Top contenders for the best free kick taker in football history

In football, the ability to take free kicks is considered one of the factors that determine the difference between excellent players and mediocre ones. Players who are good at free kicks not only have excellent techniques but also have the ability to analyze the game, create unexpected dead ball situations and open up scoring opportunities for their team. From legends like Cristiano Ronaldo to emerging stars, the ability to take perfect free kicks has always been a mark in their careers. Join Premiumsoccertips to discover the list of best free kick taker through the article below!

Who is the best free kick taker?

9. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Number of free kicks scored: 60

Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a big threat from free kick situations, making opponents wary whenever he has this opportunity. His shots are not only powerful but also have unpredictable trajectories, making it difficult for goalkeepers to block. In particular, at his peak, Ronaldo scored many goals from powerful free kicks, becoming one of the most dangerous players in these situations. Although he later suffered a knee injury that affected his ability to take free kicks, his teammates still trusted him with this responsibility. As long as he has the opportunity, Ronaldo can still create excellent shots.

In 2023, although he is no longer in his peak form, Ronaldo continues to prove his talent for free kicks. He has scored two goals from successful free kicks, one for Al Nassr in the Saudi Premier League and one for the national team. These free kicks not only help him maintain his danger but also demonstrate the composure and bravery of a legend, even at the age of 39.

8. Rogerio Ceni

• Number of free kicks scored: 61

Rogério Ceni is the only goalkeeper in the history of football to score from free kicks. Throughout his career, he has helped his team overcome difficulties many times thanks to decisive free kicks. Ceni’s impressive free kick ability not only helps the team score goals but also reflects the rare versatility of a goalkeeper. In addition to taking direct free kicks, he also takes on the task of taking penalties, a special role for a goalkeeper.

When he retired in 2015, Ceni had scored a total of 131 goals, an extremely impressive and respectable achievement. With this number of goals, he made his name in the history of world football, becoming the goalkeeper with the most goals in history, a record that is difficult for anyone to break. Ceni is not only famous for his talent in catching the ball but also for his excellent finishing ability, officially becoming a legend in the football world.

7. Zico

• Number of successful free kicks: 62

Zico, one of the great legends of Brazilian football, is said to have scored more than 100 goals from free kicks throughout his career. However, only 62 of those goals are recognized, as they were in official matches, an impressive number for both players and those who love beautiful free kicks.

Zico is known for his ability to take accurate and technical free kicks, especially in situations near the penalty area. He often chooses to shoot into the top corner, where it is difficult for the opposing goalkeeper to block. Zico’s free kicks not only require strength but also require sophistication in reading the situation and choosing the landing point of the ball, which is why he has become one of the best free kick specialists in football history.

6. Diego Maradona

• Number of free kicks scored: 62

Diego Maradona, known as the “Golden Boy”, was famous for his skillful dribbling and creative passing, which kept defenders on their toes. However, few people know that he was also a talented free kick specialist throughout his career. Maradona scored 62 goals from free kicks in official matches, an impressive feat for a player who was known for his all-round ability.

Maradona’s free kick technique was diverse and unpredictable. He could take delicate shots into the top corner where the goalkeeper could not save, or powerful shots over the defensive wall. The combination of his ability to read situations and his free kick technique made Maradona one of the best free kick takers in football history.

5. Lionel Messi

• Number of free kicks scored: 63

When he first started his career, Lionel Messi was not highly regarded for his free kick ability, a skill that many considered his weakness compared to other players. However, thanks to his hard work and perseverance, Messi has continuously improved his free kick technique and now he has become one of the world’s leading free kick specialists. Messi has proven that, despite not possessing the height or strong physique of many other players, he can still be a dangerous threat from free kicks.

Even though he is more than 30 meters away from the goal, Messi can still take artistic shots with unpredictable trajectories that are difficult for the opposing goalkeeper to block. Each of his free kicks is full of sophistication and excellent accuracy. At Inter Miami, Messi continues to be responsible for taking direct free kicks and has scored 63 goals from free kicks throughout his career. This number will certainly continue to increase, as Messi maintains his sharpness and excellent technique in every finishing move.

4. David Beckham

• Number of free kicks scored: 65

David Beckham, with his wonderful curved free kicks, has made a distinct brand throughout his career. Thanks to his legendary right foot, the former England captain has scored a total of 65 goals from free kicks, most of which were taken for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England. Beckham’s free kicks are not only beautiful but also extremely effective, always making opposing goalkeepers afraid.

In addition to his ability to shoot straight and accurately, Beckham also stands out for his talent for creating from set pieces. His passes into the penalty area not only create opportunities for his teammates but also often lead to goals. Beckham’s creativity and accuracy in free kicks have made him one of the best free kick specialists in football history.

3. Ronaldinho

• Number of free kicks scored: 66

Ronaldinho is one of the best free kick takers in football history. With his superb technique and boundless creativity, the former Brazilian player has performed many spectacular free kicks, putting the ball into difficult angles that the opposing goalkeeper could not reach. Ronaldinho’s kicks are not only beautiful but also bring important goals, helping his team win decisive matches.

During his career, Ronaldinho scored a total of 66 goals from free kicks, ranking third in the list of the best free kick takers. His kicks are not only a perfect combination of power and technique, but also demonstrate the sophistication in reading the situation and adjusting the distance, making each of his kicks a memorable masterpiece.

2. Pele

• Number of free kicks scored: 70

Pele, one of the greatest strikers in football history, was not only known for his ability to score from open play but also excelled at taking direct free kicks. During his career, he scored 70 goals from free kicks, an impressive record that he held for decades before being broken by Juninho. Pele’s free kicks were always precise and elegant, contributing significantly to his individual and team success.

Pele is an eternal icon of Brazilian football, with three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, among countless other titles throughout his career. He spent most of his playing career at Santos, where he became a legend. Pele passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, leaving behind an extremely valuable legacy in the world of football.

1. Juninho Pernambucano

• Number of free kicks scored: 77

When it comes to free kicks, it is impossible not to mention Juninho, the Brazilian midfielder who is considered the greatest free kick specialist in football history. Juninho has scored a total of 77 goals from direct free kicks, including 4 goals from a distance of more than 35m, an impressive achievement for a player who specializes in free kicks. His free kicks are not only powerful but also works of art, demonstrating excellent precision and technique.

Juninho is the one who perfected and introduced the knuckleball technique into football, a special type of free kick that causes the ball to fly high and then suddenly change direction, completely surprising the opposing goalkeeper. This technique has become an indispensable part of Juninho’s arsenal, helping him score many goals from direct free kicks. Cristiano Ronaldo later learned and applied this technique to his free kicks, demonstrating Juninho’s profound influence in changing the art of free kicks.

Conclusion

With their precise and creative free kicks, great free kick takers not only win the admiration of fans but also play an important role in bringing victory to their teams. This ability has affirmed their position in the football world, and every time they prepare to take a free kick, it is always a decisive moment that everyone can feel the drama.

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