Free kicks are one of football’s most thrilling and skillful scoring methods. Over the years, several Premier League players have mastered the art of bending the ball past defensive walls and into the back of the net.
As the modern game evolves, direct free kick goals have become increasingly rare. However, these players have left an indelible mark on Premier League history with their precision and power. Below is the updated 2025 ranking of Premier League players with the most goals from direct free kicks.
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Top Premier League Free Kick Goal Scorers – 2025 List
1. David Beckham – 18 goals
Manchester United legend David Beckham holds the record for the most free kick goals in Premier League history. His trademark curl and deadly accuracy helped him score 18 direct free kicks between 1996 and 2003. One of his most iconic strikes came against Greece in 2001, securing England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
2. James Ward-Prowse – 17 goals
Now with West Ham United, James Ward-Prowse is just one goal behind Beckham. While he has yet to score a free kick with the Hammers since joining in 2023, his consistent brilliance with Southampton earned him a reputation as one of the best dead-ball specialists in Premier League history. His conversion rate from free kicks is one of the highest ever recorded.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 12 goals
Across two spells at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 12 free kick goals. Known for his powerful “knuckleball” technique, Ronaldo’s most famous strike came against Portsmouth in 2008, a goal often regarded as one of the best free kicks ever scored in the Premier League.
4. Thierry Henry – 12 goals
The Arsenal icon combined flair, vision, and technique to deliver 12 direct free kick goals in the Premier League. Henry remains Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most complete forwards the league has seen.
5. Gianfranco Zola – 12 goals
Chelsea’s creative maestro Gianfranco Zola also scored 12 free kick goals. In September 2002, he netted three free kicks in one month, showcasing his technical brilliance and calmness under pressure.
6. Laurent Robert – 11 goals
The French winger lit up St. James’ Park during his time with Newcastle United. Known for his powerful left foot, Robert scored 11 direct free kick goals, including five in the 2001/02 season alone.
7. Sebastian Larsson – 11 goals
Larsson was known for his consistency from set pieces. The Swedish midfielder scored 11 free kick goals while playing for Birmingham and Sunderland. A significant portion of his Premier League goals came from dead-ball situations.
8. Ian Harte – 10 goals
Former Leeds United defender Ian Harte had a reputation for his left-footed free kicks. Harte scored 10 direct free kick goals in the Premier League, with 36 percent of his goals coming from set pieces.
9. Morten Gamst Pedersen – 10 goals
Blackburn Rovers’ Norwegian star was known for his thunderous left foot. Pedersen scored 10 direct free kicks during his time in the Premier League, becoming a fan favorite for his spectacular strikes.
Full Table: Top EPL Free Kick Goal Scorers
| Rank | Player | Free Kick Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Beckham | 18 |
| 2 | James Ward-Prowse | 17 |
| =3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 12 |
| =3 | Thierry Henry | 12 |
| =3 | Gianfranco Zola | 12 |
| =6 | Laurent Robert | 11 |
| =6 | Sebastian Larsson | 11 |
| =8 | Ian Harte | 10 |
| =8 | Morten Gamst Pedersen | 10 |
A Dying Art?
Despite the brilliance of these players, free kick goals are becoming increasingly rare in top-flight football. The Premier League recorded just 11 direct free kick goals during the 2023/24 season. Additionally, not a single free kick goal was scored at Euro 2024, highlighting how much the game has changed.
