Best Free Kick Takers in the World Right Now: The art of the free kick—a perfect mix of power, precision, and technique—has fascinated football fans for years. A well-taken free kick can change the game, leaving goalkeepers helpless and spectators in awe.
Some players frequently mentioned among the best include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr.. These athletes are celebrated for their accuracy and technique in scoring from Free Kicks.
Best Free Kick Takers in the World Right Now
In this article we ranked the top 25 Best Free Kick Takers in the World Right Now, considering their accuracy, consistency, and ability to score from various distances and angles.
25. Philippe Coutinho
- Date of Birth: 12 June 1992
- Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
- Current Team: Vasco da Gama (on loan from Aston Villa)
Philippe Coutinho is a Brazilian footballer known for his great left foot, which helps him score amazing goals. He is called “Little Magician” by Liverpool fans for his skillful passing and vision.
Born on June 12, 1992, Coutinho plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Vasco da Gama, on loan from Aston Villa. He is talented at dribbling and making long-range shots.
Coutinho started at Vasco da Gama and joined Inter Milan in 2008. He played for Liverpool from 2013 to 2018, winning several awards. He also played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning multiple titles. He joined Aston Villa in 2022.
He made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and played in the 2018 World Cup, scoring two goals. He was part of the team that won the 2019 Copa América.
24. Raphinha
- Date of Birth: 14 December 1996
- Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Winger
- Current Team: Barcelona
Raphinha is a Brazilian footballer known for his exciting free kicks. He began his career at Avaí and moved to Vitória Guimarães in 2016, where he debuted professionally. He then played for Sporting CP and Rennes before joining Leeds United and later Barcelona for £50 million.
Raphinha made his debut for the Brazilian national team in October 2021, where he scored his first goals against Uruguay.
He also represented Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and participated in the 2024 Copa América.
23. Vincenzo Grifo
- Date of Birth: 7 April 1993
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Left winger, attacking midfielder
- Current Team: SC Freiburg
Grifo is known for his technical skills and precise free kicks that challenge goalkeepers. He is an intelligent midfielder with good offensive abilities and an eye for scoring.
Though he is right-footed, he usually plays as a left winger, allowing him to cut inside and take shots on goal.
Grifo is versatile and can also play as an attacking midfielder or outside forward. He is recognized for his flair, dribbling, and vision, making him a great assist provider. He is a dead-ball specialist, excelling at free kicks and penalties.
22. Phil Foden
- Date of Birth: 28 May 2000
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.71 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Current Team: Manchester City
Phil Foden is known for his creativity and precise free-kick technique. Left-footed, he plays mainly as a midfielder but can also operate as a winger or a false 9. Pep Guardiola has praised him as a “special player” with great potential.
Foden broke onto the scene in 2017, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball and making his debut for Manchester City. He has since made over 200 appearances, winning many honors, including a continental treble in 2022-23.
Foden has been named Premier League Young Player of the Season twice and earned the Premier League Player of the Season title in 2024. He made his senior debut for England in 2020 and has played in UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
21. David Alaba
- Date of Birth: 24 June 1992
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Centre-back, left-back, midfielder
- Current Team: Real Madrid
David Alaba combines his defensive skills with powerful free kicks, using his left foot to deliver long-range strikes. A versatile player, Alaba plays mainly as a left-back but can also operate as a center-back or midfielder. His vision and leadership have made him one of the top defenders in the world.
Starting his career at Bayern Munich, Alaba won 27 trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles. In 2021, he moved to Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season.
For Austria, he has earned over 100 caps and is considered one of their greatest players, winning Austrian Footballer of the Year nine times.
20. Marcos Alonso
- Date of Birth: 28 December 1990
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position(s): Left-back, centre-back
- Current Team: Celta
Marcos Alonso, currently at Barcelona, is renowned not only for his defensive abilities but also for his powerful free kicks. His left foot can deliver strikes that pose a threat to any goalkeeper, especially from long distances.
He plays primarily as a left-back or center-back for RC Celta de Vigo and the Spain national team.
