can influence concentration and muscle control. A player may overthink a kick that would normally happen naturally. Instead of trusting instinct and training, the brain starts analyzing every detail.


THE MENTAL BATTLE STARTS BEFORE THE KICK

Research also suggests that pressure begins before players even strike the ball. A 2009 study called 'Temporal Links to Performing Under Pressure in International Soccer Penalty Shootouts', written by Geir Jordet, Esther Hartman, and Einar Sigmundstad, found that behavior before a penalty could reveal signs of anxiety. Players under greater stress sometimes rushed preparation routines or displayed nervous body language. Small changes in behavior can affect focus and confidence during crucial moments.

All these factors clearly explain why penalty shootouts continue to surprise football fans. Skill matters, but psychology can matter just as much. Even the world's biggest stars are still human, and under the brightest spotlight, the mind can become football's toughest opponent.