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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best free kick takers in the world in 2023.

Free kicks are a crucial part of football, and having a player who can consistently convert them into goals can be a game-changer.

In recent years, we have seen some exceptional free kick takers emerge, and in 2023, the list is as competitive as ever.

Here are the top 10 best free kick takers in the world in 2023, based on their accuracy, technique, and ability to score in crucial moments.

From established superstars to rising talents, these players have proven their worth from dead-ball situations and have the potential to lead their teams to victory with their set-piece prowess.

Whether it’s bending the ball around the wall or blasting it into the top corner, these free-kick specialists have a variety of techniques in their arsenal and can make a difference in any match. So, without further ado, let’s look at the world’s top 10 best free kick takers in 2023.

Top 10 Best Free Kick Takers In The World 2023

10 Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in football history. His exceptional technique, precision, and ability to generate power from short distances made him a formidable force from set pieces.

Even in 2023, long after his retirement, Zidane’s free-kick-taking skills continue to inspire awe and admiration among football fans worldwide.

One of the reasons why Zidane was so effective from free-kicks was his ability to read the game and understand the opposition’s defensive strategy.

He was always looking for gaps in the wall or positioning the ball in such a way that it would deceive the goalkeeper.

Zidane’s free-kick-taking technique involved generating significant power by hitting the ball with the instep while also adding curve and dip to his shots.

Zidane was also adept at scoring from long-range free-kicks. He could strike the ball with incredible accuracy and precision, which often left goalkeepers stranded.

In conclusion, even in 2023, Zinedine Zidane’s free-kick-taking abilities remain legendary. His precision, power, and ability to score from all angles and distances made him one of the best free-kick takers in the world. Zidane’s technique and legacy will continue to inspire footballers and fans for years to come.

9 Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in football history. Even in 2023, his skills in this department are still highly respected and admired by fans and players alike.

The former Brazilian left-back was known for his powerful and accurate strikes, as well as his unique technique, which involved a lot of spin on the ball.

Throughout his career, Roberto Carlos scored some iconic free kicks that will forever be remembered by football fans. Perhaps his most famous one came during the 1997 Tournoi de France, where he scored a stunning free-kick against France that defied physics.

The ball appeared to be heading wide before it suddenly curved back into the goal, leaving the goalkeeper and the defenders helpless.

Roberto Carlos’ free-kick prowess wasn’t limited to just one or two memorable strikes, however. He consistently scored from set pieces throughout his career, whether it was for his club teams or the Brazilian national team.

His ability to generate power and accuracy from long range was unparalleled, and he was also adept at bending the ball around the wall.

In 2023, Roberto Carlos’ influence on the art of free-kick taking can still be seen in the way many players approach to set pieces.

His legacy lives on as a benchmark for future generations of players to aspire to, and he remains one of the all-time greats in this particular aspect of the game.

Even today, fans of the sport still marvel at his incredible free kicks, which are a testament to his unique talent and skill.

8 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the world, and he continues to prove it in 2023.

In 2023, Messi remains one of the top 10 free-kick takers in the world, and his mastery of this skill has continued to amaze fans and analysts alike.

Messi’s free-kick technique is characterized by his precision and accuracy, as well as his ability to generate incredible amounts of power from relatively short distances.

He is able to bend the ball in ways that few other players can, and his shots are often unpredictable and difficult for goalkeepers to anticipate. His ability to find the top corner of the net with ease is a testament to his skill and hard work on the training ground.

Another aspect of Messi’s free-kick-taking ability is his mental strength and composure under pressure. He is able to remain calm and focused even in high-pressure situations, which allows him to execute his shots with accuracy and confidence.

This mental toughness is a crucial part of his success as a free-kick taker, and it has helped him to score some of the most important goals of his career.

Despite being in his mid-thirties, Messi continues to be one of the top free-kick takers in the world. He remains a key player for his club team and for the Argentinian national team, and his contributions on the field are always highly valued.

Whether he is scoring from open play or from a free-kick, Messi’s skill and talent are a joy to watch, and he is sure to remain one of the top soccer players in the world for many years to come.

7 Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, who sadly passed away in 2020, will always be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time.