Alonso began his career at Real Madrid, later making his mark with Bolton Wanderers and Fiorentina. His success in Italy led to a £24 million move to Chelsea in 2016, where he won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
19. Martin Ødegaard
- Date of Birth: 17 December 1998
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Current Team: Arsenal
Martin Ødegaard is renowned for his technical skill and precision, especially in free kicks, where his clever placements challenge goalkeepers. As one of the top midfielders, Ødegaard stands out for his vision, dribbling, and passing.
He began his career at 15 with Strømsgodset, becoming the Tippeligaen’s youngest scorer. In 2015, he joined Real Madrid, setting a club record as their youngest player. After loans at Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad (winning the 2019 Copa del Rey), he moved to Arsenal in 2021, becoming captain in 2022.
Ødegaard also captains Norway, debuting at 15 as their youngest-ever player.
18. Kieran Trippier
- Date of Birth: 19 September 1990
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Position(s): Right-back
- Current Team: Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier is known for his excellent crossing ability and his skill in taking free kicks, often delivering dangerous strikes.
Trippier was part of the Spurs squad that reached the 2019 Champions League final. In 2019, he transferred to Atlético Madrid, where he won the 2020–21 La Liga title.
Trippier scored a memorable free kick in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and has been part of England’s squads for major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
17. Dimitri Payet
- Date of Birth: 29 March 1987
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
- Current Team: Vasco da Gama
Dimitri Payet is a highly skilled French attacking midfielder, celebrated for his remarkable free-kick ability. Currently playing for Vasco da Gama in Brazil after a brilliant career in Ligue 1, particularly with Olympique de Marseille, Payet remains a potent threat from Free kicks, showcasing his signature bending strikes.
His career includes stints at FC Nantes, AS Saint-Étienne, Lille, and West Ham United, but he truly made his mark at Marseille, where he returned in 2017 after a brief period in the Premier League.
Payet was part of the squad that reached the UEFA Euro 2016 final, where his performances earned him a spot on the Team of the Tournament, highlighting his creative and technical skills on the field. Despite facing criticism for inconsistency at times, his talent remains undeniable, particularly when it comes to taking free kicks.
16. Robert Lewandowski
- Date of Birth: 21 August 1988
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Striker
- Current Team: Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski is known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and powerful free kicks. He is also an accurate penalty taker and praised for his work ethic and discipline.
He started his career in Poland before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Bundesliga titles. In 2014, he joined Bayern Munich and helped them win many titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2020. He scored over 600 goals for club and country, becoming one of the best strikers in football history.
Lewandowski joined Barcelona in 2022, winning the La Liga title in his debut season. He is Poland’s all-time top scorer with over 80 goals and has played in multiple European Championships and World Cups. He has won many awards, including the Best FIFA Men’s Player twice.
15. Óscar Rodríguez
- Date of Birth: 28 June 1998
- Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
- Current Team: Leganés
Óscar Rodríguez is an emerging talent in the world of football, known for his incredible free-kick prowess at a young age of just 25.
His technique, precision, and ability to curl the ball around walls make his free kicks a spectacle to behold. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, expectations are high for his future contributions on the pitch.
If you haven’t yet seen his best free-kick goals, it’s highly recommended to seek them out. They showcase not only his striking ability but also his potential to become one of the prominent names in football. Keep an eye on Óscar Rodríguez as he grows into his role; he is a player to watch in the coming years!
14. James Maddison
Date of Birth: 23 November 1996
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Current Team: Tottenham Hotspur
James Maddison is a skilled player in the Premier League. He plays for Leicester City and is known for his great talent, strong kicks, and ability to score goals.
He started with Coventry City, then moved to Norwich City in 2016. He spent some time on loan at Aberdeen and had a great season at Norwich, earning spots in the Championship PFA Team of the Year. In 2018, he joined Leicester City, winning the FA Cup and FA Community Shield.
Maddison played for England’s under-21 team and made his senior debut in 2019. He was part of the England team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
13. Dani Parejo
Date of Birth: 16 April 1989
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Central midfielder
Current Team: Villarreal
Daniel Parejo is an experienced midfielder known for his precision and technique. He plays for Villarreal and the Spanish national team. Parejo is great at scoring from free kicks and has netted many important goals for both club and country.
