Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Ronaldinho are known as some of the best free kick goal scorers in football. But who has scored the most free-kick goals?
While Ronaldo and Messi are football’s biggest stars, Juninho Pernambucano holds the record for the most free-kick goals, surprising those who expected Messi or Ronaldo. Scoring free-kicks is a difficult skill, and not all top players excel in set-pieces like corners, penalties, and free-kicks.
Although Messi and Ronaldo are still playing and could break Juninho’s record, it seems unlikely. The list of top scorers includes four Brazilians, three Argentinians, and players from Portugal, England, and the Netherlands.
Top 10 Best Free Kick Goal Scorers of All Time
| Rank | Player | Country | Free-Kick Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juninho Pernambucano | Brazil | 77 |
| 2 | Pelé | Brazil | 70 |
| =3 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | 66 |
| =3 | Víctor Legrotaglie | Argentina | 66 |
| =5 | David Beckham | England | 65 |
| =5 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 65 |
| 7 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 64 |
| =8 | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 62 |
| =8 | Zico | Brazil | 62 |
| 10 | Ronald Koeman | Netherlands | 60 |
1. Juninho Pernambucano (77 Free-Kick Goals)
Juninho Pernambucano is regarded as the best free-kick scorer in football history, with 77 goals to his name. He was famous for his “knuckleball” technique and long-range shots, especially during his time at Lyon, where he scored 44 of those goals. Players like Ronaldo, David Luiz, and Didier Drogba have adopted his style.
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2. Pelé (70 Free-Kick Goals)
Pelé, who won three FIFA World Cups, is known for his goal-scoring ability, including free-kicks. His records have some uncertainty due to poor record-keeping during his era, but he is still widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
3. Ronaldinho (66 Free-Kick Goals)
Ronaldinho was a football icon known for his joyful playing style and dazzling free-kicks. His most famous free-kick was during the 2002 World Cup when he lobbed England’s goalkeeper David Seaman from 40 yards. Though injuries and lifestyle choices cut his peak years short, Ronaldinho remains one of the all-time greats.
4. Víctor Legrotaglie (66 Free-Kick Goals)
Víctor Legrotaglie, a lesser-known name internationally, is revered in Argentina. Despite a lack of verified data from his playing days, he ranks high on this list, with 66 free-kick goals, even surpassing legends like Maradona and Messi.
5. David Beckham (65 Free-Kick Goals)
David Beckham’s free-kicks are legendary, and his iconic 93rd-minute goal against Greece in 2001 is one of football’s most memorable moments. His precision and technique even inspired the movie Bend It Like Beckham and made his free-kick style a part of football culture.
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6. Cristiano Ronaldo (65 Free-Kick Goals)
Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his knuckleball free-kicks, is one of football’s greatest players. His stunning free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 stands out as one of his best. Though he continues to add to his tally, age might prevent him from climbing much higher on this list.
7. Lionel Messi (64 Free-Kick Goals)
Messi, just one goal behind Ronaldo in free-kick goals, is often compared to his Portuguese rival. His most famous free-kick came in a 2019 Champions League match against Liverpool, where he scored a beautiful curling shot. Although Barcelona lost the tie, Messi’s free-kick remains one of his most celebrated goals.
8. Diego Maradona (62 Free-Kick Goals)
Diego Maradona’s versatility in set pieces made him a standout free-kick scorer. He’s remembered for his iconic moments like the “Hand of God” and the “goal of the century” in the 1986 World Cup. Maradona could score from any range and with various techniques.
9. Zico (62 Free-Kick Goals)
Zico, known for his incredible passing and finishing, was one of Brazil’s best midfielders. His goal-scoring record is impressive, and he’s often compared to Pelé in terms of his overall footballing ability.
10. Ronald Koeman (60 Free-Kick Goals)
Ronald Koeman, the only defender on this list, is remembered for his powerful free-kicks. His most famous goal was during the 1992 European Cup final when he scored the winner for Barcelona against Sampdoria.
These players have left an indelible mark on football history with their free-kick skills, showcasing why they are regarded as the greatest dead-ball specialists in the game.
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