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Scoring a goal from a free-kick is an art that calls for precision, technique, creativity. Several players have perfected this skill over the years, turning set-pieces into spectacles as fans watch in amazement. In here, we take a look at the top 10 footballers who ever took extraordinary free kicks and were able to convert them into goals.
Juninho Pernambucano
The rating of Juninho Pernambucano as the greatest free kick taker of all time cannot be surpassed. His ability to strike the ball with power and accuracy from distance made him one of the most feared players on dead-ball situations. During his career, Juninho scored an amazing 77 goals through direct freekicks demonstrating his unique style and consistency.
David Beckham
Free-kicks has become synonymous with the name David Beckham. Most people still remember his curling efforts that he often used during set-pieces such as those against Manchester United, Real Madrid and England national team which were some of the memorable ones. Beckham’s technique as well as accuracy ranked him among the best free kick takers in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Also recognized for their freekick abilities is Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers ever lived. Ronaldo has several times showed off his powerful shots that dip dramatically during free-kick scoring many goals against Manchester United while playing for clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus together with Portuguese national team. These are distinctive tactics that make him stand out as a player who specializes in taking dead ball situations.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was not only a great footballer but also outstanding when it came to taking penalties or set pieces. Maradona is remembered for his pinpoint bending strikes that resulted into numerous spectacular goals. One instance where his exceptional talent in dead-ball situation can be seen is how he netted that remarkable goal via a trademark “banana” free-kick in the match against Greece during the 1994 World Cup.
Zinedine Zidane
In addition to his elegance and finesse, Zinedine Zidane was also good at taking free kicks. His ability to kick balls with precision and accuracy made him a menace in set-pieces. For example, one of his goals that stands out is his free kick versus Spain in UEFA European Championship 2000.
Lionel Messi
Throughout his career Lionel Messi has scored plenty incredible goals from direct free kicks. Being able to curl it over the wall and into top corners are reasons why he has been scoring some of the most unique free kicks for both Barcelona and Argentina national team. This is supported by his marvelous goal against Liverpool during their semifinal encounter in which he netted it directly from a superbly taken free-kick.
Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo stood out as one of the players who were known for their skills of taking penalty shots. Pirlo’s style through which he used to score from different angles and ranges was mainly associated with technique and vision. And one of these was when he scored an amazing free kick against Mexico during Confederations Cup in 2013.
Michel Platini
Also regarded as one of the greatest French footballers, Michel Platini had a great skill on how to take a good penalty shot. His capability to strike a ball with curling trajectory or accuracy made him one of the deadliest men on dead ball situations. Several crucial matches benefited from his lethal direct freekick strikes while playing for Juventus as well as France national team.
Roberto Carlos
Some of the most stunning goals that have ever happened in soccer history were due to Roberto Carlos using nothing but his left foot that has immense power every time he takes a shot towards goal. The Brazilian full-back will forever be remembered for this “banana kick” which occurred during a game with France in 1997. This was an astonishing talent of being able to hit the ball with enormous power and spin making him a unique free kick specialist.
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian magician, thrilled fans with his free-kick technique. He would score goals from impossible angles and distances thanks to his imaginative play. Ronaldinho’s unforgettable free kick against England in the 2002 World Cup quarter final is still one of the most memorable episodes in world cup history.
Celebrating Free-Kick Mastery
These players have taken the art of free kicks to new heights by providing numerous memorable moments for soccer lovers. Their ability to score from set-pieces has not only won matches but also inspired future generations of footballers. For those who like following what these football legends are doing, World777 comes in handy. Whether through World777 Sports betting or keeping updated with a World777 ID, fans can stay connected to the latest football action and celebrate the sport’s greatest moments.
Top 10 Free Kick Takers in Football History
The top ten free-kick takers in soccer history have shown extraordinary tactfulness, accuracy and inventiveness while scoring from set-pieces. The fabulous goals they scored are all part of footballs’ beauty and thrill of it at its best. With platforms such as World777, supporters can still enjoy and follow these legendary players’ accomplishments staying tuned to every thrilling moment on field games.