His exceptional ball control, dribbling skills, and vision on the pitch made him a force to be reckoned with. However, it was not just his offensive abilities that set him apart from other players – Maradona was also a deadly free-kick taker.

During his career, Maradona scored an impressive 62 free kicks, many of which were crucial goals that helped his teams win important matches.

He was known for his ability to strike the ball with incredible power and accuracy, often curling it around the wall and into the top corner of the net.

What made Maradona’s free kicks so deadly was his unpredictability. He was capable of taking a direct shot on goal or setting up his teammates with a perfectly placed pass. He would often vary his technique, using a combination of power, spin, and swerve to keep the goalkeeper guessing.

Maradona’s free-kick prowess was on full display during the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory. In the quarterfinals against England, he famously scored the “Hand of God” goal as well as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history – a solo effort that began with a mazy run from midfield and ended with a cool finish past the goalkeeper.

But it was his free kick in the semifinals against Belgium that showcased his skill in dead ball situations. With Argentina trailing 2-0, Maradona stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the box and curled it into the top corner to spark a comeback that would ultimately see Argentina reach the final.

In 2023, there are many talented free-kick takers in the world, but Diego Maradona’s legacy as one of the greatest of all time still endures.

His ability to score from set pieces was not just a testament to his technical skills, but also his ability to read the game and anticipate the movements of the opposition. Even though he is no longer with us, his impact on the game of football will be felt for generations to come.

6 David Beckham

David Beckham is undoubtedly one of the greatest free-kick takers the world has ever seen. His unique technique and precision have earned him a place among the top 10 best free-kick takers in the world in 2023.

Beckham’s ability to bend the ball around the wall and into the top corner of the net is legendary. He has scored some of the most memorable goals in football history from free-kicks, including the one against Greece in 2001, which secured England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Despite his retirement from football, Beckham’s free-kick-taking skills have not diminished, and he remains an inspiration to young footballers around the world.

His expertise in this area of the game has made him a sought-after coach, with many professional players seeking his guidance to improve their own free-kick-taking abilities.

Beckham’s success as a free-kick taker can be attributed to his dedication and practice. He would spend hours honing his technique on the training ground, experimenting with different approaches and angles to find the perfect strike.

His ability to read the game and spot opportunities to take free kicks also made him a valuable asset to any team.

In conclusion, David Beckham’s inclusion in the top 10 best free-kick takers in the world in 2023 is a testament to his incredible skill and talent.

His legacy as a footballer has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come.

Aspiring footballers can look to Beckham as an example of the dedication and hard work required to achieve greatness in any field.

5 Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho, the Brazilian football legend, is undoubtedly one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time. His ability to score spectacular goals from set pieces was simply mesmerizing.

Ronaldinho’s free-kick-taking technique is unique and highly effective. He has the ability to generate tremendous power and swerve on the ball, which makes it very difficult for goalkeepers to save.

His run-up to the ball is also distinctive, as he takes a few short steps before striking the ball with the inside of his foot. This technique allows him to create the perfect amount of spin on the ball, which is crucial in scoring goals from free-kicks.

Apart from his technique, Ronaldinho’s creativity in taking free-kicks is also exceptional. He is known for his audacious chip shots over the wall and for bending the ball around the wall into the top corner of the net.

His unpredictability and ability to surprise the opposition with unexpected shots have made him a feared free-kick taker.

Even though Ronaldinho has retired from professional football, his legacy lives on. Many players, including Lionel Messi and Neymar, have acknowledged Ronaldinho’s influence on their free-kick-taking abilities.

In conclusion, Ronaldinho’s name will always be synonymous with free-kick taking. His unique technique, creativity, and ability to score spectacular goals from set pieces have made him one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time.

4 Zico

Zico, also known as Arthur Antunes Coimbra, is considered one of the best free-kick takers in the world in 2023. Born in Brazil in 1953, Zico played for the Brazilian national team and several clubs in Brazil, Italy, and Japan.

Zico’s technique, precision, and power when taking free-kicks were unmatched, and he is still considered a reference in this aspect of the game.

