The 20 Best Free-Kick Takers in World Football Right Now
In an age where direct free-kick goals have become increasingly rare, a select group of players still carry the torch for this dying art. From thunderous strikes to pinpoint curlers, these players have mastered the dead ball in their own unique way. Here's a countdown of the top 20 free-kick specialists in the world today.
20. Cole Palmer – Chelsea, England
The young Chelsea star has made a name for himself with his sweet left foot. His stunning free-kick against Brighton in the Premier League is proof of his technical brilliance and growing confidence.
19. Paulo Dybala – AS Roma, Argentina
Dybala remains one of the most elegant strikers of the ball. Though his free-kick goals have come in streaks, his ability to bend the ball around the wall makes him a constant threat.
18. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli, Belgium
Known for his passing genius, De Bruyne also delivers quality from set pieces. While not scoring as frequently from free-kicks these days, his precision and vision remain elite.
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17. Ángel Di María – Rosario Central, Argentina
Even in the twilight of his career, Di María’s left foot is a weapon. He can float the ball into the top corner with ease and still stuns goalkeepers with his execution.
16. Raphinha – Barcelona, Brazil
The Brazilian winger combines speed with finesse. His ability to strike with power and spin makes him a valuable asset on set pieces for both club and country.
15. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr, Portugal
Once one of the most feared free-kick takers in the world, Ronaldo’s efficiency has dipped with age. Still, his legacy and 64 career free-kick goals keep him in the top 20.
14. Christian Eriksen – Unattached, Denmark
Eriksen may currently be without a club, but his technical skill hasn’t faded. His calm approach and ability to curl the ball into the net make him a reliable option from dead-ball scenarios.
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13. Lucas Zelarayán – Belgrano, Armenia
One of the lesser-known names on the list, Zelarayán stunned the world with a 56-yard free-kick goal – the longest ever recorded. A true long-range specialist.
12. Vincenzo Grifo – SC Freiburg, Italy
Grifo’s left foot is all about precision and placement. The Freiburg winger consistently bends the ball past walls and goalkeepers with an almost surgical touch.
11. Dani Parejo – Villarreal, Spain
Parejo has long been a consistent performer from set pieces. His composure and accuracy have earned him a reputation as one of La Liga’s most dependable dead-ball experts.
10. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United, Portugal
Fernandes mixes power with flair, especially from mid-range distances. He’s capable of going on scoring streaks where every free-kick feels destined to hit the net.
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9. James Maddison – Tottenham, England
A rising star in England’s playmaker role, Maddison’s technique over the ball is superb. He’s lethal around the box and continues to improve his set-piece conversion rate.
8. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona, Poland
Better known for his finishing in open play, Lewandowski also boasts a strong record from free-kicks. His ability to hit with both force and precision keeps him high on the list.
7. Phil Foden – Manchester City, England
Foden’s breakout season included two direct free-kick goals, the most in the Premier League. His control and curl are mature beyond his years.
6. Neymar – Santos, Brazil
Though no longer at his peak, Neymar’s ability to score from free-kicks remains intact. He whips the ball with flair and confidence, often leaving goalkeepers motionless.
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5. Hulk – Atlético Mineiro, Brazil
Hulk is famous for his sheer power. One of his 2025 free-kicks nearly broke the post, and his ability to generate force makes him a nightmare to defend against.
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid, England
Trent has mastered the art of bending the ball around the wall and into the corner. Now with Real Madrid, he remains one of football’s most technically gifted defenders.
3. James Ward-Prowse – West Ham, England
With 17 Premier League free-kick goals, he’s just one behind David Beckham. His accuracy and consistency from the edge of the area are unmatched in the English game.
2. Hakan Çalhanoğlu – Inter Milan, Turkey
Çalhanoğlu’s knuckleball technique makes him unpredictable. He’s long been one of the most feared long-range free-kick specialists in world football.
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1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami, Argentina
Still the king of free-kicks, Messi’s left foot seems magnetized to the top corner. With 66 free-kick goals and moments of pure magic like his debut strike for Inter Miami, he remains untouchable.
