Free kicks are a contentious area when it comes to the long-running battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as goals scored directly from dead ball situations. Interestingly, these two era-defining icons still have a long way to go before they are considered the greatest free kick takers of all time. Wintips has taken a closer look at the record books and tracked down the seven players who have scored the most free kick goals in football history to see where these two GOATs rank.
Top 7 players with the most free kick goals in football history
7. Cristiano Ronaldo (64 goals)
Although the 39-year-old is no longer as prolific as he once was, he was still one of the masters of dead-ball situations in his prime. The Portuguese icon mastered the knuckleball, especially in the latter stages of his Manchester United career. His famous free kick against Portsmouth in 2008 was one of the most memorable moments, demonstrating his immense talent.
Despite entering the twilight of his career, the player still manages to score some impressive free kicks. In 2024, he scored three goals from direct free kicks, a remarkable feat. This shows that his free kick ability is still formidable, although not as good as it was in his prime.
6. David Beckham (65 goals)
David Beckham, with his off-field prominence and global fame, sometimes makes people forget his outstanding talent on the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he has won numerous major trophies with famous clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and PSG. His contributions, especially his skillful free-kick ability, have helped his teams overcome many challenges and achieve important victories.
Beckham was the one who took the legendary corner kick that helped Manchester United win the 1999 Champions League final, a moment that will go down in football history. Outside of his club career, he has also made his mark with important free-kicks for England, including the equalizer against Greece in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, the goal that helped England qualify for the tournament. Beckham's brilliant free kicks have become a trademark, proving that he is not only a star off the field, but also a great talent in the hearts of football fans.
5. Lionel Messi (65 goals)
World Cup winner Lionel Messi has transformed Major League Soccer (MLS), bringing new life to the sport and making it more popular in the United States. His arrival has seen many Americans fall in love with the sport for the first time. Throughout his time in the United States, Messi has continued to rack up impressive records, especially in free kicks, an area in which he has always shown his outstanding talent.
The Argentine magician has scored many stunning free kicks throughout his career, contributing to the many titles and records he has achieved. Messi is not only the top scorer in La Liga history, but also ranks among the top six scorers of all time. He is tied with the legendary David Beckham, who is also known for his excellent free kick ability. Messi has proven that his talent transcends borders, strongly influencing American soccer.
4. Victor Legrotaglie (66 goals)
Victor Legrotaglie, an Argentine midfielder, had a remarkable football career, spending his entire playing career at local club Gimnasia y Esgrima, despite lucrative offers from big clubs. He became an icon in the city of Mendoza, where fans loved and respected him not only for his talent but also for his loyalty to the club.
With his technical ability and accurate free-kicks, Legrotaglie attracted the attention of the world's top clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan. However, despite receiving many offers from prestigious clubs, he was never tempted to leave Gimnasia. His decision not only demonstrated his loyalty but also demonstrated a simple way of life and honored the value of a long-term commitment to his team and his hometown. Even in modern football, this action is still considered an admirable feat.
3. Ronaldinho (68 goals)
It will come as no surprise to see Ronaldinho — a player who was famous not for his stats or his relentless scoring ability, but for his magical footwork, his incredible skills, his incredible shots and his magical moments on the pitch — at the top of this list. The legendary Brazilian winger left fans at clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan and Gremio in awe of his talent and creativity.
Ronaldinho’s ability to take free kicks from outside the box was one of the highlights of his career. His beautiful, unpredictable and unpredictable free kicks not only helped him score goals but also created unforgettable moments for fans. From curling shots over the wall to exquisite free kicks into the far corner, Ronaldinho proved himself a master of dead-ball situations, contributing to a great legacy in football history.
2. Pele (70 goals)
Regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, Pele made a huge contribution to Brazilian football and made his name on the pitch. A record three-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962 and 1970), Pele proved his brilliance at the international level, scoring 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches, according to the Guinness Book of Records. While this goal tally is somewhat controversial, there is no denying that he is one of the greatest players in football history.
One of the highlights of Pele's career was his incredible free-kick ability. "O Rei" (The King) not only scored from every angle, but was also particularly successful in free-kick situations. During his career, he scored an impressive 70 goals for teams such as Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos. Pele's free kicks always showed great sophistication and precision, contributing to his great legacy in the history of world football.
1. Juninho (77 goals)
Juninho, one of the greatest free-kick masters in football history, is a cut above all others when it comes to his ability to take free-kicks. With his masterful shooting ability, Juninho can take a variety of free-kicks from all over the pitch, from powerful long-range strikes to delicate free-kicks over the wall. He is known as a kicker like no other, and his free-kicks always leave fans in awe.
The former Brazil international has made a lasting impression at famous clubs such as Vasco de Gama and Lyon, where he shined with his impressive free-kicks. Juninho is loved and revered by football fans all over the planet for his "crazy" free-kick ability, which no one can predict. He is famous not only for his excellent technique but also for his ability to score from seemingly impossible situations.
Conclusion
The record for most free kick goals in football history is a testament to the talent and creativity of great players. Names like Juninho, Pele, Ronaldinho and Messi have left their mark not only with their powerful shots but also with their ability to execute subtle, unpredictable free kicks. These players have not only captivated fans with their beautiful plays but also changed the way they view free kicks in football. With their technique, precision and creativity, they have created legendary moments, making free kicks not just part of the game but a true art.
See more: Top assist all time: The greatest creative players in football history
