The 12 Greatest Free-Kick Takers in Football History

From Juninho's unplayable knuckleballs to Beckham, Messi and Roberto Carlos — ranking the deadliest dead-ball specialists football has ever seen.

1

Juninho Pernambucano

The Lyon maestro scored a record 77 free-kick goals and is widely called the greatest dead-ball striker ever.

2

Lionel Messi

Has scored more direct free-kick goals than any other active player with pinpoint curl.

3

Cristiano Ronaldo

Pioneered the dipping knuckleball free-kick technique in the modern game.

4

David Beckham

England's iconic specialist defined the curling, whipped free-kick for a generation.

5

Roberto Carlos

Author of the physics-defying 'banana' free-kick against France in 1997.

6

Ronaldinho

The Brazilian magician bent unstoppable free-kicks with disguise and flair.

7

Andrea Pirlo

Italy's deep-lying playmaker mastered the knuckleball with effortless elegance.

8

Sinisa Mihajlovic

The Serbian defender holds the record for the most free-kick goals in Serie A history.

9

Zico

Brazil's 'White Pelé' was one of the deadliest free-kick takers of the 1970s and 80s.

10

Diego Maradona

Argentina's genius bent precise left-footed free-kicks throughout his career.

11

Gianfranco Zola

Italy and Chelsea's diminutive forward was a precise and reliable dead-ball expert.

12

James Rodriguez

Colombia's playmaker is an accomplished left-footed set-piece and free-kick taker.