Most Free-Kick Goals in Football History: Top 10 Players Ranked All-Time | What is a Free Kick? | Longest Free-Kick Scored & More

In football, scoring a free kick isn’t a feat like any other. It’s one of the most difficult arts of the game, demanding immense practice, accuracy, focus, and most importantly, the confidence to score one.

Every time a player steps up to take a free kick, they must back themselves, as all the eyes in the stadium, including those of the 21 other players and the staff of both teams, are fixed on them, waiting to see what they will do. When that ball curls into the back of the net, the adrenaline rush shared by the player, teammates, staff, and fans is unmatched.

So let us celebrate the masters of this craft. Here is the updated list of players with the most free-kick goals in football history (Top 10 Ranked)

Top 10 Players With Most Free Kick Goals Of All Time

Special Mention:- Ronald Koeman (60 goals)

Before starting the list, we wanted to discuss an unexpected name of a defender here who slightly failed to make the cut. We are talking about the Barcelona and Dutch legend Ronald Koeman. While he was known for being a tough wall at the back for Barcelona and the Netherlands national team that they could rely on, Koeman was also known for his thunderous and powerful right foot with laser-sharp accuracy, which tells us a different story about his attacking abilities. He used to be one of the most feared free-kick takers of his time, known for his powerful shots that blasted the nets off, tearing through the defense wall and goalkeepers. Koeman has scored a staggering 60 goals from free kicks in his career.

Breakdown

10. Rogerio Ceni (61 goals)

The most surprising name on this list has to be the Brazilian goalkeeper, Rogério Ceni. The São Paulo legend wasn’t just a reliable shot-stopper between the posts, but he used to be regarded as a set-piece specialist during his time at Brazil. In a historically rare sight for football viewers, he was one of the very few, perhaps from a list of just a handful of goalkeepers, who stepped up for free kicks and even for penalties for his team. Ceni has scored a stunning 61 goals from free-kicks over his remarkable career, proving that a man can master the art of scoring while being the one who prevents them.

9. Diego Maradona (62 goals)

The “GOD” of football was undoubtedly a master at set pieces. Diego Maradona’s brilliance was not just limited to his mesmerizing dribbling and genius playmaking, but it also extended to a sharp and precise left foot, which often produced moments of pure magic. Especially in dead-ball situations, he displayed an unmatched finesse, scoring 62 goals from free kicks over his legendary career.

8. Zico (62 goals)

The legendary Brazilian playmaker was a true master in the middle of the park, who was known for orchestrating the play for his team between the midfield and attack. Zico’s curling free kicks became a trademark over his brilliant career, as he netted 62 goals from set pieces with flawless precision and power, cementing his place among the greatest playmakers from Brazil.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (64 goals and counting)

Coming to one of the biggest legends the game has ever produced– We are talking about none other than El Bicho or Cristiano Ronaldo. His career, spanning over two decades, has been nothing short of a spectacle. Besides being known for his incredible athleticism, powerful shots, and flamboyant nature, Ronaldo has also established himself as a free-kick specialist. His unique knuckleball technique left goalkeepers frozen as the ball dipped and swerved its way into the net. Ronaldo has scored a staggering 64 free-kick goals over his stunning career.

6. David Beckham (65 goals)

“Bend it like Beckham,” we have all heard this phrase at some point in our lifetime, and for good reasons. David Beckham, back in his playing days, used to be a “fashion icon” not only off the pitch, but also for being a master on it as well. With his exceptional vision, inch-perfect crossing, pinpoint passing abilities, and, most importantly, his trademark curling shots, Beckham was a treat to watch on the field. With his flawless technique and precision, and all the mentioned abilities combined, Beckham was known for his insane set-piece abilities, through which he produced numerous moments of brilliance, which brought him the fame of being one of the finest free-kick takers in his era, which gave birth to one of the most iconic phrases in football history, which we mentioned for his introduction. Over his star-studded career, Beckham has scored 65 free-kick goals, cementing his legacy as an Icon of football, not only for his style off the pitch but for his pure elegance on it as well.

5. Víctor Legrotaglie (66 goals)

Often called the “Maestro of Mendoza”, Victor Legrotaglie was an Argentine legend from the 1960s and 70s. He used to be known for his exceptional technique and ability to bend the ball with pinpoint precision. Legrotaglie used to be a nightmare for goalkeepers on free kicks, as he scored around 66 goals from set pieces throughout his career. Legrotaglie earned a reputation as one of South America’s most deadly set-piece specialists, even if he didn’t achieve the same global fame as some of the other names in this list.

4. Ronaldinho (68 goals)

A household name during the 2000s that never failed to bring a smile to every football fan when he stepped onto the pitch. Ronaldinho used to be known for his trickery, skills, and unmatched flamboyance that used to bring joy to the football viewers. He was not only known for being a mere ‘showboater’ but also for his relentless goalscoring and visionary playmaking as well. His moments of magic were not limited to his dribbling, scoring, or passing abilities, but also extended to the point of his unmatched finesse with free kicks, as he scored 68 free-kick goals throughout his magical career, earning his spot amongst the best set-piece specialists of all time.