Zico’s free-kick technique was based on a combination of power and precision. He had the ability to strike the ball with great force, which made it difficult for goalkeepers to react in time to make a save.

At the same time, he could also place the ball with great accuracy, hitting the target or finding a teammate in the box. Zico’s free-kicks were also characterized by their unpredictable trajectory, making it challenging for defenders to anticipate where the ball would end up.

Another aspect that made Zico’s free-kicks so effective was his mental strength. He was known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to perform in crucial moments.

Zico was often the go-to player for his team when they needed a goal, and he rarely disappointed. His confidence and focus were essential in his success as a free-kick taker, and he was always willing to take on the responsibility of scoring from a set-piece.

Zico’s legacy as a footballer is secure, and his influence on the game will continue to be felt for generations to come.

3 Michel Platini

Michel Platini is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his ability to score goals from free kicks was one of his defining attributes.

Born in 1955 in France, Platini began his professional career with AS Nancy in 1972 before moving on to Saint-Étienne and then Juventus. He represented France at the international level, scoring a total of 41 goals in 72 appearances.

Platini’s technique and accuracy from free kicks were unmatched during his playing days, and he is considered one of the top 10 free kick takers in the world in 2023.

His ability to curl the ball over walls and into the top corner of the net made him a feared opponent for any goalkeeper. He was also known for his range, and he could score from anywhere within 30 yards of the goal.

Platini’s most famous free-kick came during the 1984 European Championship semi-final against Portugal. With the game tied 1-1 in extra time, Platini curled a free-kick into the top corner of the net to give France the win and secure their place in the final.

Despite retiring from football over 30 years ago, Platini’s legacy as one of the best free-kick takers of all time lives on. His technique, accuracy, and ability to score crucial goals from set-pieces have inspired generations of players who have followed in his footsteps.

And while there may be other players who can match his ability in this area of the game, Michel Platini will always be remembered as one of the greats.

2 Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero was an exceptional free kick taker during his playing days, and his reputation in this regard still holds strong in 2023.

The former Juventus and Italy legend possessed a unique ability to curve the ball in such a way that it would be difficult for any goalkeeper to save.

Del Piero’s technique was impressive, and he was known to strike the ball with a combination of power and precision that was unmatched by many.

Del Piero’s free kick taking ability was honed over years of practice and dedication. He had an innate sense of where to place the ball and how to generate the necessary spin to make it dip over the wall and into the back of the net.

His free kicks were not only accurate but also had pace and swerve, which made them difficult for any goalkeeper to stop. Many of his free kicks became instant classics, and his fans loved to watch him take them.

Despite retiring from professional football in 2015, Del Piero’s legacy as one of the best free-kick takers in the world still resonates. He continues to inspire a new generation of footballers with his skills and techniques.

The Italian maestro remains an icon in the world of football and a true legend of the game. His free-kick taking ability will forever be etched in the memories of his fans, and his legacy will continue to inspire the generations to come.

In conclusion, Alessandro Del Piero is undoubtedly one of the best free-kick takers in the world. His ability to generate pace, spin, and accuracy while striking the ball was exceptional.

His legacy remains strong in 2023, and his name will always be mentioned among the greatest footballers of all time.

1 Juninho Pernambucano

Juninho Pernambucano is widely regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers in football history, and in 2023 he is still considered the best in the world.

His technique and precision from set-piece situations were truly remarkable, and his ability to score from long-range made him a constant threat to opposition teams.

Juninho’s free-kick taking ability is based on his unique style and technique. He is known for his ability to generate a huge amount of spin on the ball, which causes it to dip and swerve unpredictably, making it extremely difficult for goalkeepers to save.

His approach to taking free-kicks involves taking a long, sweeping run-up before striking the ball with the inside of his foot. He also has the ability to take free kicks with both feet, making him even more dangerous from set-piece situations.

What sets Juninho apart from other free-kick takers is his consistency. He has scored over 77 goals from free kicks throughout his career, including some of the most memorable goals in football history.

His free-kick against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League quarter-finals is a prime example of his incredible technique and accuracy.

Despite retiring from professional football, his influence on the game continues to be felt, and he remains an inspiration to young footballers around the world.