Football : d’où vient « La Panenka » : ce geste audacieux qui vaut aujourd’hui toutes les critiques à Brahim Diaz ?
Football can be cruel. By attempting a Panenka penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal (0-1), Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz drew a barrage of criticism from across the football world. Judged arrogant by some, clumsy by others, his gesture nevertheless has a noble history, marked by courage and genius. Before him, legends like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Francesco Totti executed this shot brilliantly and successfully, etching their names into the annals of football history.
But where does this famous "Panenka" really come from?
The origins of a gesture that has become legendary
To understand, we must go back to June 20, 1976, in Belgrade, then in Yugoslavia. That evening, Czechoslovakia faced the formidable West Germany, led by the illustrious Franz Beckenbauer, in the final of the European Nations Championship.
After a hard-fought match, the two teams finished with a 2-2 draw. Unable to separate them during regulation time and extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
The Germans miss an attempt. Everything then rests on the shoulders of Antonin Panenka, the Czechoslovakian midfielder. If he scores, his country will be crowned European champions.
Facing him was the imposing Sepp Maier, one of the best goalkeepers of the era. The pressure was immense. Yet Panenka kept his composure. Rather than shooting hard to the side, he dared the unthinkable: a delicate flick straight down the middle of the goal. Maier dived, the ball dropped gently into the center… goal!
Czechoslovakia are European champions. Antonin Panenka has just invented a move that will forever bear his name.
A stroke of genius that became a symbol of audacity
Since that day, this subtle way of taking a penalty has become legendary. The "Panenka" has become a symbol of audacity, self-control, and extreme confidence. Many great players have tried it successfully, thrilling stadiums and making history: Zidane in the World Cup final, Totti at the Euros, Messi in La Liga, Ronaldinho at Barça…
But this move remains risky. If executed poorly, it can turn ridiculous, as Brahim Diaz recently experienced. Yet, by attempting a Panenka, the Moroccan striker joins the ranks of the audacious, those who dare when the pressure is at its highest.
Antonin Panenka, the man behind the legend
Now 77 years old, Antonin Panenka made football history with that single move. During his career, he played for clubs including Bohemians Prague and Rapid Vienna. Surprisingly, despite his historic feat in the 1976 European Championship final, Panenka subsequently decided not to attempt this unique penalty kick in any other matches, preferring not to trivialize this momentous occasion.
If Brahim Diaz is being criticized today, it's also because the "Panenka" penalty doesn't forgive mistakes. This shot isn't just a technical skill; it's a message: that of a confident player, ready to defy fate. When he succeeds, he's celebrated. When he fails, he's pilloried.
But ultimately, attempting a Panenka is about accepting the risk, honoring the spirit of football and following in the footsteps of Antonin Panenka, the man who, one evening in June 1976, dared to defy the world… and entered into legend.
Commentaires (4)
Ça ne va rien changer à votre misère
Ce qui est plus grave encore c’est quand Moulaye Rachid a boudé la remise du trophée au capitaine du Sénégal et tout le monde l a vu et personne n a crié au scandale c est honteux tout ça
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