Although he is not as effective as before, he remains one of the top players in La Liga for direct free kicks. He started at Real Madrid but became well-known at Getafe. In 2011, he joined Valencia, where he played 383 matches and won the Copa del Rey in 2019. He also had a brief stint with Queens Park Rangers in England.
Parejo has represented Spain at various youth levels, earning 43 caps and scoring nine goals. He made his senior debut in 2018 at the age of 28.
12. Bruno Fernandes
- Date of Birth: 8 September 1994
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
- Current Team: Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is a dynamic attacking midfielder known for his exceptional technique and vision, making him a key player for Manchester United.
He is Renowned as one of the best free-kick takers in the Premier League. His recent goal against Liverpool highlights his striking accuracy from various distances.
Fernandes combines creativity with direct play, often taking risks with his passing but also pressing opponents after losing possession.
He participated in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and played in the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League, winning the latter and earning a spot on the Team of the Tournament.
11. Dominik Szoboszlai
- Date of Birth: 25 October 2000
- Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Current Team: Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai, the youngest player on our list, is a rising star at Liverpool. The Hungarian midfielder is known for his exceptional talent, especially as a free-kick taker.
He’s a versatile box-to-box player, praised for his passing and playmaking. After starting his career with FC Liefering, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg, winning several league titles. In 2021, he transferred to RB Leipzig for a record €20 million and won two DFB-Pokal titles. In 2023, he joined Liverpool after they paid his €70 million release clause.
Szoboszlai has also made a mark with the Hungarian national team, scoring crucial goals in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
10. Kevin De Bruyne
Date of Birth: 28 June 1991
Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current Team: Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is renowned for his pinpoint accurate free kicks and exceptional vision, making him one of the top playmakers in football. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and deliver dangerous set pieces sets him apart.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, De Bruyne can also play as a central midfielder, winger, or even in a deeper playmaking role. He is praised for his technique, passing range, vision, and powerful shots with either foot.
De Bruyne began his career at Genk and later joined Manchester City in 2015, where he became instrumental in their success, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the Champions League.
De Bruyne has earned over 100 caps for Belgium, contributing to their third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. He has been consistently recognized among the world’s top footballers, nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and received various individual awards.
9. Miralem Pjanic
- Date of Birth: 2 April 1990
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Current Team: CSKA Moscow
Miralem Pjanić is known for his exceptional free kick skills, with the ability to strike the ball with precision and finesse, making him one of the top dead-ball specialists.
Currently playing for Sharjah and formerly representing the Bosnian national team, Pjanić has earned a reputation for his accuracy and technique in Free kicks.
Pjanić began his career at Metz before moving to Lyon, Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona. His time at Juventus was particularly successful, where he won four Serie A titles and earned a place in multiple Serie A Team of the Year selections.
He earned 115 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
8. Neymar Jr.
- Date of Birth: 5 February 1992
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Forward
- Current Team: Al Hilal
Neymar is a Brazilian football superstar known for his incredible dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. He’s considered one of the best free-kick takers in the world, having scored many important goals for both club and country.
He began his professional career at Santos in 2009, helping the team win the Copa Libertadores in 2011. In 2013, he joined Barcelona, forming a legendary trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League. In 2017, Neymar transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record €222 million, where he won five Ligue 1 titles.
In 2023, he signed for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, becoming the league’s most expensive signing.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals and has played in three World Cups, winning the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic gold medal in 2016.
He has received many awards and awards, including six Samba Gold awards and recognition in the FIFA FIFPro World11.
Neymar is not only a football icon but also one of the most marketable athletes globally.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Date of Birth: 7 October 1998
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Position(s): Right-back, midfielder
- Current Team: Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, known for his exceptional crossing and free-kick abilities. His precise set-piece delivery has helped him create numerous goals and assists for Liverpool.
Since joining Liverpool’s academy in 2004, Alexander-Arnold made his senior debut in 2016 and quickly became a key player. He played in back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals, winning in 2019, and has been recognized for his performances with several awards, including the PFA Young Player of the Year and inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.
Alexander-Arnold has participated in major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 World Cup.
