Free-kicks are one of football’s most electrifying moments, showcasing precision, creativity, and power. Over the years, some players have mastered this art, leaving fans in awe of their ability to turn dead-ball situations into goals. Freek kick takers are a dying breed in modern football, with only a few real masters remaining. Our idea today is to honour those all-time best free kick takers that have proven themselves and scored when it mattered the most.
Based on goals scored, here are the greatest free-kick takers of all time.
Juninho Pernambucano (Brazil) – 77 Goals
Juninho Pernambucano is widely regarded as the greatest free-kick taker in football history. His mastery of the knuckleball technique revolutionised long-range free kicks, making the ball wobble unpredictably in flight. During his eight-year stint at Olympique Lyonnais, he scored 44 free-kick goals, helping the club dominate French football with seven consecutive league titles.
His most memorable free-kick came against Bayern Munich in the 2003–04 Champions League group stage—a viciously dipping strike that left Oliver Kahn helpless. Juninho’s versatility allowed him to score from distances up to 40 yards, cementing his legacy as the king of set pieces.
He retired in 2013 at Vasco da Gama, his boyhood club and also managed to play 40 games and score six goals for Seleção.
Pelé (Brazil) – 70 Goals
Pelé, often hailed as one of football’s greatest players, also excelled at free-kicks. Known for his powerful and accurate strikes, Pelé combined finesse with brute force to score from a variety of angles and distances.
His ability to read the game and execute under pressure made him a deadly threat during his illustrious career. One of his standout free-kicks was during a Santos match where he curled the ball around a wall with pinpoint accuracy, leaving fans and opponents stunned.
Pelé scored so many goals in his career that you often forget that 70 of them came from free kicks, making him one of the best all time best free kick takers in the history of football.
Victor Legrotaglie (Argentina) – 66 Goals
Victor Legrotaglie might not be as globally recognised as some others on this list, but his free-kick prowess is undeniable. Playing primarily in Argentina’s domestic leagues, Legrotaglie had an uncanny ability to find the back of the net from dead-ball situations. His style was characterised by precision and placement rather than sheer power. While specific memorable goals are less documented internationally, his record speaks volumes about his consistency.
Legrotaglie’s career began in the 50s at Gimnasia y Esgrima. He played for his boyhood club on three occasions and also represented Argentino and Independiente Rivadavia, but ended his career in 1976 at Américo Tesorieri.
Ronaldinho (Brazil) – 66 Goals
Ronaldinho brought flair and creativity to every aspect of his game, including free-kicks. Known for his unpredictable approach, he could bend the ball into the top corner or trick goalkeepers with low-driven shots under walls.
His most iconic free-kick came during Brazil’s 2002 World Cup quarterfinal against England—a looping strike from distance that deceived David Seaman and helped Brazil secure victory. Ronaldinho’s playful yet effective style made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Most people remember Ronaldinho while he was playing at Barcelona, but he also made a long lasting impact at PSG and AC Milan as well. After playing in Europe he came back home and also appeared for Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, and Fluminense.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 66 Goals
Lionel Messi has elevated free-kicks into an art form with his precision and finesse. His ability to curl the ball into impossible angles has left goalkeepers rooted to their spots countless times. Messi’s standout free-kick came against Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League semi-final—a sublime strike from over 25 yards out that nestled into the top corner. His technique emphasises placement over power, making each goal a spectacle.
Among all time best free kick takers, he is the only one active and still playing. So there is still a chance for him to get a bit higher and maybe break Juninho’s record. He currently plays in the MLS for Inter Miamo, but the question lingers for how long.
David Beckham (England) – 65 Goals
David Beckham’s name is synonymous with bending free kicks. The former England captain mastered curling strikes that often seemed destined for the net before they even left his foot. Beckham’s most memorable free-kick came against Greece in 2001—a last-minute strike that secured England’s qualification for the World Cup. His trademark style involved perfect execution and control, making him one of football’s most iconic set-piece specialists.
Beckham was one of the first major stars to make a transition and move to the MLS. He had great success at LA Galaxy and eventually settled down and remained in the US. There is even a movie called “Bend it Like Beckham” and if you see some of his masterpieces from his playing days, you will understand why they decided to name the movie that way.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 64 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kicks are known for their sheer power and unpredictability, thanks to his use of the knuckleball technique. While he has scored fewer free-kicks in recent years due to evolving play styles, his earlier career was filled with jaw-dropping strikes. One unforgettable goal came against Portsmouth in 2008—a thunderous effort that flew into the top corner without spin.
Ronaldo’s athleticism and technique have made him a standout among modern players. He currently plays for Al-Nassr FC at the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to score regularly, which will, without a doubt, allow him to add more free-kick goals to his current number.
Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 62 Goals
Diego Maradona combined genius with precision in his approach to free-kicks. Known for his left-footed magic, Maradona often curled balls past defenders and goalkeepers with ease. His most memorable strike came during a Napoli match where he lofted a delicate shot over a packed wall from close range. Maradona’s creativity and vision extended beyond open play into set pieces, solidifying his legendary status.
Zico (Brazil) – 62 Goals
Zico was renowned for his technical ability and composure under pressure, traits that translated seamlessly into his free-kick taking. The Brazilian legend had an elegant style that emphasised accuracy over power, often leaving goalkeepers stranded as he found the corners of the net effortlessly. One of Zico’s iconic moments came during a Flamengo match where he curled a perfect shot into the top corner from outside the box.
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – 60 Goals
Ronald Koeman was not only a defensive stalwart but also an exceptional free-kick taker with a penchant for powerful strikes. His ability to hit low-driven shots or thunderous efforts from a distance made him one of football’s most feared set-piece specialists during his career. Koeman’s most memorable goal came during Barcelona’s European Cup final win in 1992—a decisive strike from outside the box that secured victory against Sampdoria.
Marcelinho Carioca (Brazil) – 59 Goals
Marcelinho Carioca earned recognition as one of Brazil’s finest dead-ball specialists during his career in domestic leagues like Serie A Brasileirao. Known for combining accuracy with flair, Marcelinho had an exceptional ability to bend shots around walls or drive them straight past keepers. While specific highlights are less documented internationally, his record reflects consistency across multiple seasons.
Rogério Ceni (Brazil) – 59 Goals
Rodrigo Ceni stands out not only for being a goalkeeper but also for scoring an incredible number of goals through free-kicks and penalties during his career at São Paulo FC. His unique role as both shot-stopper and goal-scorer earned him legendary status in Brazil. Ceni’s most memorable strike was a long-range effort that showcased both power and precision—an unusual sight coming from someone wearing gloves.
