Top 7 players with most free kick goals in football history

Free kicks have always been a controversial topic when comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, especially in terms of the number of goals scored from dead ball situations. Interestingly, although both are considered icons of modern football, they have not yet reached the level of being considered the best free kick specialists in history. Premiumsoccertips.net has carefully studied the statistics and compiled a list of the seven players who have scored the most free kick goals in football history, in order to assess where these two stars stand in the rankings.

7 players with the most free-kick goals in football history

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (64 goals)

Despite turning 39, this player is still an icon of free-kick talent, especially when looking back at his peak. During his career, the Portuguese legend perfected the knuckleball technique, a signature style of free-kick that is synonymous with his name. Perhaps the most memorable moment is the classic free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 while playing for Manchester United. The move not only left an impression with its incredible trajectory but also became a symbol of his excellence in dead-ball situations.

Despite entering the final years of his career, he still shows a formidable ability in taking free-kicks. In 2024, he scored three goals from direct free-kicks, an impressive number for a player who is no longer in his prime. This achievement confirms his unfading class and perseverance in training. Although the number of goals from free kicks is not as high as before, every time he stands in front of the dead ball, fans still wait anxiously for a magical moment. The legacy he left from free kicks will still be remembered forever in football history.

6. David Beckham (65 goals)

David Beckham, despite his global fame for his charisma off the pitch, is sometimes overlooked for his outstanding talent on the pitch. During his brilliant career, he fought and won many prestigious titles at top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and PSG. Beckham’s skillful free-kick ability not only helped the team overcome difficult times but also played an important role in historic victories.

One of Beckham’s most memorable moments was the perfect corner kick that led to the decisive goal in the 1999 Champions League final, helping Manchester United complete a historic treble. At the national team level, he also left an unforgettable mark. In particular, his free-kick against Greece in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers helped England qualify for the tournament, becoming one of the golden moments of his international career. Those technical and precise free kicks became Beckham’s trademark, affirming that he is not only an entertainment icon but also a true legend in the hearts of football fans.

5. Lionel Messi (65 goals)

The Argentine superstar has left a deep mark with a series of goals from classy free kicks, contributing significantly to the massive collection of titles and records in his career. Lionel Messi is not only the greatest scorer in La Liga history but also in the top six players with the most goals of all time. He stands shoulder to shoulder with legends like David Beckham, who is also famous for his excellent free kick skills.

Not stopping in Europe, Messi has proven that his talent has a global reach, bringing new vitality to American football after joining MLS. His top performances, especially in set pieces, not only help him continue to conquer memorable milestones but also create a strong influence, helping this sport become more and more popular in the United States.

4. Victor Legrotaglie (66 goals)

Victor Legrotaglie, a brilliant Argentine midfielder, carved his name into football history by spending his entire playing career with Gimnasia y Esgrima, where he became a symbol of the city of Mendoza. Despite receiving many attractive offers from top clubs, Legrotaglie chose to stay, earning the respect of fans not only for his excellent skills but also for his rare loyalty to his hometown club.

With his superb technique and accurate free-kick taking ability, Legrotaglie once attracted the attention of prestigious clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan. However, he turned them all down to continue his commitment to Gimnasia, where he felt he belonged. This decision reflected not only his love for his hometown but also his simple lifestyle and unwavering commitment to the team. In a modern football landscape increasingly dominated by fame and finance, Legrotaglie’s choice is still seen as an admirable testament to unwavering loyalty and dedication.

3. Ronaldinho (68 goals)

It’s no surprise that Ronaldinho — a legend who is not only known for his statistics but also for his magical play, his amazing skills and his extraordinary moments on the pitch — is high on this list. The Brazilian attacking midfielder has won over fans at clubs like Barcelona, ​​AC Milan and Gremio with his creativity and artistic ability.

Ronaldinho’s free kicks are a testament to his natural talent. His free kicks from outside the box are not only accurate but also surprising, leaving the opposition goalkeeper in awe. From curling shots over the wall to exquisite free kicks into the far corner, Ronaldinho has turned dead ball situations into moments of magic. His talent and unique style in set pieces have left a deep mark, contributing to building an indelible legacy in the history of world football.

2. Pele (70 goals)

Regarded by many as the greatest player in history, Pele left an indelible mark on Brazilian and global football. As the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), he established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. With 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches, according to the Guinness Book of Records, Pele’s record, despite the controversy over his accuracy, is a testament to his greatness as a player.

Pele’s remarkable free-kick ability was one of the defining features of his illustrious career. “O Rei” (The King) was not only able to score from incredible angles, but he was also known for his outstanding free-kick skills. During his career, he scored 70 goals from set pieces, representing Brazil, Santos, and the New York Cosmos. Pele’s free kicks always bear the mark of sophistication, precision and creativity, contributing significantly to the immortal legacy he left in the history of world football.

1. Juninho (77 goals)

Juninho, one of the greatest free-kick masters in football history, stands out for his outstanding free-kick ability that few can compare to. With his skillful technique, he can take powerful free-kicks from long distances, or shoot delicately over the wall. Juninho has become an icon in the football world thanks to his incredible free-kick ability, always leaving fans in awe of his moves.

The former Brazilian player made unforgettable marks at prestigious clubs such as Vasco de Gama and Lyon, where he showed off his amazing free-kick talent. Juninho is not only loved by football fans around the world but also respected for his ability to take “crazy” and unexpected kicks that no one can predict. He became a legend thanks to his superb technique and ability to score from seemingly impossible situations, contributing to creating an irreplaceable legacy in football history.

Conclusion

The record number of goals scored from free kicks in football history is a testament to the boundless talent and creativity of great players. Legends like Juninho, Pele, Ronaldinho and Messi not only stood out with their powerful shots, but also left their mark with their ability to execute delicate and unpredictable free kicks. These players not only captivated fans with their beautiful moves, but also completely changed the way they viewed the art of free kicks in football. With perfect technique, great accuracy and endless creativity, they created legendary moments, turning free kicks into an art form in the game of football.

See more: Top assist all time: The most creative players in football history