Most Free-Kick Goals by a Single Player: Top 10 Football Legends Ranked

In football history, few moments capture the magic of the game like a perfectly executed free-kick. From curve to power, placement to precision, the ability to score from a dead-ball situation is a rare and celebrated skill. In this countdown, we highlight the top 10 players with the most free-kick goals ever, including legends from across different generations. These players have mastered the art of the set-piece, etching their names into football folklore.

With incredible technique and consistency, these icons have raised the standard for what it means to be a free-kick specialist in world football. Let’s dive into the list of players who have scored the most free-kick goals.

10. Rogerio Ceni

• Free-Kick Goals: 61
• Years Active: 1990–2015
• Position: Goalkeeper

Rogerio Ceni was not your average goalkeeper. Throughout his career, he stunned football fans by scoring an incredible 61 free-kick goals, making him one of the highest-scoring goalkeepers ever. His set-piece prowess was exceptional, and he regularly stepped up to take crucial free-kicks and penalties for São Paulo FC, his lifelong club. Ceni’s free-kick accuracy and calm under pressure cemented his status as a legend in football history.

9. Diego Maradona

• Free-Kick Goals: 62
• Years Active: 1976–1994
• Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward

Diego Maradona’s flair and genius extended to free-kicks as well. With 62 free-kick goals, Maradona was a master at bending the ball with pinpoint accuracy, often surprising goalkeepers with his creativity. His ability to score from set-pieces was an integral part of his overall football brilliance that helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup and secure success at club level.

8. Zico

• Free-Kick Goals: 62
• Years Active: 1971–1994
• Position: Attacking Midfielder

Zico, a Brazilian maestro, matched Maradona’s tally of 62 free-kick goals with his sublime technique. Renowned as one of the greatest playmakers, Zico’s free-kicks were powerful and well-placed, often curling past defenders and goalkeepers with ease. His contributions at Flamengo and the Brazilian national team highlight his free-kick excellence, making him an iconic figure in set-piece history.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Free-Kick Goals: 64
• Years Active: 2002–Present
• Position: Forward

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history, has scored 64 free-kick goals and is still active. His trademark knuckleball free-kick technique, combined with immense power and accuracy, has often left goalkeepers helpless. Ronaldo’s dedication to free-kick training and clutch performances ensure he remains a significant figure in the Most Free-Kick Goals conversation.

6. David Beckham

• Free-Kick Goals: 65
• Years Active: 1992–2013
• Position: Midfielder

David Beckham was a free-kick specialist who popularized the art of curling the ball over and around the defensive wall. With 65 free-kick goals, his technique and consistency helped him deliver crucial goals throughout his career. Beckham’s accuracy and composure on set-pieces made him a feared dead-ball taker and inspired future generations of free-kick takers.

5. Lionel Messi

• Free-Kick Goals: 66
• Years Active: 2003–Present
• Position: Forward

Lionel Messi, arguably the best player of his generation, has scored 66 free-kick goals, showcasing his incredible accuracy and calmness in high-pressure situations. His free-kick goals are often distinguished by their subtle curve and perfect placement, making it difficult for goalkeepers to save. Messi’s consistent threat from free-kicks adds an extra dimension to his already legendary career.

4. Victor Legrotaglie

• Free-Kick Goals: 66
• Years Active: 1953–1975
• Position: Midfielder

Victor Legrotaglie, a lesser-known but incredibly skilled Argentine footballer, scored 66 free-kick goals in his career. His ability to combine power and precision made him a feared dead-ball specialist in his era. Legrotaglie’s contributions remain a significant part of Argentina’s rich football history, especially in the realm of free-kick excellence.

3. Ronaldinho

• Free-Kick Goals: 66
• Years Active: 1998–2015
• Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward

Ronaldinho brought joy and artistry to football, and his free-kick goals were no exception. Scoring 66 times from free-kicks, his technique was a blend of power and creativity, often leaving goalkeepers baffled. Ronaldinho’s signature free-kicks combined trickery with pinpoint accuracy, contributing to his reputation as one of the greatest free-kick takers in football history.

2. Pele

• Free-Kick Goals: 70
• Years Active: 1956–1977
• Position: Forward

Pele, the iconic Brazilian forward, scored 70 free-kick goals during his illustrious career. Known as the “King of Football,” Pele’s free-kicks were a blend of raw power and exquisite precision. His ability to score from free-kicks helped Brazil win multiple World Cups and left a lasting legacy on the art of dead-ball situations.

1. Juninho Pernambucano

• Free-Kick Goals: 77
• Years Active: 1993–2013
• Position: Midfielder

Juninho Pernambucano is considered the greatest free-kick taker of all time, holding the record for the Most Free-Kick Goals scored with 77 throughout his career. His mastery over free-kicks combined perfect technique, exceptional curl, and precise power, making him nearly unstoppable from set-pieces. Juninho’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring footballers worldwide.