Discover the top 10 best-ever Premier League free-kick takers, from David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo. Relive their most iconic goals in football history!
The Top 10 Best Ever Premier League Free-Kick Takers
Set-piece specialists have always been a game-changer in the Premier League, and free-kick takers can often be the difference between victory and defeat. Over the years, the league has seen some of the greatest dead-ball specialists, players who could bend, blast, or delicately place the ball into the top corner.
From David Beckham’s curling masterpieces to Cristiano Ronaldo’s knuckleball rockets, these players have mastered the art of free-kick taking. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best-ever Premier League free-kick takers and their unforgettable moments in football history.
10. Ian Harte (Leeds United, Sunderland)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 10
- Specialty: Powerful left-footed strikes
Ian Harte was a free-kick machine for Leeds United in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Irish defender possessed a ferocious left foot, capable of smashing free kicks past goalkeepers from any distance.
His most iconic goal came against Manchester United in 2001, where he fired a thunderous shot into the top corner. Despite being a defender, Harte’s free-kick ability made him one of the most dangerous dead-ball specialists of his era.
9. Juan Mata (Chelsea, Manchester United)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 11
- Specialty: Curling precision shots
Juan Mata was one of the most elegant midfielders in the Premier League, and his ability from set-pieces was second to none. His calmness and accuracy allowed him to place free kicks perfectly into the corners.
One of his best free kicks came for Manchester United against Newcastle in 2014, a beautifully curled effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Mata’s consistency and technique made him one of the most underrated free-kick takers in Premier League history.
8. Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 12
- Specialty: Intelligent placement and finesse
Gianfranco Zola was a magician on the ball, and his free-kick technique was pure artistry. The Italian forward could pick out the top corner with precision, often making free kicks look effortless.
His free kick against Arsenal in 2002 is one of the best in Premier League history, as he delicately bent the ball around the wall into the top corner. Zola’s intelligence and finesse made him a true free-kick genius.
7. Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 12
- Specialty: Quick-thinking and bending shots
Thierry Henry is best known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, but his free-kick technique was also world-class. The Arsenal legend had a unique way of taking quick free kicks, often catching goalkeepers off guard.
One of his most famous free kicks came against Wigan in 2005, when he took it quickly while the goalkeeper was still setting up his wall. Henry’s ability to combine power, accuracy, and intelligence made him one of the best free-kick takers in Premier League history.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 12
- Specialty: Knuckleball technique
Cristiano Ronaldo introduced the world to the knuckleball free kick, a technique that made the ball dip and swerve unpredictably. His most iconic free kick came against Portsmouth in 2008, where he sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Ronaldo’s power, technique, and confidence made him one of the most feared free-kick takers in Premier League history. Even though his conversion rate wasn’t the highest, his best free kicks were unforgettable moments in football history.
5. Laurent Robert (Newcastle United)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 13
- Specialty: Explosive long-range strikes
Laurent Robert had one of the most powerful left-footed shots in Premier League history. The Newcastle winger could unleash unstoppable rockets from 30+ yards, leaving goalkeepers helpless.
His free-kick against Liverpool in 2004 is one of the hardest-hit shots ever seen in the league. Robert’s ability to strike the ball with such force made him one of the most exciting free-kick takers of his time.
4. Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 14
- Specialty: Pinpoint precision with his left foot
Pedersen was one of Blackburn Rovers’ most important players during his time in the Premier League. His left foot was a deadly weapon, capable of scoring free kicks from almost any angle.
His most famous free-kick goal came against Manchester United in 2005, where he curled a stunning effort past the great Edwin van der Sar. Pedersen may not have played for a top club, but his free-kick ability was world-class.
3. Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City, Sunderland)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 17
- Specialty: Consistency and technique
Sebastian Larsson was one of the most consistent free-kick takers in Premier League history. His ability to curl the ball over the wall with power and accuracy made him a specialist in set-piece situations.
His most memorable free kick came against Arsenal in 2010, where he perfectly placed the ball into the top corner. Despite playing for mid-table teams, Larsson was always one of the league’s deadliest free-kick takers.
2. David Beckham (Manchester United)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 18
- Specialty: The perfect bend and accuracy
David Beckham is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in football history. His ability to bend the ball around the wall with precision made him a legend in the Premier League.
His most famous free kick came against Everton in 2003, where he curled a stunning shot into the top corner from 30 yards out. Beckham’s technique, composure, and consistency make him one of the best free-kick takers of all time.
1. James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
- Premier League Free-Kick Goals: 20+
- Specialty: The modern-day free-kick master
James Ward-Prowse has redefined free-kick taking in the modern Premier League. His incredible accuracy and ability to place the ball exactly where he wants it have drawn comparisons to Beckham.
His free-kick goal against Manchester United in 2021, where he curled the ball perfectly over the wall, is just one example of his mastery. Ward-Prowse is the best free-kick taker in Premier League history, with a record that continues to grow.
Conclusion: The Masters of Free Kicks in Football History
The Premier League has seen some legendary free-kick takers, each bringing their own style and technique to the game. Whether it’s Beckham’s finesse, Ronaldo’s knuckleball, or Ward-Prowse’s modern-day precision, these players have left an unforgettable mark on football history.
Who do you think is the greatest free-kick taker in Premier League history? Let us know, and keep supporting BX99, because the next free-kick legend could be just around the corner! ⚽🔥
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