Ranked! The top 15 footballers with the most freekick goals in football history

Rarely does any action on the football pitch capture the hearts of fans quite like witnessing a ball elegantly curled over a wall of players, gracefully dipping into the corner of the net, rendering the goalkeeper utterly helpless.

A true embodiment of a classic freekick.

The successful execution of free-kicks demands a harmonious blend of skill, technique, and cleverness.

An invaluable addition to any team is a dependable free-kick specialist, and it comes as no surprise that players devote countless hours on the training ground perfecting their freekick abilities.

In the blink of an eye, they have the power to alter the course of a match, turning it in their team's favour with their freekick prowess.

Throughout the years, we have been privileged to witness an array of exceptional freekick takers from around the globe, and now, Sports Brief has curated a selection of the absolute finest among them.

15. Andrea Pirlo – 46 freekicks

The former midfield maestro of Milan and Juventus is widely revered as one of the greatest free-kick takers in the annals of football history. His lethal precision from dead-ball situations can be attributed to his distinctive set of skills and techniques.

Pirlo was celebrated for his composure and ingenuity, solidifying his position as one of the sport's all-time midfield legends, per BBC.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pirlo tirelessly pursued the art of the perfect free-kick. His quest led him to a revelation—the technique of striking the ball with just three toes instead of the conventional five. This revelation granted him the ability to generate the essential whip, enabling him to expertly curl the ball towards the goal with utmost precision.

14. Michael Platini – 50 free-kicks

Platini stood tall as one of the era's greatest players, and his reputation as a lethal set-piece taker was legendary in the 1980s, per Deutsche Welle.

Hailing from France and representing Juventus with distinction, Platini's craft as a midfielder was unparalleled, particularly when it came to strategic freekick execution.

His innate talent allowed him to place the ball with pinpoint accuracy, leaving opponents guessing his next move. Whether gracefully slotting the ball into the top corner or unleashing a powerful drive towards the goal, Platini's free-kick-taking prowess remained a constant marvel, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

13. Alessandro Del Piero - 52 freekicks

Alessandro Del Piero undoubtedly stands as one of the most gifted players in the storied history of Serie A and Italian football. Throughout his illustrious career, he etched a remarkable record of 52 successful free-kicks, a testament to his mastery in dead-ball situations.

As a formidable forward with an uncanny ability to find the back of the net, Del Piero's free-kick technique was a force to be reckoned with—predictable, yet virtually unstoppable. His trademark high, curling strike had an extraordinary ability to dip sharply, rendering even the most adept goalkeepers utterly helpless against the pinpoint accuracy of this skilled Italian marksman.

12. Marcelinho Carioca – 59 freekicks

Marcelinho Carioca was no stranger to off-field controversies, often finding himself in disputes with coaches. However, his true brilliance shone through on the pitch as a formidable free-kick specialist.

From any position, whether near or far from the goal, Marcelinho possessed an extraordinary range of skills. With remarkable precision, he could strike the ball with force or delicacy, infusing it with swerve, dip, curve, or any other desired trajectory. It was his unparalleled mastery in dead-ball situations that earned him the revered nickname "Pe-de-Anjo" (Angel Foot).

11. Ronaldo Koeman - 60 freekicks

Ronald Koeman's playing career was highlighted by his exceptional expertise as a free-kick specialist. His iconic free-kick, which he delivered against Sampdoria in 1992 at Wembley, granted Barcelona their inaugural European Cup triumph.

As a remarkably versatile player, Koeman garnered admiration for his impeccable penalty-taking abilities, long-range shots, and commanding free-kicks. An extraordinary feat defines his legacy—Koeman holds the record for the most goals scored by a defender in the history of soccer. So impressive is his goal-scoring record that many midfielders and even strikers wouldn't mind emulating the goal-scoring prowess of this Dutch football legend.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo - 60 freekicks

During his prime, Ronaldo showcased remarkable prowess in taking free kicks. His unique trademark pose when standing over the ball became synonymous with his free-kick technique. The Portugal captain's free kicks were a sight to behold, delivering stunning pace and power when executed flawlessly, establishing him as one of the most formidable free-kick takers of all time.

A testament to his free-kick prowess was when Sir Alex Ferguson praised Ronaldo's free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 as the best he had ever witnessed. Such praise speaks volumes about Ronaldo's exceptional abilities from set-piece situations.

His status as one of the greatest football players in history is firmly cemented. Even in recent times, he continues to showcase his free-kick brilliance, as seen in his last two free-kick goals for Al-Nassr against Abha in the Saudi Pro League and against Liechtenstein in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Ronaldo's mastery in taking free kicks remains an integral part of his legendary football legacy.

9. Rogerio Ceni – 61 freekicks

Regarded as one of Brazil's all-time greatest goalkeepers, Rogerio Ceni etched his name in football history by becoming the goalkeeper with the most goals scored. An astounding total of 131 goals graced his remarkable career, with the majority originating from free kicks and penalties, leaving just a single goal attributed to open play.

