Players with the most left footed goals in football history

The left foot has always been considered one of the most powerful weapons in football history, bringing magical moments and contributing to the glorious careers of many legends. From Roberto Carlos’s incredible free kicks, Arjen Robben’s cunning moves, to Lionel Messi’s supreme precision, the left foot is not only a tool for scoring goals but also clearly shows talent and unique style. Below is a list of players with the most left footed goals with their left foot compiled by Premiumsoccertips, proving their unique strength and eternal influence.

10 players who scored the most goals with their left foot

10. Hristo Stoichkov

Hristo Stoichkov, the legendary Bulgarian midfielder, is famous for his ability to use his left foot skillfully. He not only took powerful shots but also possessed excellent free-kick techniques, always making defenders wary. Thanks to his endurance and exquisite ball handling ability, Stoichkov became the center of attention every time he appeared on the field. In the 1990s, he was one of the brightest stars of Barcelona under Johan Cruyff. Along with legends such as Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup and Romario, Stoichkov contributed greatly to the journey to conquer the European Cup in 1992 at Wembley.

At the international level, Stoichkov is considered an immortal symbol of Bulgarian football. At the 1994 World Cup, he led the national team to the semi-finals, creating the proudest feat in the history of the country’s football. His most memorable moment was his emotional free-kick in the quarter-finals, which helped Bulgaria overcome defending champions Germany. Not only did Stoichkov stand out with his spectacular goals, he also left a deep impression with his unyielding fighting spirit and relentless determination.

9. Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben, the brilliant Dutch winger, is famous for a signature move that is familiar to anyone who follows football: he dribbles from the right wing, cuts inside, beats defenders and fires a powerful shot with his left foot. What is remarkable is that even though opponents know his intentions, they are often powerless to stop him. With his superb technique and explosive pace, Robben makes life difficult for opposing defences. Although he plays mainly with his left foot, its outstanding efficiency has helped him maintain his peak form throughout his career.

Robben’s peak period was associated with Bayern Munich, where he made his style of cutting in from the right wing his own. Here, he continued to shine and contributed significantly to the team’s success. In particular, 2013 was a memorable milestone when Robben helped Bayern complete a historic treble, in which he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final, affirming his important role and outstanding talent on the European football stage.

8. Mo Salah

In April 2018, Mohamed Salah made history in Premier League history by breaking the record for most goals scored with his left foot, surpassing the legendary Robbie Fowler. He reached this milestone with a brace against Leeds, taking his total to 106 goals with his left foot. Since then, Salah has continued to conquer new records, now scoring 173 goals with his left foot in the Premier League, a clear testament to the Egyptian star’s excellent scoring ability.

Salah is an irreplaceable factor in Liverpool’s success. He played a key role in the team’s 2020 Premier League title campaign, ending a 30-year wait. A year earlier, Salah also shone in the Champions League final against Tottenham, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot, helping bring the prestigious trophy to the “Reds”. To this day, Salah remains in top form, turning his left foot into a nightmare for every defense.

7. Gheorghe Hagi

Known as the “Maradona of the Carpathians,” Gheorghe Hagi was the greatest icon of Romanian football in the 1990s and is widely considered the greatest player the country has ever produced. Possessing a genius for creativity, Hagi not only created but also scored goals from the most unlikely of situations. This particular talent was clearly demonstrated at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where he scored one of the most memorable goals in the history of the tournament.

In a match against Colombia, Hagi received the ball on the left wing, about 15 meters from the corner of the penalty area. From a tight angle, he unleashed a precise shot, sending the ball straight into the net, leaving the opposing goalkeeper completely helpless. This goal not only brought an important victory for Romania but also paved the way for the team to advance to the quarterfinals, the most impressive achievement for Romanian football at a World Cup. With his outstanding performance, Hagi is not only the pride of Romania but also an inspiration for football fans around the world.

6. Roberto Rivelino

Rivelino, a Brazilian football legend, not only impressed with his signature moustache but also with his superb left-footed skills. His excellent free-kick ability made even Pele cede the opportunity to take set-pieces, a testament to his superb technique and superior strength. As a member of the legendary Brazil team at the 1970 World Cup, Rivelino played alongside stars such as Pele, Gerson, Tostao and Jairzinho, creating an attack that is praised in football history.

Most left footed goals: Roberto Rivelino

With a powerful left foot, Rivelino possessed the ability to shoot accurately and a strong attacking style. He not only stood out as a goalscorer but also demonstrated his skillful dribbling and passing, captivating fans with his artistic style of play. Rivelino’s style epitomized Brazilian football in the 1970s, showcasing creativity, technical prowess and a passion for the game. He was instrumental in building Brazil’s international reputation.

5. Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale, despite being from Wales, is always considered one of the prominent names in the discussion of the best players related to English football. An icon of the national team, he was instrumental in making history by winning Euro 2016, their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup. Here, Bale shone brightly, helping the small team reach the semi-finals, affirming his name on the European stage.

At club level, Bale reached the peak of his career with Real Madrid, where he won a series of major trophies, most notably the Champions League. He scored three goals in the final of this tournament, with the most memorable moment being a spectacular bicycle kick against Liverpool in the 2018 final, a goal that has been etched into football history. As well as being a top scorer, Bale is also known for his incredible pace and free-kick ability. One of his most memorable performances was a dribble past veteran defender Maicon in Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan, using his left foot to terrorise defences.

4. Roberto Carlos

Legendary left-back Roberto Carlos, considered one of the greatest players of all time, rose to prominence with a classic free-kick in 1997 against France. The shot had a strange trajectory and curve that left goalkeeper Fabian Barthez completely helpless, only able to watch the ball fly into the net. This goal is widely hailed as the greatest free-kick in football history. Carlos was a key player in the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup, playing alongside stars like Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, creating a golden generation of Brazilian football.

On the club stage, Roberto Carlos also left a deep mark, especially in the Real Madrid shirt. He contributed greatly to helping the Royal team win many important titles, including the Champions League, marking the club’s return to the top after more than three decades of waiting. Despite playing as a defender, Carlos still received many prestigious individual awards, notably being runner-up in the 2002 Ballon d’Or, behind only Ronaldo, and the 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year award. These achievements cemented Roberto Carlos’ reputation as one of the greatest defenders in football history.

3. Ferenc Puskas

With his large, rotund physique, Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás was even called “overweight” in his later years. However, what cannot be denied is that he possessed a powerful left foot. Notably, Puskás only joined Real Madrid when he was 31 years old. Before that, he spent most of his brilliant scoring career at Budapest Honvéd, where he was known as the “Galloping Major”. Although official figures are incomplete, it is estimated that he scored more than 350 goals for the club.

At Real Madrid, Puskás’s record is more comprehensive and no less impressive. He was La Liga’s top scorer four times, cementing his status as one of the greatest strikers in football history. One of Puskás’s most memorable moments came in 1953, when he used his left foot to drag the ball back into the box, completely fooling England captain Billy Wright, before scoring a goal of his life. That era also saw a legendary Hungarian team, only slightly unlucky enough to win the 1954 World Cup. Puskás is not just a Hungarian icon, but a global football icon.

2. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, with his legendary left foot, created a dribbling style that few players could match. Gifted with the ability to change direction and dribble past people, whether it was a zigzag run or an accurate pass, Maradona’s left foot was always a formidable weapon. When he was gliding across the pitch in his Puma boots, every opponent had to be wary, and the most memorable moment was when he charged from the halfway line, past the England defense to score in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. This move put Maradona on the list of the greatest dribblers in history.

Not only did Maradona dribble, he was also an extremely dangerous free-kick specialist. Goalkeepers often had difficulty finding a way to stop him, because Maradona had the ability to put the ball in places they could not reach. During his time at Napoli, he produced a series of stunning free kicks that left opponents in awe. With his masterful technique, Maradona could control the direction of the ball, making each free kick an unstoppable threat to any goalkeeper.

1. Lionel Messi

Putting Lionel Messi above Diego Maradona in some rankings may be controversial for many people, because Maradona’s story with his talent and illustrious achievements, especially with the Argentina and Napoli teams, always brings unforgettable emotions. However, when looking at Messi’s left foot, it is impossible not to admire the excellence and stability he has maintained throughout his career. Messi has scored 453 goals with his left foot in 341 matches, including 117 decisive goals. And this is only in the scope of club football.

Players who scored the most goals with their left foot: Lionel Messi

However, Messi’s ability is not limited to scoring goals. He also has the ability to create opportunities for his teammates with his left foot, with extremely accurate and intelligent passes. In particular, Messi’s penalty kick technique has recently become a powerful weapon, when he often waits for the goalkeeper to move and then easily puts the ball into the net. When it comes to Messi’s ability, tenacity and achievements in football, perhaps no one can match him in terms of left foot brilliance in the world of football.

Conclusion

Players with great left feet have left a lasting mark on football history, not only through their impressive goal tally, but also through their creativity and unique playing style. From Roberto Carlos’s incredible free kicks, Diego Maradona’s dribbling skills, to Lionel Messi’s all-round ability and consistency, they have changed the way the world views talent and character on the pitch. Although each has their own unique journey and playing style, the biggest thing they have in common is their ability to turn their left foot into a tool to create magical moments. These legends will forever be immortal icons in football history, testament to the greatness of the “king of sports”.