The left foot has been one of the most formidable weapons in football history, shaping iconic moments and defining the illustrious careers of many legends. From Roberto Carlos's amazing free kicks and Arjen Robben's unpredictable trickery to Lionel Messi's absolute precision, the left foot is not only a tool for scoring goals but also a symbol of talent and style. Below is a list of the players who have scored the most left footed goals foot that Win Betting Tips has listed. A testament to their unique power and timeless influence.
Top 10 most left footed goals
10. Hristo Stoichkov
Career: 1981 - 2003
Hristo Stoichkov, the famous Bulgarian midfielder, was known for his magical left foot. He could unleash powerful shots or execute free kicks with great technique, making every defense wary. With his stamina and excellent touch, Stoichkov was always the center of attention on the pitch. In the 1990s, he was a shining star in the legendary Barcelona team, under the guidance of coach Johan Cruyff. Along with great players such as Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, and Romario, Stoichkov played a major role in leading Barcelona to the 1992 European Cup at Wembley.
On the international stage, Stoichkov was an icon of Bulgarian football. At the 1994 World Cup, he led the team to the semi-finals, marking one of the greatest achievements in the history of Bulgarian football. One of the most iconic moments was his brilliant free kick in the quarter-final, which helped Bulgaria defeat the defending champions, Germany. Stoichkov not only shone with his goals but also left a strong mark with his uncompromising fighting spirit.
9. Arjen Robben
Time in service: 2000 - 2021
Arjen Robben, the Dutch winger, is famous for his signature move: cutting in from the right wing, beating one or two opponents, and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the net. What makes it unique is that even though everyone knows his move, stopping it is a completely different story. With his technical brilliance, Robben leaves defenders helpless even if they know his intentions. He plays mainly with his left foot, and despite relying heavily on it, its incredible efficiency ensures he continues to dominate with this weapon.
The pinnacle of Arjen Robben's illustrious career was his time at Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Robben perfected his signature move, cutting inside from the right wing, which consistently made a difference on the pitch. In 2013, Robben played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich's historic treble, particularly their triumph in the Champions League. He scored the decisive goal in the final, solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal players on Europe's grandest stage.
8. Mo Salah
Career Time: 2010 - Present
In April 2018, Mohamed Salah etched his name into Premier League history by breaking Robbie Fowler's record for the most left-footed goals. Salah achieved this milestone with two goals against Leeds, bringing his left-footed goal tally to 106. Since then, Salah has continued to shatter his own record. He now boasts an incredible 173 left-footed goals in the Premier League, underscoring the Egyptian's exceptional scoring prowess.
Salah has played an irreplaceable role in Liverpool's success. He was instrumental in Liverpool's 2020 Premier League triumph, which ended a 30-year drought. A year earlier, Salah shone in the Champions League final against Tottenham, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot and helping the Reds secure the prestigious trophy. To this day, Salah remains at his peak, turning his left foot into a nightmare for every defender.
7. Gheorghe Hagi
Career Period: 1982-2001
Known as the "Maradona of the Carpathians," Gheorghe Hagi was the most iconic figure in Romanian football during the 1990s. He is widely regarded as the greatest player Romania has ever produced. With his ingenious creativity, Hagi not only crafted opportunities but also scored goals from seemingly impossible situations. This special ability was clearly demonstrated at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where he scored one of the most memorable goals in the history of the tournament.
During a match against Colombia, Hagi received the ball on the left flank, approximately 15 yards outside the penalty area. From an acute angle, he unleashed a pinpoint shot that soared into the net, giving the Colombian goalkeeper no chance to react. The goal not only secured Romania's victory but also propelled them to the quarterfinals, marking their best-ever performance at a World Cup. Hagi's outstanding performances make him a source of pride for Romania and an inspiration to football fans worldwide.
6. Roberto Rivelino
Career Period: 1965-1981
Rivelino, the iconic Brazilian footballer, was renowned not just for his signature mustache but also for his extraordinary left foot. His exceptional free-kick skills even prompted Pele to relinquish set-piece duties, highlighting Rivelino's remarkable technique and power. As a key member of Brazil's legendary 1970 World Cup squad, Rivelino teamed up with Pele, Gerson, Tostao, and Jairzinho to form one of football's most iconic attacks.
Rivelino was known for his powerful left-footed shots and exceptional attacking prowess. Not only was he a formidable striker, but he also excelled at dribbling and passing. His artistic style of play consistently captivated fans. Rivelino's style epitomized the Brazilian player of the 1970s, symbolizing creativity, technique, and the pure joy of football. He was one of the building blocks of Brazil's international reputation.
