Who Has More Free-Kick Goals? The Ultimate Showdown of Legends

The Icons of Free-Kick Scoring

Free-kick goals have a certain mystique about them, don't they? There’s something about a perfectly executed free-kick that can send chills down your spine. Maybe it’s the skill involved, or maybe it’s the sheer spectacle of watching a ball swerve into the net, almost defying physics. But here’s the million-dollar question: who has more free-kick goals?

Now, I’m sure you're thinking of the usual suspects. People like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and even David Beckham pop up in your head. And, frankly, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some strong opinions on the matter. So, let’s dive in and break it down.

The Heavyweights: Ronaldo vs. Messi

Well, when it comes to the debate about free-kick goals, you can’t really start anywhere else than with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both players have spent decades perfecting their craft and each has built a reputation for delivering jaw-dropping free-kicks.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Free-Kick Mastery

You know, I was actually talking to my friend Tom the other day about Ronaldo’s free-kick technique. We both agreed that Ronaldo’s approach to the dead-ball situation is almost intimidating. The man has scored over 55 free-kicks in his career (as of 2025), and what stands out to me is his consistency. It’s not just the power – it’s the precision, the way he can curl the ball around a wall or hammer it into the top corner.

But, and here’s where I waver a bit, Ronaldo’s free-kick success rate hasn’t been as high as we might expect, especially considering his reputation. Still, you can’t deny his ability to change a game with a single strike. He’s scored memorable ones for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, not to mention his national team.

Messi’s Free-Kick Genius

Now, on the other hand, we’ve got Lionel Messi. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I’m biased towards him because I’m a Barcelona fan (well, that’s a given). But even if I try to set aside the fanboy-ness, Messi’s free-kick technique is something else. His delicate touch, his ability to chip the ball over the wall with the perfect arc – it’s almost like he’s playing a different game.

As of 2025, Messi has surpassed 60 free-kick goals in his career. It’s hard not to be in awe of his record. What’s even more impressive is his ability to score free-kicks in the most high-pressure situations. He’s done it for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Argentina, with some of his goals coming in crucial moments, like in the Copa America and World Cup qualifiers.

The Other Contenders

Okay, enough about the two most obvious names. Honestly, there’s a whole bunch of legends who deserve some credit too.

David Beckham’s Classic Technique

If we’re talking about free-kick maestros, we can't forget David Beckham. Beckham revolutionized the art of the free-kick in the late '90s and early 2000s. The way he bent the ball – it was like he had some sort of wizardry on his side. Even though Beckham’s career in top-tier football is behind him, his free-kick tally, which stands at just over 65 goals, still holds its ground. I remember watching him in the 2000s and being blown away every time he stepped up to take a free-kick.

Juninho Pernambucano: The Forgotten Legend?

Actually, speaking of free-kick legends, let’s talk about Juninho Pernambucano for a second. A name that might not come up as often in casual football chatter, but let me tell you, this guy was a free-kick machine. Playing primarily for Lyon in France, Juninho scored 77 free-kick goals – yes, you read that right, 77. If we’re talking about pure free-kick scoring numbers, he’s up there with the best. What’s amazing about Juninho is his ability to strike the ball in different ways, whether it’s a rocket or a precise curling shot. The guy was, and still is, a free-kick icon.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Comparing Stats

Okay, now that we've got the names and the anecdotes, let’s get into the numbers, because at the end of the day, stats matter, right?

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 55+ free-kick goals
• Lionel Messi: 60+ free-kick goals
• David Beckham: 65 free-kick goals
• Juninho Pernambucano: 77 free-kick goals (still the top of the list)

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Messi and Ronaldo are still playing!” Yep, and that’s a fair point. They could easily catch up with or surpass Juninho in the coming years. But as of now, Juninho still holds the crown.

The Debate Continues…

Honestly, every time I start digging into the free-kick stats, I find myself torn. On one hand, you’ve got Ronaldo and Messi, two of the greatest players of all time, both of whom can still add to their tally. But on the other hand, you’ve got legends like Juninho, who might not get the global media attention but certainly deserves recognition for his mastery of the free-kick.

What’s clear is that free-kick takers are a rare breed in football. Their ability to consistently score from set-pieces, often in high-pressure moments, is what separates the good from the great.

So, who has more free-kick goals? Well, as of today, Juninho takes the crown. But with Messi and Ronaldo still active, this race is far from over. The real question is, who’s your favorite free-kick taker? Let me know – I’m curious to hear what you think!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.