One of the most challenging feats in football is scoring directly from a free kick, a skill mastered by only a few legendary players. The all-time record for the most free-kick goals is held by Brazilian maestro Juninho Pernambucano, who netted an astonishing most free kicks throughout his career. So let’s know about the scorers who took the most free kicks in football history –
Top Players by Free Kick Goals (as of May 2025):
- Juninho Pernambucano: Juninho Pernambucano holds the world record for the most goals scored from direct free kicks in professional football history, with a total of 77 free-kick goals. Juninho’s unique technique, including his mastery of the knuckleball, made his free kicks unpredictable and exceptionally difficult for goalkeepers to stop. Juninho’s free-kick goals were scored across his club and international career, most notably during his time at Olympique Lyonnais in France, where he netted 44 of these goals. His ability to score from various distances and angles, as well as his consistency, have cemented his legacy in football history.
- Pele: Pele holds the record for the second-most free kick goals in soccer history, having scored 70 goals from direct free kicks during his illustrious career. This remarkable tally is only surpassed by Juninho Pernambucano, who leads with 77 free kick goals. Pele’s ability to consistently convert set-pieces for Brazil, Santos, and New York Cosmos showcased his technical brilliance and versatility as a goal scorer, further cementing his legendary status in the sport.
- Lionel Messi: Lionel Messi ranks third in soccer history for the most direct free-kick goals, having scored 67 as of May 2025. He trails only Juninho Pernambucano of Brazil with 77 goals and the legendary Pele with 70 free-kick goals. Messi’s free-kick prowess spans his time at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentina national team, and currently Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His 67 goals put him ahead of other greats like Ronaldinho and Victor Legrottaglie, who each have 66 free-kick goals, and David Beckham with 65. Messi continues to demonstrate his exceptional skill in dead-ball situations, maintaining his status as one of the greatest free-kick specialists in football history.
- Ronaldinho: Ronaldinho is joint fourth on the all-time list of most free-kick goals in soccer history, having scored 66 free-kick goals in his career. Ronaldinho’s free-kick prowess was a hallmark of his style, with his most iconic strike coming against England in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final, cementing his reputation as one of football’s greatest dead-ball specialists.
- Victor Legrotaglie: Víctor Legrotaglie, an Argentine footballer, is ranked joint 4th and 5th in the history of soccer for the most goals scored from free kicks, with a total of 66 free-kick goals. He shares this tally with Ronaldinho, placing him among the elite free-kick specialists, ahead of legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, who also have impressive but slightly lower totals. Despite offers from major European clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Legrotaglie spent most of his career in Argentina and is regarded as the greatest player in the history of Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza. Besides his free-kick prowess, he also scored 12 Olympic goals, underscoring his exceptional skill in set-piece situations.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Goal Scorers Of All-Time In History
Summary
While the numbers tell one story, the memories these goals have created for fans around the world are priceless. Whether it’s Juninho’s swerving knuckleballs, Beckham’s curling masterpieces, or Messi’s pinpoint precision, these free-kick specialists have defined eras and inspired generations.
