Top 9 all time best free kick taker

In the world of football, the ability to take free kicks is one of the key factors that separates great players from mediocre ones. The best free kick takers not only possess excellent technique but also have the ability to read the game, create unpredictable dead ball situations and bring opportunities to the team. From superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo to emerging talents, the ability to execute perfect free kicks is always a highlight in their careers. Join Kingsoccertips.com to learn about the best free kick takers through the article below!

Who is the best free kick taker?

9. Cristiano Ronaldo – Best free kick taker

• Number of free kicks scored: 60

Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a big threat from the free kick spot, making opponents wary whenever he has a chance to take a free kick. His shots are not only powerful but also have extremely unpredictable trajectories, making it difficult for goalkeepers to block. In particular, at the peak of his career, Ronaldo scored many goals from powerful free kicks, becoming one of the most dangerous players in this situation. Although he later encountered knee problems that affected his free kick ability, Ronaldo was always trusted by his teammates to take free kicks. As long as he had the opportunity, he could still create quality shots.

In 2023, although he was no longer at the peak of his form, Ronaldo continued to affirm his excellent free kick ability. He has scored two goals from successful free kicks, one for Al Nassr Club in the Saudi Arabian Premier League and another for the national team. These free kicks not only help him maintain his sharpness, but also demonstrate the composure and courage of a great player, despite being 39 years old.

8. Rogerio Ceni – Best free kick taker

• Number of free kicks scored: 61

Rogério Ceni is the only goalkeeper on the list of players who have scored from free kicks. Throughout his career, Ceni has helped his team overcome difficult times many times thanks to important free kicks. His excellent free kick ability not only helps the team score goals but also shows a rare versatility in a goalkeeper. In addition to direct free kicks, Ceni is also entrusted with the task of taking penalty kicks, a very special role for a player in the goalkeeper position.

When he retired in 2015, Ceni had scored a total of 131 goals in his career, an extremely impressive and admirable achievement. With this number of goals, he entered the history of world football, becoming the goalkeeper with the most goals in history, a milestone that is difficult for any goalkeeper to break. Ceni is not only famous for his talent in catching the ball but also for his excellent finishing ability, becoming a legend of world football.

7. Zico – Best free kick taker

• Number of successful free kicks: 62

Zico, one of the great legends of Brazilian football, is said to have scored more than 100 goals from free kicks in his career. However, only 62 of these goals were recognized because they took place in official matches, an impressive number not only for a player but also for those who are passionate about beautiful free kicks.

Zico is renowned for his precise and technical free kicks, especially those close to the penalty area. He often opts for high-angle shots, where the opposing goalkeeper can hardly reach them. Zico’s free kicks require not only strength but also a flair for reading situations and choosing where the ball will land, making him one of the best free kick specialists in football history.

6. Diego Maradona

• Number of free kicks scored: 62

iego Maradona, nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” is renowned for his spectacular dribbling and creative passing, which can strike fear into opposing defenders. However, few people know that he was also an excellent free kick specialist throughout his career. Maradona scored 62 goals from free kicks in official matches, an impressive feat for a player who was known primarily for his overall footballing skills.

Maradona’s free kick technique was incredibly varied and unpredictable. He could execute skillful free kicks, drive the ball into the top corner of the goal where the goalkeeper could not reach, or unleash powerful “thunderbolt” shots that went over the wall. The combination of his ability to read the situation and his technique made Maradona one of the most impressive free kick takers in the history of football.

5. Lionel Messi

• Number of free kicks scored: 63

In the early stages of his career, Lionel Messi was not highly regarded for his free kick ability, a skill that many people considered his weakness compared to other players. However, with effort and perseverance, the Argentine superstar has continuously improved his free kick technique, and now he has become one of the world’s top free kick takers. Messi has proven that, despite not possessing the height or strong physique of many other players, he can still be a great threat from the free kick spot.

Even standing at a distance of more than 30 meters, Messi can still create artistic shots with unpredictable curves, leaving the opposing goalkeeper unable to do anything to block. Each of his free kicks contains sophistication and precision down to the millimeter. At his new club Inter Miami, Messi continues to be assigned the responsibility of taking direct free kicks and has scored 63 goals from free kicks in his career. This number promises to increase in the future, as Messi still maintains his sharpness and skill in each of his finishing moves.

4. David Beckham

• Number of free kicks scored: 65

David Beckham, with his incredible curved free kicks, has built a distinct brand throughout his playing career. Thanks to his magical right foot, the former England captain has scored a total of 65 goals from free kicks, most of which came from matches against Manchester United, Real Madrid and the England team. Beckham’s free kicks are not only beautiful but also extremely effective, becoming a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers.

In addition to his ability to shoot straight, powerfully and accurately, Beckham also stands out with his ability to create successful assists from set pieces. His crosses into the penalty area not only create opportunities for teammates but also often lead to goals. Beckham’s creativity and precision in taking free kicks have made him one of the best free kick takers in football history.

3. Ronaldinho

• Number of free kicks scored: 66

Ronaldinho is one of the best free kick takers in football history. With his superb technique and unlimited creativity, the former Brazilian player has performed many incredible free kicks, sending the ball into corners that the opposing goalkeeper could not block. Ronaldinho’s free kicks are not only beautiful but also bring important goals, contributing to the victory of the home team in decisive matches.

During his career, Ronaldinho scored a total of 66 goals from free kicks, ranking 3rd in the list of the best free kick takers. His kicks are not only a combination of power and technique, but also the sophistication in reading the situation and mastering the distance, making each of Ronaldinho’s free kicks an unforgettable masterpiece.

2. Pele

• Number of free kicks scored: 70

Pele, one of the greatest strikers in football history, was not only famous for his ability to score from open play but also excelled at direct free kicks. During his career, Pele scored 70 goals from free kicks, an impressive record that he held for decades, until it was later broken by Juninho. Pele’s free kicks were often precise and skillful, contributing greatly to his and his team’s success.

Pele is an icon of Brazilian football, winning three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, along with a host of other titles throughout his career. He spent many years at his hometown club Santos, where he became a legend. Pele passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, leaving behind an invaluable legacy in world football.

1. Juninho Pernambucano

• Number of free kicks scored: 77

When it comes to free kicks, it is impossible not to mention Juninho, the Brazilian midfielder, who is considered by most football experts to be the best free kick taker in history. Juninho scored a total of 77 goals from direct free kicks, including 4 goals from a distance of over 35m, an amazing achievement for a player who specializes in free kicks. His free kicks are not simply powerful shots but also works of art, executed with extremely high precision and technique.

Juninho perfected and popularized the knuckleball, a unique style of free kick that causes the ball to fly high into the air and then change direction abruptly, completely disorienting the opposing goalkeeper. This technique became part of Juninho’s arsenal, helping him score many goals from direct free kicks. Cristiano Ronaldo later learned and used the technique in his free kicks, demonstrating Juninho’s influence in revolutionizing the art of free kicks.

Conclusion

With their precise and creative free kicks, the best free kick takers not only make fans admire them but also help their teams achieve important victories. This ability has affirmed the class of the stars in the football world, and every time they stand before the free kick, people can feel the power of a decisive moment.

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