In the world of football, set pieces always contain surprises and drama, especially direct corner kicks, where boldness, technique and excellent tactical vision converge. Not every player is capable of turning a corner kick into a goal, but the names in the top corner kick direct goal players have made fans admire with their brand-making masterpieces. So who are they? Let’s Bestsoccertips find out the top players goal scored directly from a corner kick through the article below!
Top 5 players with corner kick direct goal
Below is a list of the top 5 players who corner kick directly into goal, the names who have made their mark with great goals from seemingly only set-piece moves.
Top 5: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Toni Kroos scored one of the rare goals directly from a corner kick during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and Valencia. Observing that the opposing goalkeeper was out of position and preoccupied with arguing with the referee, Kroos immediately seized the opportunity. He executed a perfectly curved strike that sent the ball directly into the net, leaving everyone stunned. This goal showcased the sharp awareness and refined technique of a world-class midfielder.
This goal was not only tactically valuable but also served as a testament to Kroos’s finesse and boldness in his style of play. Few players possess the composure and confidence to attempt such a daring strike, and that moment has become a distinctive highlight in his career. It stands as a clear example of the difference between a good player and a great one.
Top 4: Artim Šakiri (Macedonia)
Artim Šakiri’s goal from a direct corner kick in 2002 during a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match against England remains one of the most memorable moments of the Macedonian midfielder’s career. In that instance, Šakiri delivered a surprising corner kick with exceptional precision, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and a defender stationed at the far post. The goal was not only technically impressive but also demonstrated his cleverness in capitalizing on a rare opportunity to score directly from a set-piece.
His teammates celebrated wildly, reflecting their excitement and astonishment at his intelligent play. This was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable goals of Šakiri’s career and a clear reflection of his creativity and skill on the pitch.
Top 3: Álvaro Recoba (Uruguay)
Álvaro Recoba, the legendary Uruguayan midfielder, became renowned for his ability to score from direct corner kicks, and one of his most iconic goals came against Liverpool. Recoba was not only a set-piece specialist but also possessed the vision and creativity to turn every corner kick into a legitimate scoring threat. With his exceptional technique, he curled the ball directly into the net from the corner flag, astonishing spectators with the accuracy and elegance of the strike.
This goal is considered one of the most beautiful in Recoba’s career. His ability to read the game and deliver such a precise shot left both the goalkeeper and defenders helpless. It served as undeniable proof of Recoba’s unique talent, as he consistently created magical moments from situations that often appear routine.
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Top 2: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Thierry Henry, one of the greatest forwards in football history, scored many spectacular goals throughout his career, from Arsenal to FC Barcelona. However, one of his most stunning goals came while playing for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer in 2012. In a match against the Columbus Crew, he executed an incredibly clever and bold direct corner kick. Spotting the opposing goalkeeper positioned too far off his line, Henry quickly took advantage, curling the ball directly into the net over the goalkeeper’s head.
This goal highlighted Henry’s sharp situational awareness, technical excellence, and unwavering confidence. It was one of the most brilliant goals of his career and a shining example of his limitless creativity, even in the later stages of his playing years.
Top 1: Michael Bradley (United States)
Michael Bradley, a veteran of the United States national team, delivered a memorable goal from a direct corner kick during a match against Panama in 2015. At a time when the U.S. team was struggling to break the deadlock, Bradley produced a moment of brilliance with a precisely executed corner. The ball arched perfectly into the top corner of the goal, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper, igniting the stadium with excitement.
Bradley’s strike demonstrated his acute vision and decisiveness, as he not only scored but also stunned both the opposing team and the spectators. It remains one of the standout goals of his career and highlights the sophistication and strategic insight he brought to the U.S. national team.
Has Messi ever scored a direct corner kick?
Lionel Messi, known for his free kicks and long-range shooting, has scored many goals from direct free kicks throughout his career. However, an interesting question is whether Messi has ever scored from a direct corner kick.
In fact, Messi has scored at least one goal from a direct corner kick while playing for Barcelona. This memorable goal came in a match against an opposing team, where Messi used his precision and dexterity to put the ball into the net without any assistance from his teammates.
Although direct corner kicks are not a common occurrence in football, Messi, with his superb technique, has shown that such special moments can happen at any time.
In Conclusion
The ability to score from a direct corner kick not only shows the difference in technique but also proves the class of special players. The names on the list of top corner kick direct goal players are clear evidence of creativity and courage in decisive moments. These are true artists on the pitch, turning seemingly harmless shooting angles into sharp weapons that change the game.
