Free-kick experts are crucial to their teams, thanks to their rare and vital skills. Their ability to consistently score directly from free-kicks showcases their precision and skill.
These players have a keen eye for goal, expertly curving the ball over or around the wall to find the net’s corners with incredible accuracy.
Their contributions can decide tight matches, often turning the game in their team’s favor.
Here are the top five free-kick takers in world football.
5. Kieran Trippier – Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier’s skill in taking free-kicks has captivated football fans for a long time. His technique, which appears simple, is surprisingly effective.
Trippier’s ability to stay composed under pressure, much like a matador confronting a bull, has repeatedly impressed fans with his accurate and often unstoppable free-kicks.
His expertise in set-pieces has been crucial to Newcastle United’s success, making him one of the top free-kick specialists in the game today.
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4. Thiago Almada – Atlanta United
Thiago Almada of Atlanta United stands out as one of the top set-piece specialists in the game today. His free-kick skills showcase his sharp accuracy and creative play on the field.
Almada’s free-kicks frequently leave goalkeepers helpless, unable to predict where the ball will go. Whether he curls it over the wall or strikes it low and powerfully, his free-kicks often find the back of the net.
His exceptional ability in this area highlights his value as a dead-ball expert. This season, Almada has already scored three goals directly from free-kicks.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in football history. Early in his career, he made his skill at free-kicks a crucial part of his game. However, over time, his effectiveness in this area seemed to decline.
Recently, though, Ronaldo appears to have regained his free-kick form. The Portuguese star has been more successful with his free-kicks again. In 2023, he scored three goals from direct free-kicks for both his club and country.
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2. Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen
Alejandro Grimaldo’s free-kicks are truly impressive. He combines strength and precision, enabling him to hit the ball with remarkable accuracy. His consistent success from free-kicks has become a vital asset for his team.
Grimaldo’s skill in taking free-kicks makes him one of the top dead-ball experts in football today. At 28 years old, he has already scored two direct free-kicks for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 season.
1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is currently the top free-kick taker in world football. At 36, he’s often considered the greatest footballer ever, known for mastering almost anything he attempts.
Messi wasn’t always known for his free-kick abilities. He developed this skill later in his career. But once he got the hang of it, he became unstoppable.
He strikes the ball with just the right mix of power and curve, making it nearly impossible for goalkeepers to save. This season, Messi has already scored two direct free-kicks for Inter Miami.
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