The All-Time Leaders: Footballers with the Most Free-Kick Goals in History

Scoring a free-kick in football is widely regarded as one of the most challenging tasks on the field. The combination of distance, accuracy, and the presence of defenders and goalkeepers make it a truly difficult feat to accomplish. However, throughout history, only a select few players have displayed the exceptional skill and technical brilliance necessary to excel in this area.

Whether it's unleashing a powerful strike or bending the ball with astonishing curve into the top corner, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have delighted fans with their incredible free-kick abilities. However, despite their undeniable talents, they do not feature in the top three for the highest number of free-kick goals scored by a player in history. This article will now delve into the achievements of the greatest free-kick scorers of all time.

12. Rogerio Ceni - 59

Starting off the list is an astonishing inclusion: goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni. The Brazilian shot-stopper had a remarkable talent for both penalties and free-kicks, finding the back of the net an impressive 131 times during his 22-year career with Sao Paulo. Despite not scoring in his 17 appearances for the national team, Ceni has shared insights into the art of taking free-kicks.

Ceni's set-piece expertise was so remarkable that Sao Paulo had the confidence to rely on him for free-kicks, even though it meant leaving the goal unguarded, with no goalkeeper to protect against potential counter-attacks. This serves as a testament to Ceni's incredible ability from dead-ball situations and the trust placed in his skills by his club.

11. Marcelinho Carioca - 59

Marcelinho, primarily known for his time in Brazil, amassed an impressive number of free-kick goals while representing renowned clubs such as Flamengo, Corinthians, Santos, and Vasco de Gama. In an interview with Globoesporte, he emphasized the importance of accuracy, stating that putting the ball on target and forcing the goalkeeper to deal with it is crucial. Marcelinho also highlighted the significance of repetition in achieving perfection in free-kick taking.

His most successful period came during his tenure at Corinthians, where he is revered as a legendary figure. Alongside Cassio Ramos, Marcelinho won numerous trophies for the club, including the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in 2000. He made over 400 appearances for Corinthians across two separate spells, scoring an impressive tally of over 200 goals. His contributions on the field have solidified his status as a revered figure in the club's history.

10. Ronald Koeman - 60

Koeman's goal-scoring record is particularly remarkable considering he was predominantly a defensive-minded player. With a career total of 239 goals, just over a quarter of them were scored from free kicks. One of his most iconic free-kick goals came in the 1992 European Cup final when Barcelona faced Sampdoria. In the 112th minute, Koeman unleashed a powerful strike that proved to be the decisive goal, securing Barcelona's first-ever European title.

The former Everton manager's ability to strike the ball with immense power already made him a formidable threat from long distances. His shots had the potential to break the net with their sheer force. This unique quality meant that, rather than opting to play the ball into the box like other players might have done, Koeman would often choose to take aim directly from free-kick positions.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo - 61

Ronaldo's free-kick abilities were truly extraordinary, especially during the early stages of his career when he popularized the knuckle ball technique. While his effectiveness from free-kicks has diminished with age, he still managed to score three times from such situations in 2023. In March, he found the back of the net twice within a five-day span, first for Al Nassr in a Saudi Pro League match against Abha, and then for Portugal in their Euro 2024 qualifying match against Liechtenstein. He added a third free-kick goal of the year in Al-Nassr's match against Damac.

According to messivsronaldo.app, as of March 2024, Ronaldo has scored a free-kick goal approximately once every 19.9 games throughout his career. He is one of only two active players on the list. At the age of 38, Ronaldo has the potential to climb into the top five in all-time free-kick scorers before retiring from the sport.

8. Zico - 62

Zico's career was truly remarkable, marked by numerous achievements. He holds the distinction of being the fifth highest goal scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team, having found the back of the net on 48 occasions. Zico's free-kick technique was characterized by a short run-up and a desire to curl the ball over the defensive wall and into the goal. When discussing the adrenaline rush he experienced before taking a free-kick, he described it as a magical moment, as all eyes were fixed on him.

Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Zico was honored with a place on the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. He was also named the Men's World Player of the Year in 1981 and 1983. Known for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess, Zico experienced his most successful periods in his homeland, representing clubs like Flamengo and the Brazilian national team.

7. Diego Maradona - 62

Maradona possessed an extraordinary range of skills with the football, excelling in various aspects of the game, including free-kicks. His expertise in this area had a significant impact on Lionel Messi's development as a free-kick specialist, as revealed by Argentina's fitness coach, Fernando Signorini, during the 2010 World Cup.

According to Signorini's biography, "Call to Rebellion," he described a friendly match in Marseille in February 2009 when Maradona was the coach of the national team. After a training session, Messi, Javier Mascherano, and Carlos Tevez stayed behind for shooting practice. However, Messi's initial attempts went over the bar and he became frustrated.

Signorini, noticing Messi's disappointment, encouraged him not to get discouraged and to try again. Maradona overheard their conversation and approached Messi, putting his arm around his shoulder and offering some advice. Maradona reportedly told Messi to slow down his swing and not rush the shot, explaining that the ball needed to understand his intentions.

This encounter with Maradona had a profound impact on Messi's approach to free-kicks and contributed to his development as the exceptional free-kick taker he is today. Maradona's guidance and words of wisdom helped refine Messi's technique and control over the ball, showcasing the profound influence Maradona had on his fellow Argentine football star.

