There are many ways to score goals in football, from teamwork, breakthroughs, and headers, to long shots. Among them, long-range shooting is considered the most lethal weapon for some players. They possess extremely powerful legs and excellent finishing abilities. Whenever they shoot, these players often aim for the top corner or the far post of the goal. This is not solely reliant on the strength of the shot or luck. It all requires training, practicing shooting hundreds of thousands of times. In today's article, let's join Wintips admin to discover the Top 10 best long range shooters in football - Let's see who these football stars are!
Top 10 best long-range shooters in football history
1. Roberto Carlos
One of the most unforgettable moments in football history occurred during the Tournoi de France match in 1997, where Brazil faced off against France. The match showcased sheer brilliance, particularly from the greatest long-range shooter in football history, leaving fans spellbound with an unforgettable moment.
In this pivotal game, the Brazilian team was under pressure, requiring a moment of brilliance to shift the momentum in their favor. At that moment, an extraordinary event took place—one that would be forever etched into football folklore.
With the ball placed for a free-kick, the Brazilian maestro stepped up, his left foot poised with purpose. But instead of the usual approach, he stunned everyone with an unorthodox technique. Using the outside of his left foot, he struck the ball with precision and power that seemed almost supernatural.
2. Ibrahimovic - One of the best long-range shooters in football
During a high-stakes match between PSG and Anderlecht, the Swedish sensation showcased his extraordinary skill and power in that unforgettable moment. As the game reached a crucial juncture, with tensions running high and the outcome hanging in the balance, he stepped up to take a free-kick that would leave an indelible mark on football history.
Standing over the ball with unwavering focus, he visualized the trajectory he intended to impart upon it. With a steady gaze and a determined demeanor, he prepared to unleash his weapon of choice – his powerful right foot. As he approached the ball, anticipation hung thick in the air, both on the pitch and in the stands.
Then, in a moment of sheer brilliance, he executed a flawless strike, connecting with the ball precisely and powerfully. The sound of impact echoed through the stadium as the ball shot off his foot with incredible velocity. It soared through the air like a guided missile, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.
3. Kevin De Bruyne - One of the best long-range shooters in football
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the most creative playmakers in modern football. With the ball at his feet, defenders focus on tracking attacking players, often leaving space for the Man City star to unleash a thunderous strike. De Bruyne has scored 24 goals from outside the penalty area in league play, out of a total of 75 goals.
Another significant challenge for defenders is that Kevin is known to shoot from a distance with his stronger right foot but also with his weaker left foot. Four out of his 20 longest-range goals across all competitions have come from left-footed strikes. The longest goal scored by the Belgian player was in 2018 against Crystal Palace, measured at a distance of 34 meters, from a narrower angle than usual.
4. David Trezeguet
The goal scored by the French legend on this occasion rivals the spectacular nature of his performance in the 1998 Champions League quarter-finals. As a forward for Monaco, he displayed exceptional skill and precision by beating Van Der Gouw with a powerful shot traveling at approximately 155 km/h.
This momentous goal exemplifies the extraordinary skill and prowess of the French striker. His ability to strike the ball with precision and power is a testament to his exceptional technique and composure on the field. It also underscores his knack for seizing opportunities and making decisive plays when it matters most.
5. Hakan Calhanoglu - Among the best long-range shooters in football
Not just a dead-ball specialist, Calhanoglu also excels in open play. Hakan Calhanoglu has scored 11 league goals from open play. Throughout his career, the Turkish playmaker has scored 24 goals from distances of 16 meters or more!
This attacking midfielder may have been overlooked outside of Italy, but with his longest goal from 33 meters, Hakan cannot be considered just a set-piece specialist. All of his long-range goals have come from his stronger right foot.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo - Among the best long-range shooters in football
Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional footballer hailing from Portugal. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo has played for several top clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid. He is also the all-time leading goal scorer for the Portugal national team. He has won the Ballon d'Or award five times, the highest individual accolade in football, and is an icon of the sport.
CR7 cannot be left out of the list of players with the most beautiful long-range shots in football. He has repeatedly left goalkeepers with sore hands, a testament to his powerful strikes that cannot be ignored. Before joining Al-Nassr, Cristiano had scored 15 goals from open play in the competitions he participated in. Since 2017, he has scored 25 long-range goals in his career!
7. Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben's football career stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and remarkable impact on the sport. Born in Bedum, Netherlands, on January 23, 1984, Robben started his football journey at a young age, quickly displaying his natural talent and attracting the attention of scouts.
Robben's professional career began in his homeland, where he played for Groningen before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2002. It was during his time at PSV that Robben's talent truly began to shine, as he showcased his electrifying pace, precise dribbling, and deadly left foot. His performances attracted the attention of top European clubs, and in 2004, he made a high-profile transfer to Chelsea FC in the English Premier League.
8. Frank Lampard - One of the best long-range shooters in football
In terms of achievements, Frank Lampard has amassed an impressive array of titles throughout his career. During his time at Chelsea, the 42-year-old former player won the Premier League title three times, the UEFA Champions League once, and the UEFA Europa League once. Additionally, he clinched the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice, and the FA Community Shield twice.
Lampard's most outstanding year in terms of individual accolades was 2005 when he won the UEFA Silver Ball and finished second in the FIFA World Player of the Year voting. When it comes to personal records, Lampard spent 13 seasons at Chelsea, scoring an impressive 177 goals and providing 118 assists. Lampard earned the nickname "The Engine" for his relentless work rate in Chelsea's midfield, tirelessly covering ground throughout every match.
9. Radja Nainggolan - One of the best long-range shooters in football
He is a physically strong and versatile midfielder with a particularly potent long-range shot, making him one of the best long-range shooters in football. The 34-year-old veteran has spent the majority of his professional career in Italy.
Nainggolan may not have scored many goals in his career, but each time he does, it is a thunderous strike. His volley against Juventus in Serie A in 2019 was a memorable and powerful strike, ranking among his best. Radja Nainggolan is renowned for scoring only in matches against world-class teams.
10. Steven Gerrard
For Liverpool fans, Steven Gerrard remains the most iconic figure symbolizing the soul of Anfield—an irreplaceable legend. He stunned audiences with spectacular goals from a distance. Steven Gerrard was born and raised in Merseyside and joined Liverpool's youth academy at the age of 9.
Eight years later, Liverpool introduced a new name to the footballing world—one that would be immortalized in the club's history for years to come. G8 is known as the king of long-range shooting, renowned for his powerful strikes from outside the box. In a 2005 match, Gerrard struck a shot that followed a beautiful arc.
Conclusion
In the modern era of football, tactics play a crucial role. Teams need not only a distinctive playing style but also a guiding philosophy. However, teams always desire a world-class long-range shooter. The best long-range shooters in football are a rare breed. They are ready to settle a match in just a moment. That's why many fans, including the website admin of the best online bookmaker websites, love the names mentioned in this article.
See also: Top 15 most influential soccer players in the 21st century
