The Greatest Free-Kick Specialists in Football History
Free-kick taking stands as a true craft within football, with some players elevating it to an art form. This list highlights the finest free-kick takers ever seen on the pitch, from global icons to less familiar names who left their mark with set-piece brilliance.
32. Thierry Henry
The French forward shone at Arsenal during the early 2000s, scoring 226 goals for the club, including 174 in the Premier League. Among these were 12 free-kick goals, ranking him high in the league’s history for such strikes, all delivered with his trademark elegance.
31. Roberto Carlos
While not the most consistent free-kick scorer, when Roberto Carlos did score from set pieces, it was unforgettable. His legendary 40-yard strike against France in 1997 remains one of the sport's most spectacular free-kicks.
30. Marcos Assuncao
This Brazilian midfielder, capped 11 times, dazzled in Europe with Roma and Real Betis. Known for powerful long-range shots, his free-kick skills were pivotal in Roma’s 2000/01 Serie A title under Fabio Capello.
29. Rivaldo
Rivaldo’s all-around talent included exceptional free-kick ability. His memorable goal for Olympiacos versus Liverpool in the Champions League showcased his precision and flair.
28. Andreas Brehme
Best known for scoring the winning penalty in the 1990 World Cup final, Brehme also excelled in free-kicks, oddly using his weaker right foot for them despite being left-footed for penalties.
27. Gheorghe Hagi
Romania’s legendary playmaker scored numerous remarkable free-kicks, including the lone goal in the 1986 European Super Cup that secured victory for Steaua Bucharest over Dynamo Kyiv.
26. James Ward-Prowse
Called the best free-kick taker Pep Guardiola has ever seen, Ward-Prowse uses the knuckleball technique effectively. By age 28, he was just one behind David Beckham’s Premier League free-kick record of 18 goals.
25. Zinedine Zidane
At the turn of the century, Zidane was arguably the world’s top player and a free-kick specialist. His striking efforts at Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 are among his most celebrated moments.
24. Jose Luis Chilavert
This Paraguayan goalkeeper scored 67 professional goals, many from free-kicks. He was the first goalkeeper to attempt free-kicks in World Cup finals, coming close to scoring in 1998 and 2002.
23. Michel Platini
Europe’s premier player of the 80s and three-time Ballon d’Or winner, Platini was a master free-kick taker. His opening goal from a free-kick in Euro 1984’s final remains iconic.
22. Juan Roman Riquelme
Argentine maestro Riquelme scored plenty of free-kicks for both club and country, including two in a 2007 World Cup qualifier win over Chile.
21. Teofilo Cubillas
Peru’s greatest player, Cubillas combined skill and set-piece mastery, notably scoring a stunning 20-yard outside-foot free-kick during the 1978 World Cup.
20. Marcelinho Carioca
Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca reportedly netted close to 100 career goals directly from free-kicks, famously emphasizing accuracy and consistency in his approach.
19. Cristiano Ronaldo
Known for his powerful knuckleball free-kicks, Ronaldo scored one of the Premier League’s best free-kicks in 2008 for Manchester United. His distinctive stance and technique make each attempt memorable.
18. Juan Arango
Venezuela’s finest, Arango spent much of his career in Europe, scoring 15 Bundesliga free-kick goals and earning the nickname "Arangol" for his lethal set-piece delivery.
17. Andrea Pirlo
Italian midfield legend Pirlo scored 26 free-kick goals, demonstrating grace and precision. He could both score and assist from set-pieces with unmatched finesse.
16. Pierre van Hooijdonk
Rare for a tall striker, van Hooijdonk excelled in bending free-kicks with pinpoint accuracy, contributing significantly to Feyenoord’s UEFA Cup success in 2001/02.
15. Rogerio Ceni
The highest-scoring goalkeeper ever, Brazilian Ceni netted 129 goals, including 59 from free-kicks, dazzling with his unique role as a shot-stopper and a deadly set-piece taker.
14. Roberto Baggio
Italy’s star had a free-kick style blending Platini, Zico, and Maradona’s influences. Baggio’s technical skill made him a reliable scorer from just outside the box.
13. Gianfranco Zola
Honing his free-kick skills alongside Diego Maradona, Zola scored 12 Premier League free-kick goals, matching legends like Henry and Ronaldo in England.
12. Pele
The King of Football was also a free-kick threat, scoring at three consecutive World Cups and finishing his career with a signature 30-yard free-kick for New York Cosmos.
11. Didi
Brazilian legend Didi invented the knuckleball free-kick, a technique still widely used today. His free-kick goals helped Brazil win the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
10. Ronaldinho
Known for his unpredictable free-kicks, Ronaldinho could curve the ball under walls or use knuckleballs, influencing future stars like Lionel Messi.
9. David Beckham
Beckham set a Premier League record with 18 free-kick goals, famed for his curling strikes. His late equalizer against Greece remains a highlight of his international career.
8. Alessandro Del Piero
Italy’s free-kick expert scored 52 club-level free-kicks and six for his country, often curling the ball over walls with a Platini-inspired style.
7. Shunsuke Nakamura
Japan and Celtic legend Nakamura is famous for his free-kicks. His precise left foot earned praise from former coaches and fans alike.
6. Diego Maradona
Though best known for open-play brilliance, Maradona’s free-kicks were formidable, inspiring future players like Pirlo and Zola with his technique.
5. Lionel Messi
The 2022 World Cup-winning captain is an artist from free-kicks, known for flawless finishes that have stunned many keepers, including a famous strike against Liverpool in 2019.
4. Zico
With over 100 free-kick goals, Zico’s unpredictable bending shots made him a nightmare for goalkeepers. His unique style involved leaning back and raising his knee as he struck.
3. Sinisa Mihajlovic
The late Serbian defender holds the Serie A record with 28 free-kick goals, including a rare hat-trick from set-pieces for Lazio, underscoring his exceptional skill.
2. Ronald Koeman
Koeman’s powerful shots earned him the nickname "King of free-kicks." His decisive strike secured Barcelona’s first European Cup in 1992.
1. Juninho Pernambucano
Lyon legend Juninho perfected the knuckleball technique, routinely scoring from beyond 40 yards and leaving goalkeepers helpless. His mastery sets him apart as the ultimate free-kick specialist.