3. Lionel Messi (69 goals and counting)

Starting the Top 3 list, we have the “GOAT” of football here. A household name over the last decade, earning the ‘Superstar’ tag for his on-field magic with amazing dribbling, playmaking, and shooting abilities with his needle-like sharp left foot. We are talking about the “Man”, the “Myth”, the “Legend” Lionel Andreas Messi. Messi was not always the primary free-kick taker of his team, at least till 2012 till when he had already started to gain much recognition and began to be regarded amongst the greats. His dedication, relentless practice, and determination have brought his then hidden attribute of free kicks to prominence in front of the world. Messi has now scored a staggering 69 free-kick goals in his career, and he stands at such a point in his career that a free kick seems easier for him to score than a penalty; he seems to be the only one at the doorstep as of now to break the record for most free-kick goals, as it looks.

2. Pelé (70 goals)

El Rey, or The “King” of football, used to be an extraordinary and complete forward during his time with unmatched skill, vision, and finishing abilities. Beyond his dazzling dribbles and prolific goalscoring ability, he used to be a deadly free-kick back in the days. Whenever he used to step up for free-kicks, it used to send shivers down the spine of the goalkeepers of opponents for his powerful and precise shot. Pele has scored 70 goals from free kicks over his career.

1. Juninho Pernambucano (77 goals)

Juninho Pernambucano is widely regarded as the greatest free-kick taker in football history. The former Brazilian maestro was widely known for his exceptional technique on free kicks, especially mastering the “knuckleball”  technique for free kicks. Juninho, over his spectacular career, has scored the most (77) goals from free kicks in football history.

Now, let’s wrap things up with some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about free kicks and take a closer look at what makes them such a fascinating part of the game.

What is A Free Kick?

In football terms, a Free Kick is a dead-ball or set-piece opportunity offered to a team when the opposition team commits any kind of Foul or Infringement to restart the play. The ball is placed at the spot of infringement, and the player who is taking it, and the referee both must ensure the opposition is at least 10 yards(or 9.15 m) away from it.

Free-kicks can be direct or indirect, based on the nature of the foul committed.

Why are free kicks awarded?

• Fouls: For illegal contact, such as tripping or pushing an opponent.
• Infringements: Violations of the rules, like deliberately handling the ball or preventing a player from continuing play.

How is a free kick taken?

• Placement: The ball is stationary on the ground.
• DistanceRule: Opposing players must be at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the ball, though they can advance once the ball is kicked for a quick free kick.
• Kick: A player on the non-offending team kicks the ball.

Who scored the longest Free-Kick Goal in Football History?

Luca Orellano is recognized for scoring the longest free-kick goal in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the 2024 MLS season since statistics began tracking in 2010. He scored the free kick from a distance of 79.8 yards.

Key Points:

• Defensive Wall: To defend against a direct or indirect free kick, attacking players can form a wall to block the shot, but this wall must also be 10 yards away from the ball.
• Location: Free kicks can be taken anywhere on the field.
• Penalty for Goalkeepers: If a goalkeeper commits certain fouls inside their own penalty area, an indirect free kick is awarded.

Difference Between a Direct and an Indirect Free Kick

The primary difference between a direct and an indirect free kick is that, direct free kick allows the team to score directly from the spot where they are allotted to take one, while an indirect free kick requires to ensure that the ball be touched by any other player apart from the player taking it from either opposition or his team before it ends up into the net of opposition.

These free kicks are also offered based on the seriousness of the foul or infringement, like more serious physical fouls, handball, or other serious infringements caused by the opposition, while indirect free kicks are given for technical infringements or less serious misconduct.

Let’s now consolidate the discussed topics into pointers.

Direct Free Kick Scoring:

A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick.

• Referee Signal: The referee points their arm forward.
• Fouls Awarded: Awarded for more serious fouls involving physical contact or handling the ball, such as tripping, pushing, or handball.

Indirect Free Kick Scoring:

A goal cannot be scored directly; the ball must be touched by another player (on either team) before it enters the goal.

• Referee Signal: The referee holds one arm straight up in the air until the ball is touched by another player, at which point they can put their arm down.
• Fouls Awarded: Awarded for technical offenses, such as an offside violation or when a goalkeeper handles the ball after it’s deliberately passed to them by a teammate.

Key Differences Summarized

• Scoring: You can score from a direct free kick; you can’t from an indirect kick without a second touch.
• Referee Signal: Pointing forward for direct, vs. arm raised for indirect.
• Type of Infringement: Direct kicks result from contact fouls, while indirect kicks result from technical offenses.

Conclusion

Free Kicks are one of the most difficult yet one of the most beautiful and technically demanding skills to master in football. It’s a skill that takes a blend of precision, power, and vision alongside relentless practice, dedication, and hard work to master the skills.

From Juninho Pernambucano’s flawless knuckleballs to Beckham’s iconic curlers and Messi’s magical left-footed strikes, each player on this list has redefined this spectacular skill over time, which not only brought countless unforgettable moments but also elevated the art of scoring a Free Kick. As football continues to evolve, new talents will emerge, but the legends of these masters of free-kick will forever remain etched in history — reminding us that sometimes, all it takes is one perfect strike to change a game, inspire millions, and create timeless magic on the pitch.

Editor’s Recommendations:

• What are Green Cards in Football?
• All October 2025 International Break Matches Updates
• From Cristiano Ronaldo to Thierry Henry: Premier League Legends Who Went 007