6. Paulo Dybala
- Date of Birth: 15 November 1993
- Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder, winger
- Current Team: Roma
Paulo Dybala is ranked No. 6 on our list. He is a skilled player known for his amazing left foot and ability to take free kicks. He learned from stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Dybala is an elegant player with strong dribbling and powerful shots. He can play as a winger, striker, or attacking midfielder, but he’s best on the right wing where he can cut inside to shoot.
He started his career in Argentina and played for Instituto and then Palermo. In 2015, he joined Juventus, winning many titles, and in 2022, he moved to Roma.
Dybala also plays for Argentina, having appeared in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, winning the latter.
5. Hakan Calhanoğlu
- Date of Birth: 8 February 1994
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Current Team: Inter Milan
Hakan Çalhanoğlu is a Turkish midfielder currently playing for Inter Milan, known for his exceptional free-kick abilities. He has consistently proven himself as one of the best free-kick takers in modern football, scoring crucial goals for both club and country.
Born in Germany, Çalhanoğlu captains the Turkey national team and is recognized for his skill from various angles and distances. He often models his free-kick technique on the famous knuckleball style of Cristiano Ronaldo and Juninho Pernambucano.
He has been a key player for Turkey since making his senior debut in 2013, participating in multiple UEFA European Championships.
4. James Rodriguez
- Date of Birth: 12 July 1991
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
- Current Team: Rayo Vallecano
James Rodríguez is a talented Colombian attacking midfielder known for his exceptional left foot and striking ability from a distance. Currently playing for Rayo Vallecano, he is recognized as one of the best free-kick takers in the world and has scored many crucial goals for his club.
Rodríguez is a versatile player, capable of playing as a playmaker, winger, or central midfielder. He started his career at Envigado and gained fame at Porto before moving to Real Madrid for £63 million in 2014, making him the most expensive Colombian player at the time. He later played for Bayern Munich on loan, Everton, Al-Rayyan, and Olympiacos, before returning to Brazil to join São Paulo in 2023.
James has represented Colombia in two World Cups, winning the Golden Boot in 2014. He has also played in multiple Copa América tournaments, earning the Golden Ball as the best player in the 2024 edition.
Often compared to legendary Colombian player Carlos Valderrama, Rodríguez is celebrated for his technical skills, vision, and playmaking abilities.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Date of Birth: 5 February 1985
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position(s): Forward
- Current Team: Al Nassr
No. 3 on our list is Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers ever. The Portuguese striker, currently at Al Nassr, has shown remarkable improvement throughout his career. While his free-kick stats have dipped recently, he still delivers stunning goals when inspired.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, started at Sporting CP before joining Manchester United in 2003. After winning titles, he moved to Real Madrid in 2009, becoming their all-time top scorer and winning four Champions Leagues. He later played for Juventus, winning two Serie A titles, returned to Manchester United, and joined Al Nassr in 2023.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and has participated in eleven major tournaments, winning the Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He’s highly marketable, being the highest-paid athlete multiple times and a social media phenomenon with over a billion followers.
He is known for his powerful free kicks, and uses a unique knuckleball technique, making him a standout in set pieces.
2. James Ward-Prowse
- Date of Birth: 1 November 1994
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.77 m)
- Position(s): Central midfielder
- Current Team: Nottingham Forest (on loan from West Ham United)
James Ward-Prowse is an English midfielder known for his exceptional free-kick taking abilities, currently playing for West Ham United after a successful career at Southampton.
He is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the Premier League, noted for his technique and accuracy from long distances.
Regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the Premier League, he holds the record for the most free-kick goals for Southampton and is praised by coaches, including Pep Guardiola.
Ward-Prowse is also known for his fitness, having played every minute in two consecutive seasons.
1. Lionel Messi
- Date of Birth: 24 June 1987
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Forward
- Current Team: Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is currently the best free-kick taker in 2024, with over 65 direct free-kick goals. His unique style stems from his low center of gravity, allowing him to maneuver easily around defenders.
Messi has an incredible record of over 800 career goals, has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, and is the most decorated player in football history, with 44 team trophies. He began his career at Barcelona, winning multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then to Inter Miami.
Messi is also Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and has led his country to victories in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, earning a Golden Ball award for best player in the tournament.
For fans, Messi remains an inspiring figure in sports.