The 25 Greatest Free-Kick Takers in Football History – Ranked by Fans
Few moments in football carry as much anticipation as a free-kick just outside the box. It’s a perfect blend of pressure, precision, and pure technique—where one strike can alter the course of an entire match. Throughout the sport’s history, certain players have turned this skill into their trademark, mastering the dead-ball with unmatched creativity and control. This fan-voted list celebrates the greatest free-kick specialists the game has ever seen.
25. Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie sneaks into the top 25 with 10 free-kick goals across a glittering career. Known for his sweet left foot and clinical finishing, his iconic late winner against Manchester City in 2012 stands out among his set-piece highlights.
24. Franck Ribéry
Despite scoring only six free-kicks, Ribéry’s inclusion speaks to the power of memorable moments—like his rocket against Augsburg for Bayern. He’s more known for his dribbling and playmaking, but his technique from dead balls earns him a spot here.
23. Leighton Baines
One of the Premier League’s finest left-backs, Baines was Everton’s go-to man for both penalties and free-kicks. His double against West Ham remains a standout, showcasing his precision and adaptability from different angles.
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22. Gheorghe Hagi
The Romanian maestro scored 46 free-kick goals, many from distances that most wouldn’t attempt. His signature curlers from over 25 yards made him a dead-ball artist, remembered fondly for his style and swagger.
21. Juan Román Riquelme
Riquelme’s right foot was a wand, responsible for 31 free-kick goals and countless moments of class. His calm and cultured technique turned dead balls into near-certainties, particularly during his golden years at Boca Juniors.
20. Alex (Chelsea)
Brazilian centre-back Alex had one of the most violent strikes in football. His thunderbolts—most memorably against Arsenal and Liverpool—showcased sheer power and an unorthodox long run-up rarely seen among free-kick specialists.
19. Zico
With 62 free-kick goals, Zico’s placement this low might shock purists. A Brazilian legend known for his finesse and variety, he often curled or floated balls past stunned goalkeepers, especially during his time at Flamengo and with the national team.
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18. Diego Forlán
Master of the Jabulani, Forlán adapted to the unpredictable World Cup ball like no other, even scoring a stunning free-kick against Ghana in 2010. His technique and power made him a set-piece threat throughout his European career.
17. Rivaldo
Whether bending the ball around the wall or unleashing top-corner rockets, Rivaldo had every free-kick in his arsenal. With 45 goals from dead-ball situations, his left foot delivered awe-inspiring moments across his storied career.
16. Ryan Giggs
Giggs was overshadowed at Old Trafford by other free-kick stars but made the most of his chances. The Welshman’s deliveries were consistently dangerous, a testament to his all-round brilliance and technical ability.
15. Wesley Sneijder
Sneijder’s free-kicks were elegant and precise, much like the rest of his playmaking. With 26 goals from set-pieces, he was a silent assassin whose strikes curled beautifully beyond helpless goalkeepers.
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14. Shunsuke Nakamura
Celtic’s Japanese hero had a magical left foot, scoring 33 exquisite free-kicks. His accuracy was nearly robotic, always finding the corner and leaving fans in awe of his pinpoint precision.
13. Juan Arango
The Venezuelan icon was a true specialist, feared for his consistency and technical perfection. Arango scored 26 free-kick goals, often turning tight angles and long distances into scoring opportunities with ease.
12. Alessandro Del Piero
Del Piero’s 52 free-kick goals came in all shapes and sizes—curled, driven, dinked, and whipped. His high football IQ allowed him to choose the perfect strike type every time, a hallmark of his genius.
11. Pierre van Hooijdonk
With 35 goals from free-kicks and a record 19 in the Eredivisie this century, Van Hooijdonk was feared by goalkeepers. His consistency and elevation technique made him one of Europe’s most reliable dead-ball scorers.
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10. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo was the embodiment of elegance on a football pitch. With 46 free-kick goals, he struck the ball with such finesse that his efforts often floated past keepers before they even reacted.
9. Lionel Messi
Messi’s 65 free-kick goals have come in every competition and from nearly every angle. His ability to curl, dip, and lift the ball with such deceptive power makes him one of the greatest dead-ball artists ever.
8. Steven Gerrard
Known for his thunderous strikes, Gerrard combined power with precision in his free-kicks. Though he only scored 10, each one carried match-winning potential, especially during his peak Liverpool years.
7. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho’s 66 goals from free-kicks mirror his flair and joy for the game. His technique often left goalkeepers motionless, the ball gliding in with grace that mirrored his dribbling skills.
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6. Siniša Mihajlović
A true icon of set-pieces, Mihajlović scored 66 goals and once bagged a hat-trick of free-kicks in a single match. His legacy as a defender and free-kick king lives on through highlight reels and reverence.
5. Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos defied physics with his iconic outside-foot free-kick against France in 1997. With 49 goals from set-pieces, his blend of power, spin, and unorthodox angles was a nightmare for keepers.
4. Diego Maradona
Maradona wasn’t just a dribbling genius—he was lethal from set-pieces too, scoring 62 free-kick goals. His control and placement made even the toughest angles look routine.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s 61 free-kick goals include some of football’s most famous, like his knuckleball against Portsmouth. His mix of technique and raw power makes him a modern icon of dead-ball striking.
2. David Beckham
Beckham’s 65 free-kick goals are only part of his legend—his technique was artful, almost surgical. From his Greece stunner to countless Premier League curlers, his right foot remains the gold standard.
1. Juninho Pernambucano
With a record 77 free-kick goals, Juninho stands alone as football’s ultimate set-piece master. His unpredictable, swerving technique baffled keepers and made him a global symbol of free-kick excellence.
