Scored without any assistance, straight from the corner flag into the net, these goals defy expectations and ignite stadiums with awe and disbelief. While they may seem like accidents or moments of luck, they are, in fact, a fascinating blend of technique, vision, timing, and sometimes, opportunism. This article by Win Tips explores the marvel of direct goals from corner kicks and exploring the technique behind them.
What is a corner kick direct goal?
A corner kick direct goal is scored when the ball is kicked directly from the corner arc and goes into the goal without touching another player. According to the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), this is a legal goal as long as the ball enters the net within the rules. It is one of the few types of goals that blend the tactical elements of set pieces with the brilliance of individual execution.
While the rule allows such goals, they remain exceptionally rare due to the tight angle, the position of the goalkeeper, and the defensive setups teams employ during corners. Yet when they do happen, they are replayed endlessly and become legendary moments in football folklore.
The science and technique behind it
Scoring a corner kick direct goal requires an almost perfect combination of elements:
- Ball placement and spin: The kicker must strike the ball in such a way that it bends inward toward the goal. This usually involves hitting the ball with the inside of the foot to produce an inswinger. For a right-footed player taking a corner from the left side, or a left-footed player on the right, the natural swing of the ball will curl toward the net.
- Wind conditions: Environmental factors, particularly wind, can aid or ruin the attempt. A favorable wind direction can exaggerate the ball’s curve, making it harder for the goalkeeper to anticipate and react.
- Goalkeeper positioning: A momentary lapse in the goalkeeper's position can open the opportunity. If the keeper anticipates a cross and leaves the near post unguarded, a quick-thinking player might attempt the shot.
- Surprise factor: The best corner kick direct goals are those that catch the defense off guard. Most players expect the ball to be delivered into the box, not aimed directly at the goal. When the unexpected happens, even the best defensive formations can be breached.
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5 players who scored directly from corners
Even a hundred years on, goals scored directly from corners remain a rare spectacle in men's football. Here’s a look at a few remarkable moments when players defied the odds and found the net straight from the corner flag:
5. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Son Heung-min is seen celebrating with teammates Radu Dragusin and Yves Bissouma after scoring directly from a corner kick against Manchester United in the League Cup, December 2024.
During the closing stages of the League Cup clash between Tottenham and Manchester United in north London, Son was hurried by defender Lisandro Martínez as he stepped up to take a corner. Rather than simply running down the clock, the South Korean forward delivered a moment of brilliance, bending the ball over goalkeeper Altay Bayındır and into the net to give Spurs a 4-2 lead. Although Bayındır protested that he had been impeded by Lucas Bergvall, no foul was given. Son’s incredible effort ultimately proved vital, as Tottenham narrowly held on for a wild 4-3 victory under manager Ange Postecoglou.
4. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
Christian Pulisic celebrates after finding the net for AC Milan against Club Brugge in the Champions League in October 2024.
Pulisic broke the deadlock in AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge at the San Siro with an unexpected strike straight from a corner. His delivery from the right flank evaded everyone in the box, sneaking in at the far post. It was a moment that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet surely won’t be eager to revisit.
3. Diego Forlán (Internacional)
Diego Forlán celebrates scoring for Internacional against Fluminense in July 2013.
Approaching the twilight of his career, Diego Forlán produced one last piece of magic in a Brazilian league match between Internacional and Fluminense in July 2013. The veteran striker curled in a right-footed corner that caught the goalkeeper off guard- perhaps one that should have been saved. Nevertheless, the goal stood, and it proved to be the decisive one in Internacional’s thrilling 3-2 triumph.
2. Junior Stanislas (Bournemouth)
Junior Stanislas is pictured celebrating with his Bournemouth teammates after scoring directly from a corner against Manchester United in December 2015.
Taking full advantage of the blustery conditions on England’s south coast, Junior Stanislas delivered a wickedly curling corner that sailed straight into the net during a Premier League clash with Manchester United. The ball’s unpredictable flight left goalkeeper David De Gea scrambling. In his attempt to make the save, De Gea collided with teammate Anthony Martial, but neither could stop the ball from going in. The goal helped seal a memorable 2-1 victory for the Cherries.
1. Ángel Di María (PSG & Benfica)
Ángel Di María celebrates scoring for Paris Saint-Germain against Nîmes in September 2018.
The Argentine winger showcased his flair with a spectacular goal directly from a corner for Paris Saint-Germain in a Ligue 1 fixture against Nîmes. Striking with his left foot, Di María bent the ball sharply inside the near post, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.
Years later, in December 2023, he repeated the feat in the Champions League while playing for Benfica. In a 3-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg, his corner kick pierced through a crowded penalty area and deceived the goalkeeper once again, underlining his reputation as a master of set-pieces.
Has Messi ever scored a direct corner kick?
Yes, Lionel Messi has scored a goal directly from a corner kick- this type of goal is called an "Olympic goal".
One notable example happened in February 2012, during a Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Messi curled the ball directly into the net from a corner, catching the goalkeeper off guard. While rare, this showcased his incredible technique and vision.
However, it's important to note that Messi doesn't often attempt to score directly from corners, as he's more known for providing assists from set pieces or being on the receiving end during second plays. Still, that goal remains a standout moment highlighting his all-around brilliance.
Final thought
The corner kick direct goal, though rare, remains one of the most electrifying spectacles in football. It merges skill, timing, audacity, and a touch of surprise in a way few other goals can. From historical legends to modern stars, players who manage to bend the ball into the net from the flag create moments that transcend match results- they etch their names into football folklore.
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