Top 5 greatest free-kick takers in football history

There are headers, volleys, tap ins, and scrappy goals but the bend, dip, and blast of free-kicks is a joy to watch.

For any manager having a free-kick specialist amongst your team his priceless. The feet of a free-kick specialist is like a magic wand.  In a split second, it changes the outcome of a game.

Over the years we witnessed some phenomenal free-kick takers across the world, and we’ve decided to pick out the very best.

Below are the top 5 greatest free-kick takers in football history

David Beckham – 65 free-kicks

The former England captain’s technique from free-kicks is perhaps the most talked about in the game football, with the phrase ‘Bend it like Beckham’ immortalized in popular culture and commonly used by football commentators

Possessing a magical right foot, David Beckham netted 65 free-kicks during his playing days at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the England National team.

Victor Legrottaglie – 66 free-kicks

Next on the list of greatest free-kick takers in history is a terrain Argentine named Victor Legrottaglie.

Victor Legrottaglie may not be the first three names you will remember if asked to mention Argentine Legends but this man was a free-kick genius.

He spent his entire professional career in the Argentine league and would score from set-piece situations like it’s ABC. Although he received offers from top club like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid, he preferred to remain in his Homeland until his retirement in 1074.

Surprisingly, Victor Legrottaglie sits ahead of Diego Maradona,Juan Roman Riquelme  Lionel Messi as the most prolific Argentinean free-kick taker.

Ronaldinho – 66 free-kicks

This is arguably the best player of the late 90s and the 2000s. One of the skills that made the buck-toothed Brazilian great apart from his amazing tricks and flicks is his ability to score from direct free kicks.

Whether it be dipping efforts from 40 yards or rolled efforts under a jumping wall, Ronaldinho bagged 66 goals from direct free-kicks.

Pele – 70 goals

The Brazilian legend is arguably the best football of all-time. Amongst his many abilities is the ability to score goals. The 3 times World Cup winner scored over 1000 goals throughout his career with 70  coming from free-kicks.

Read also Victor Osimhen Biography – Early life, Road to Fame and Untold Facts

Juninho Pernambucano – 77 free-kicks

Who hits a free-kick better than Juninho Pernambucano? Nobody.

The Brazilian midfielder wowed football fans in with a string of sublime free-kicks during his time.

Juninho played a Pivotal role in helping Lyon dominate French football during the early 2000s, clinching seven Ligue 1 titles and producing moments of brilliance from set-plays.

He scored a barely believable 77 free-kicks throughout his career with 4 of them from over 40 yards out. Juninho’s outrageous scoring record has made him the GOAT when it comes to free-kicks.