Free kicks are a contentious area when it comes to the long-standing battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as when it comes to goals scored directly from dead ball situations. While both players have set some impressive records in their careers, it is interesting to note that they still have a long way to go if they want to be considered the greatest free kick takers of all time. While Messi and Ronaldo continue to shine on the pitch, there are other names in football history who have left a deeper mark on their free kick abilities, with impressive statistics when it comes to goals from dead ball situations. Join Bestsoccertips to find out who has scored the most free kick goals in football history and discover the secrets that helped them achieve this feat.
Top 7 Most Free-kick Goals in Football History
7. Cristiano Ronaldo – 64
Although at 39 years old, the player is no longer maintaining his peak free-kick form, but in the peak years of his career, he was a master of free-kick technique, especially from dead-ball situations. His golden age saw him score sharp and top-notch free-kicks, with memorable moments affirming his name on the pitch.
In his later years at Manchester United, he mastered the knuckleball, a standout free-kick, notably against Portsmouth in 2008, which became one of the most memorable goals of his career. Although he no longer scores regularly from free-kicks, he still showed his flair in 2024, scoring three direct free-kicks, a remarkable feat that showed his talent had not faded.
6. David Beckham – 65
A generation of children grew up watching former England captain David Beckham, and much of that idolisation was due to his outstanding dead-ball ability. Beckham’s designated successor at England, James Ward-Prowse, is a big fan of the star, telling Sky Sports in 2023 that he learned a lot from Beckham throughout his career, particularly in terms of style and technique. “I copied a few of his haircuts throughout my career. I had a Mohican, a level two haircut all over my body,” Ward-Prowse said, expressing his admiration for his senior.
Ward-Prowse also recalls watching Beckham play on TV as a child and then running out into the garden, trying to imitate Beckham’s famous free-kicks, shouting “Beckham!” to remind himself to do the same. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is now just one goal behind Beckham as the Premier League’s all-time leading free-kick scorer, but Ward-Prowse has a long way to go to match the legend’s total.
5. Lionel Messi – 66
Lionel Messi recently overtook David Beckham as Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield, beating Columbus Crew 3-2. In an incredible achievement, Messi has now scored as many goals from direct free-kicks as he has from penalties since the start of 2018, reaching 32. Messi is a real threat from set-pieces, and his free-kick ability shows no signs of waning despite his years on the pitch
Messi’s ability to take accurate and dangerous free kicks remains as sharp and influential as ever, which is no surprise as he continues to climb the list of players who have scored the most goals from free kicks before he retires. Messi has proven that, despite his advancing age, his talent and flair in dead-ball situations are still a factor that cannot be ignored.
4. Ronaldinho – 66
When it comes to legendary free kicks, it is impossible not to mention David Beckham, who left his mark on fans with the decisive free kick that helped England qualify for the 2002 World Cup with a goal against Greece. This kick not only demonstrated his accuracy but also demonstrated his ability to turn pressure situations into historic moments
However, Ronaldinho’s most memorable free kick was against England in the same World Cup, when he left goalkeeper David Seaman rooted to the spot as the ball flew into the net. This kick has sparked much debate as to whether Ronaldinho deliberately kicked the ball into the top corner. However, according to Planet Football, it is entirely possible, as Ronaldinho has always been known for his ingenuity and creativity in every move.
3. Victor Legrottaglie – 66
Alongside Ronaldinho and Messi in the list of all-time free-kick takers, little-known Argentine midfielder Legrottaglie is a name to be reckoned with. He played for a number of clubs in Argentina between 1953 and 1976, although he was never called up to the national team. Although rarely mentioned in the media, Legrottaglie made a lasting impression with his superb free-kicks and deadly strikes from set pieces.
In addition to his free-kicks, he was also renowned for his excellent corner-kick ability, reportedly scoring 12 goals at the Olimpico during his career. These achievements have helped Legrottaglie leave a special mark on Argentine football history. In his honour, Mendoza-based lower-division club Gimnasia y Esgrima named their stadium after him. Legrottaglie passed away at the age of 86 earlier this year, but his contributions to Argentine football will always be remembered.
2. Pele – 70
There are varying estimates of how many goals three-time World Cup winner Pelé scored during his legendary career. While the exact number may vary depending on the source, most believe that Pelé scored over 1,000 goals in official matches. This achievement is not only a reflection of his immense talent but also a testament to his persistence and top form throughout his career.
If you want to learn how to take a free kick like the master himself, fortunately, he passed on his secrets and techniques before his death. The pearls of wisdom that Pelé shared with generations of players and fans, especially when it comes to free kick technique, are invaluable for many to pursue and improve their skills in dead ball situations. Pelé is not only a legend on the pitch but also an inspiration to all those who want to become a master of free kicks.
1. Juninho Pernambucano – 77
To surpass Pelé and claim the top spot in the list of free kick masters, another Brazilian, Juninho Pernambucano, has proven his talent. While Juninho may not have reached the heights of Messi, Ronaldo or Pelé, he has certainly left a lasting impression on the game with his unparalleled free kick ability. Juninho’s specialty lies in his superb technique from distance, with shots of great power and accuracy, making him one of the most respected free kick masters in football history.
The midfielder scored 100 Ligue 1 goals during his peak years at Lyon, where he won the Ligue 1 title in seven of his eight seasons. Juninho’s incredible free-kicks often make the difference in tight games, as he uses his exceptional technique to score from seemingly impossible positions. Although Juninho’s record was threatened at one point by the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, as their careers wane, the chances of them closing the gap on Juninho are becoming increasingly slim. However, in football, strange things can happen, and Juninho remains a great icon of the art of free-kick taking.
Conclusion
Determining the player with the most free-kicks in football history reflects a combination of technique, accuracy and the ability to seize opportunities in difficult situations. It is not just a personal achievement, but also a symbol of the creativity and tactics of the game. Although the competition continues, the players with most free kick goals in football history have proven that, with perseverance and constant effort, free kicks can become powerful weapons, leaving an unforgettable mark in the hearts of fans and in football history.
See also: List of top assist all time football
