Advertisment

Top 5 players with most free-kick goals in football history

With 65 goals, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi currently tops the list of active players with the most number of free-kick goals.

author-image
Mathew K
New Update
Free-kick goal (Source: Twitter)

Free-kick goal (Source: Twitter)

There are many beautiful sights in the game of football, one of which is the ball shaking the opposition net through a free-kick. To score a free-kick goal, the striker must beat the opposing team's defenders and goalkeeper and find a narrow gap to sneak it into the net. One needs immense practice to gain accuracy in gap detection. Also requires a strong presence of mind and strength.

Advertisment

In this article, we look at the top 5 players who have scored the most free-kick goals in football history. 

5. Lionel Messi (65 goals)

publive-image

Advertisment

Modern-day legend Lionel Messi has scored 65 goals from the free-kick as of now. He is the fifth-highest goal scorer by this method and first in the list of active players. His spectacular bending long-range shots have won many games for Argentina and Barcelona. England legend David Beckham has also scored as many goals through free-kick. 

4. Victor Legrotaglie (66 goals)

publive-image

Advertisment

Retired Argentine midfielder Victor Legrotaglie is fourth on this list with 66 free-kick goals. His technical ability and incredible striking skills impressed everyone. Although he received offers from Real Madrid and Inter Milan, the 86-year-old spent his entire career at local side Gimnasia y Esgrima, where he began his professional career in 1953.

3. Ronaldinho (68 goals)

publive-image

Known for his flicks, tricks, jaw-dropping dribbles and strikes, Ronaldinho was a joy to watch on the field. Former Brazil attacking midfielder and winger has also dazzled fans at clubs such as Barcelona, ​​AC Milan and Gremio. His ability to sneak the ball into the opposition net from outside the box resulted in 68 goals. 

2. Pele (70 goals)

publive-image

One of the greatest players of all time, Pele has reportedly scored a staggering 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches. The legendary forward was a ball-striking specialist as he scored an impressive 70 free-kick goals for Brazil, Santos and the New York Cosmos. Pele, who won a record three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. 

1. Juninho Pernambucano (77 goals)

publive-image

Former Brazil international Juninho was more of a free-kick specialist than anyone else. With 77 free-kick goals, Juninho holds the record for most goals scored in this manner. His curling clear-cut shoots from long range were a treat to watch. He also played for clubs like Vasco da Gama and Lyon. 

 

 

 

Lionel Messi Football featured