Ceni's exceptional skill lay in his uncanny ability to place the ball precisely where he desired. His free-kicks were a masterclass in precision, frequently finding the top corner of the net or eluding the goalkeeper's grasp, just out of reach. Such precision propelled him to be among the football players with the most free-kick goals in the annals of the sport..

8. Zico – 62 freekick goals

Despite being credited with over 100 free-kick goals throughout his career, only 62 of them were officially recognized. Zico's free-kick technique was nothing short of tremendous, consistently guiding the ball into the top corner, well beyond the grasp of opposing goalkeepers.

His expertise in scoring from free-kicks was particularly evident when the set piece was positioned close to the penalty area. Zico had his trademark two-step run-up, setting himself up for a lethal strike that often found the back of the net with remarkable precision.

7. Diego Maradona – 62 freekicks

While Diego Maradona is predominantly celebrated for his mesmerizing dribbles, intelligent passes, and all-encompassing play, he was also a deadly force whenever his team won a free-kick in dangerous positions.

With his left foot, Maradona possessed an almost magical command over dead balls, capable of executing a myriad of techniques.

Whether gracefully placing it into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area, elegantly lifting it up and over the wall from 25 yards, or unleashing a thunderous strike around a wall from 30 yards, Maradona was a master of them all. His free-kick prowess added another layer to his already illustrious football legacy.

6. Lionel Messi - 63 freekicks

Messi's remarkable skills allow him to curl the ball with precision into either corner of the net, using his creativity and ingenuity to outsmart goalkeepers effortlessly. Furthermore, he stands tall as one of today's finest set-piece takers in football.

This football legend possesses a natural talent for striking the ball cleanly, perfectly blending power and spin to craft a swerving or dipping trajectory that proves incredibly challenging for any goalkeeper to save. His set-pieces are a testament to his finesse and mastery of the game, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

Messi's 62nd free-kick goal marked a monumental milestone, being the 800th goal of his illustrious career. He achieved this feat in a breathtaking manner, propelling Argentina to a 2-0 victory against Panama in a memorable match in Buenos Aires.

In yet another extraordinary moment, Messi scored his 63rd free-kick goal—an astounding late-minute winner—during his debut for Inter Miami. This mesmerizing achievement showcased his unwavering brilliance on the field, leaving fans in awe of his unparalleled talent.

5. David Beckham – 65 freekicks

Renowned as one of the most iconic techniques in football, the former England captain's prowess from free-kicks remains a topic of constant discussion.

The phrase 'Bend it like Beckham' has become immortalized in popular culture, frequently uttered by football commentators to describe such exquisite skill.

With his magical right foot, Beckham left an indelible mark, netting an impressive total of 65 freekicks throughout his illustrious playing career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the England National team.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star's ability to bend the ball with grace and precision elevated him to a legendary status as one of the finest freekick takers in the history of the sport.

4. Victor Legrottaglie – 66 freekicks

Next on the list of greatest free-kick takers in history is a terrain Argentine named Victor Legrottaglie.

Victor Legrottaglie may not be the first three names you will remember if asked to mention Argentine Legends, but this man was a free-kick genius.

He spent his entire professional career in the Argentine league and would score from set-piece situations like it’s ABC. Although he received offers from top club like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid, he preferred to remain in his Homeland until his retirement in 1074.

Surprisingly, Victor Legrottaglie sits ahead of Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme Lionel Messi as the most prolific Argentinean free-kick taker.

3. Ronaldinho – 66 freekicks

Ronaldinho is widely considered as the standout player of the late 90s and the 2000s, a true football marvel. Among his array of incredible tricks and flicks, his proficiency in scoring from direct free kicks set him apart.

The buck-toothed Brazilian maestro possessed a rare talent for bending the ball with precision from set-piece situations.

His ability to find the back of the net from direct free kicks further solidified his status as one of the all-time greats, leaving fans in awe of his mesmerizing skills on the field.

From long-range dipping efforts to cleverly rolled shots under a jumping wall, Ronaldinho amassed an impressive tally of 66 goals from direct free-kicks. His proficiency in converting such opportunities showcased his exceptional skill and finesse, solidifying his reputation as one of the most extraordinary free-kick takers in the history of football.


2. Pele – 70 freekicks

The Brazilian football legend stands as a strong contender for the title of the greatest football player of all time. Among his myriad of talents, goal-scoring remains a shining aspect.

Having secured the prestigious World Cup title three times, he etched an extraordinary achievement, netting over 1000 goals throughout his illustrious career.

Of these impressive numbers, an astounding 70 were scored from free-kicks. Such a feat speaks volumes of his unmatched skills and legacy as one of the most prolific goal-scorers and revered free-kick specialists in the history of the beautiful game.

1. Juninho Pernambucano – 77 freekicks

When it comes to freekicks, Juninho Pernambucano stands unrivalled, leaving football fans in awe with his extraordinary skill and precision. The Brazilian midfielder mesmerized audiences with a series of sublime free-kicks during his illustrious career.

Playing a pivotal role, Juninho played a vital part in Lyon's domination of French football in the early 2000s, leading them to seven Ligue 1 titles and delivering moments of sheer brilliance from set-plays.