Top 10 of the best free kick takers of all time: Messi and Ronaldo's status revealed

Having a reliable free-kick specialist is a major advantage for any team, as it can turn set-piece situations into clear goal-scoring opportunities. Over the years, professional football has produced many outstanding free-kick takers. Below, NowGoal Mobi lists the 10 best free kick takers of all time in football history.

Top 10 best free kick takers of all time

10. Andrea Pirlo, Italy - 46 free-kick goals

When discussing set pieces, Andrea Pirlo is impossible to overlook. One of the finest passers in Italian football history, Pirlo was known for his calmness, precision, and excellent technique. His free kicks combined power and accuracy, allowing him to score 46 goals from dead-ball situations.

9. Zico, Brazil - 62 free-kick goals

The Brazilian legend was highly respected for his refined technique and remarkable accuracy. Zico’s ability to consistently place the ball with precision made him one of the most dangerous free-kick takers of his era. His total of 62 free-kick goals reflects his elite level in this skill.

8. Diego Maradona, Argentina - 62 free-kick goals

One of the greatest players in football history, Maradona was also an exceptional free-kick taker. His shots combined power, spin, and precision, often leaving goalkeepers helpless. One of his most famous free-kick goals came against Juventus in 1985 while playing for Napoli. He finished his career with 62 free-kick goals, equal to Zico.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal - 64 free-kick goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has long been known for his powerful free-kick technique. One of his most iconic goals was a 40-meter strike against Porto in the 2008/09 Champions League. Ronaldo often favors power and knuckleball shots aimed at the corners. Although his recent free-kick success rate has declined, he has still scored 64 free-kick goals in his career.

6. David Beckham, England - 65 free-kick goals

David Beckham is widely regarded as one of the most iconic free-kick takers in football history. His curling shots, accuracy, and technique made him a constant threat from set pieces. His legendary free kick against Greece in 2001, scored in the 93rd minute from long range, remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. Beckham scored 65 free-kick goals in total.

5. Ronaldinho, Brazil - 66 free-kick goals

Ronaldinho was known as an artist on the pitch, capable of creating magic at any moment. His free-kick style was creative and unpredictable, using curl, deception, and varied techniques. His flair and skill helped him score 66 goals from free kicks, placing him firmly in the top five.

4. Víctor Legrotaglie, Argentina - 66 free-kick goals

Although less well-known globally, Víctor Legrotaglie was an extremely consistent free-kick specialist. Playing mainly in Argentina during the 1960s and 1970s, he possessed refined technique and excellent ball control. He also scored 66 free-kick goals, matching Ronaldinho’s total.

3. Lionel Messi, Argentina - 69 free-kick goals

Lionel Messi is renowned for his perfect technique and close control, which translate naturally into his free-kick ability. His trademark left-footed curling shots are accurate and difficult to predict. With exceptional awareness and precision, Messi has scored 69 free-kick goals, making him one of the greatest specialists in football history.

2. Pelé, Brazil - 70 free-kick goals

Known as “The King of Football,” Pelé was not only a prolific scorer from open play but also a highly effective free-kick taker. His versatility, composure, and ability to vary his shooting style helped him score 70 goals from free kicks during his career.

1. Juninho Pernambucano, Brazil - 77 free-kick goals

At the top of the list is Juninho Pernambucano, widely regarded as the greatest free-kick taker of all time. Famous for his near-perfect knuckleball technique, Juninho could strike the ball with minimal spin, creating unpredictable movement. He scored 77 free-kick goals, with around 40% of his goals for Lyon coming from free kicks, highlighting his exceptional mastery of set pieces.

In this article, nowgoalmobi.net have updated the list of the greatest free-kick takers in football history based on the number of goals scored. As active players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still competing, this list may continue to change in the future. Discover more football predictions here.