5. Gareth Bale
Time in service: 2006-2023
Gareth Bale, though Welsh, is often included in discussions about the greatest players in British football. As the talisman of the Welsh national team, he was instrumental in their historic run to Euro 2016. This was their first international tournament since the 1958 World Cup. Bale excelled in the tournament, leading Wales to the semi-finals and solidifying his position on the European football stage.
At the club level, Bale experienced the pinnacle of his career with Real Madrid. He won numerous trophies, most notably the Champions League, where he scored in three separate finals. His most iconic moment came in the 2018 final, when his spectacular bicycle kick against Liverpool became a historic highlight. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Bale is renowned for his blistering pace and exceptional skill in free kicks. A standout performance came in Tottenham's 3-1 victory over Inter Milan, where he famously outpaced veteran defender Maicon, cementing his reputation as a left-footed menace to defenders.
4. Roberto Carlos
Career: 1991-2016
Left-back Roberto Carlos is widely regarded as one of football's finest players, celebrated for his iconic free-kick against France in 1997. The free-kick's extraordinary curve and spin left French goalkeeper Fabian Barthez rooted to the spot, earning its place as arguably the greatest free-kick in history. Carlos was a crucial member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad, which featured stars like Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho.
In addition to his international success, Roberto Carlos has also made a huge impact at the club level, particularly with Real Madrid, where he won numerous trophies, including the Champions League. This achievement for Real Madrid came more than 30 years after the club's last triumph. Despite being a defender, Carlos was honored with individual awards, finishing second in the 2002 Ballon d'Or race, behind only his Brazilian teammate Ronaldo, and also second in the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1997. These achievements confirmed Carlos' status as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
3. Ferenc Puskas
Career: 1943-1966
Big and portly, some even dared to call the great Hungarian "fat" later in life, but he always possessed a wicked left foot. Remarkably, he did not join Real Madrid until he was 31. Before that, the Galloping Major, as Puskás was known, had a prolific career scoring goals for Budapest Honvéd. The record is inconclusive, but it is estimated that he scored over 350 goals for the club.
Puskas's record at Real Madrid is well-documented and equally remarkable, as he was La Liga's top scorer on four occasions. Footage from 1953 captures Puskas using his left foot to pull the ball back into the box, completely fooling England captain Billy Wright. He then scored his famous goal, showcasing just how nimble his left foot truly was. That era featured an exceptional Hungarian team, which reached the final of the 1954 World Cup but fell short of victory.
2. Diego Maradona
Career Period: 1976-1997
Diego Maradona relied heavily on his left foot when dribbling, a skill that proved to be a devastating weapon. Maradona’s left foot, often adorned with Puma football boots, was a symbol of fear for defenders. His ability to outwit opponents, whether through a zigzag run or a precise through-ball, was unparalleled. This was best exemplified during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he ran from the halfway line to score against England in the quarter-finals, cementing his place as one of football's greatest dribblers.
Diego Maradona was renowned for his exceptional ability to take free kicks. Goalkeepers often struggled to organize their defensive wall, yet Maradona could place the ball in unreachable spots. During his time at Napoli, he delivered a series of phenomenal free kicks that left opponents utterly baffled. Maradona expertly controlled the ball, directing it with precision thanks to his superb technique. His free kicks posed a relentless threat to goalkeepers everywhere.
1. Lionel Messi
Career Length: 2003-Present
To some, it may seem sacrilegious to rank Lionel Messi above Diego Maradona. While Maradona’s story is undeniably fascinating, and his talent and achievements with Argentina and Napoli are spectacular, Messi’s extraordinary left foot and its consistent brilliance over such a long career cannot be underestimated. He has scored 453 goals with his left foot in 341 games, 117 of which have been decisive. And these figures only account for his achievements in club football.
Of course, this is only one aspect of his exceptional left-footed goalscoring ability. Messi has an extraordinary ability to create chances for his teammates with his left foot. This is evident in his more recent penalty kick technique, where he waits for the goalkeeper to make a move before, more often than not, calmly placing the ball into the net. When assessing Messi’s ability, longevity, and record, there is no doubt that he possesses the best left foot in football.
Conclusion
The greatest players known for their left foot have left an indelible mark on football history, not only through their impressive goal tallies but also through their creativity and distinctive playing style. From Roberto Carlos's world-class free kicks and Diego Maradona's superb dribbling skills to Lionel Messi's all-around ability, these players have redefined the concept of talent and character on the pitch. While each player has their journey and style, the one thing they all have in common is their ability to turn their left foot into a tool for magic. These legends will forever be remembered as the players with the most goals scored with their left foot in football history.
See more: Top players with the most free kick goals in football history