6. Lionel Messi - 65

Since his debut for Barcelona in 2003, Lionel Messi has consistently demonstrated remarkable proficiency in taking free-kicks, often making them look as effortless as penalties. His ability to score from free-kicks is truly astonishing, with an impressive tally of 50 free-kick goals for the Catalan giants.

 Leo #Messi’s 50 free kick goals: pic.twitter.com/68nDcEOUqQ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 3, 2021

According to messivsronaldo.app, Messi's average of scoring a free-kick goal every 16.1 games is indeed a remarkable achievement. As he reaches the age of 36, Messi continues to make set-pieces look effortless, showcasing his exceptional skill even as he nears the end of his illustrious career. While it is true that Messi still has a few years left at the top level, it may be unlikely for him to finish his career as the all-time leader in free-kick goals.

The record for the most free-kick goals ever is held by Juninho Pernambucano, who scored an astounding 77 goals from free-kicks during his career. Breaking this record would require Messi to maintain his current scoring rate and continue playing at a high level for several more seasons. While anything is possible in the world of football, it is certainly a challenging feat to accomplish. Nonetheless, Messi's free-kick prowess remains a marvel to behold, regardless of where he ultimately ranks in the all-time list.

5. David Beckham - 65

David Beckham is widely recognized as one of the most prolific free-kick takers in European football history. His impressive record includes 18 free-kick goals, which currently stands as the most in Premier League history. However, James Ward-Prowse is closing in on Beckham's tally and could potentially surpass it in the future.

One of Beckham's most iconic free-kick goals occurred during a crucial match for England against Greece in 2001. With the Three Lions needing at least a draw to secure qualification for the 2002 World Cup, they found themselves trailing 2-1 in injury time. With time rapidly running out, England was awarded a free-kick from a position roughly 30 yards away from the goal. Beckham stepped up to take the free-kick and unleashed a sublime effort that curled into the top corner, securing a crucial equalizer and ensuring England's qualification for the World Cup.

4. Ronaldinho - 66

One of Ronaldinho's most memorable free-kicks occurred during Brazil's match against England at the 2002 World Cup. From an acute angle, Ronaldinho surprised both goalkeeper David Seaman and viewers worldwide when he unleashed a shot. The ball gracefully arched over Seaman's reach, finding the top corner of the net. However, the question lingers: Was it an intentional goal?

Ronaldinho told FIFA about the the free-kick: "When I hit the ball I wanted to shoot for goal - but maybe not exactly where the ball ended up. If I'm being totally honest, I was aiming for the other side of the net. You can't say that [it was a fluke] because I was aware of the 'keeper's position and went for the shot at goal. The fact that it did not go in exactly as I planned is secondary to the fact that I was having a go.

"What basically happened is that I hit my shot too hard and, as it travelled through the air, it swerved more and ended up looping over Seaman. There was nothing he could do about it and I suppose there was an element of luck involved... but a goal is a goal!"

3. Victor Legrottaglie - 66

Víctor “El Maestro” Legrottaglie con la maglia del Gimnasia Y Esgrima de Mendoza pic.twitter.com/HI9hTDLi0l

— allafacciadelcalcio (@facciacalcio) February 15, 2020

Victor Legrottaglie, a midfielder by profession, devoted his entire 21-year professional career to Argentine football, primarily playing for Gimnasia y Esgrima. Despite reported interest from renowned clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and New York Cosmos, Legrottaglie steadfastly declined offers to move abroad, opting to remain in his homeland. Although he never had the opportunity to represent his national team, his remarkable feat of scoring more free-kicks than legendary figures like Maradona and Beckham, and equaling the tally of Ronaldinho, is a testament to his exceptional skill and achievement.

2. Pele - 70

Pele's goal-scoring record from free-kicks serves as another testament to his exceptional abilities on the football field. The Brazilian icon, who enjoyed an incredibly successful 18-year tenure at Santos before concluding his career with a brief stint at New York Cosmos in the United States, possessed the remarkable skill of striking the ball with power and precision, capable of bending it in either direction. While Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, it's worth noting that he falls short in the category of free-kick prowess, with his tally standing seven goals below that of a particular fellow Brazilian.

1. Juninho Pernambucano - 77

Juninho's reputation as the greatest free-kick taker of all time remains undisputed by many. In a 2018 interview with FourFourTwo, he discussed his proficiency in taking free-kicks and reflected on his journey to mastering the technique. As a child, Juninho acknowledged that he lacked the power to score free-kicks, but he began honing his skills in this area around the age of 13. However, the close proximity of the wall made it challenging to hit the target consistently. It was during his time in France that Juninho truly perfected his technique.

Despite his remarkable free-kick record, Juninho humbly rejects the notion of being the greatest free-kick taker ever. He acknowledges the admiration he receives but questions how one can measure such a title. Juninho believes that there is always the best free-kick taker of the moment and that he may have held that title at certain points in his career. However, he doesn't claim to be superior to the likes of David Beckham or Sinisa Mihajlovic, recognizing their immense talent in this aspect of the game. Juninho's modesty and respect for his fellow free-kick specialists highlight his humility and dedication to his craft.