Scoring from a free-kick is a rare art. It takes more than power—it needs vision, precision, and nerves of steel. Among the many legends who have mastered it. So, who has scored most free-kick goals in football history?
Juninho Pernambucano holds the record for the most free-kick goals in football history, scoring 77 goals during his career. Known for his incredible technique and power, the former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder is widely considered the greatest free-kick taker of all time.
Top 5 Players with Most Free-kick Goals
1. Juninho Pernambucano – 77 Goals
When we mention the names of two great footballers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, free-kicks come to mind for the average football fan. But they are far behind in the race for the most free-kick goals in football history.
The undisputed freekick king. Juninho’s technique, especially his knuckleball style, baffled goalkeepers around the world. No one has matched his consistency or variety in set pieces.
2. Pelé – 70 Goals
The greatest of his era and one of the all-time icons. Pelé wasn’t just a scorer from open play; his ability to convert freekicks made him even deadlier.
3. Lionel Messi – 69 Goals
The magician is just 8 goals away from breaking Juninho’s record. But here’s the twist—time is not on his side. With Messi now in the final chapters of his career, catching Juninho may prove one mountain too high, even for him.
Still, what Messi has done is extraordinary—he became a freekick specialist later in his career and almost caught up with the all-time greats.
4. Ronaldinho – 66 Goals
A free-kick from Ronnie? You never knew what to expect. Curl, dip, trick—it was art. Ronaldinho didn’t just score; he entertained.
5. Victor Legrottaglie – 66 Goals
Lesser known to younger fans, but a legend in his own right. Legrottaglie was an Argentinian genius, a set-piece master who dominated in his era.
Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t make the top 5. Despite his reputation and iconic knuckleball style, his freekick tally sits below these elite marksmen. While CR7 has scored some screamers, his conversion rate has dipped over the years.
Top 20 footballers with most free-kick goals
| Players | Free-Kick Goals |
|---|---|
| Juninho Pernambucano | 77 |
| Pelé | 70 |
| Lionel Messi | 69 |
| Ronaldinho | 66 |
| Victor Legrotaglie | 66 |
| David Beckham | 65 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 64 |
| Diego Maradona | 62 |
| Zico | 62 |
| Ronald Koeman | 60 |
| Marcelinho Carioca | 59 |
| Rogério Ceni | 59 |
| Andrea Pirlo | 45 |
| Alessandro Del Piero | 43 |
| Roberto Carlos | 27 |
| Hakan Çalhanoğlu | 27 |
| Juan Román Riquelme | 22 |
| Wesley Sneijder | 26 |
| Aleksandar Kolarov | 19 |
| Christian Eriksen | 16 |
