A self-punching functional element serves for fastening to a workpiece, in particular to a high-strength sheet metal part, and comprises a functional section; and a fastening section that has a contact surface for an engagement of a setting device, an end face remote from the contact surface, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the contact surface and the end face. The end face is radially outwardly bounded by a punching edge for punching a slug out of the workpiece, and at least one projection is provided at the outer peripheral surface adjacent to the contact surface, said projection rising from the outer peripheral surface in a radial direction and extending further outwardly in the radial direction than the punching edge.