Top 10 Free Kick Takers Of The 2025 Season

Top 10 Free Kick Takers of the 2025 Season highlights the most exceptional players who have mastered the art of taking free kicks with remarkable skill, precision, and creativity. In the modern game, free kicks can change the momentum of a match instantly, and these elite footballers have consistently shown their ability to convert set-piece opportunities into goals or dangerous chances that lead to scoring. This list includes a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars from Europe’s top leagues who have made free kicks a significant part of their attacking arsenal in 2025.

From curling the ball around the wall with pinpoint accuracy to delivering powerful strikes that leave goalkeepers helpless, these players have demonstrated a deep understanding of technique and mental focus. Their contribution from free kicks not only adds to their individual goal tally but also boosts their team’s chances in crucial moments. Beyond their technical abilities, these free kick takers exhibit immense confidence and composure under pressure, making them reliable assets during tense match situations.

Explore the profiles of these top 10 free kick specialists and discover how their dedication to mastering this skill has helped shape memorable moments throughout the 2025 season. Whether it’s long-range beauties or cleverly placed shots, these players represent the best in dead-ball expertise, making them standouts in this exciting aspect of football.

10. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City, Premier League)

Matheus Nunes has steadily established himself as one of Manchester City’s key free kick specialists. Since joining the club, his set-piece deliveries have become increasingly precise, combining both power and finesse to trouble goalkeepers consistently. Nunes’s technique allows him to bend the ball over defensive walls or place it accurately at the corners of the goal.

Beyond his free kick skills, Nunes contributes significantly to Manchester City’s midfield dynamics. His vision and passing help in creating chances, but it’s his dead-ball prowess that often turns tight matches in City’s favor. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver consistent free kicks is a testament to his growing confidence and importance in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Off the pitch, Nunes is known for his professionalism and dedication to improving all aspects of his game. His work ethic in training sessions is reflected in his ability to execute high-quality free kicks during matches. As Manchester City aims to dominate domestically and in Europe, Nunes’s role as a reliable set-piece taker will be crucial in breaking down stubborn defenses.

9. Declan Rice (Arsenal, Premier League)

Declan Rice, Arsenal’s captain and midfield powerhouse, has expanded his skill set by becoming a dependable free kick taker. His powerful shots from distance are a notable threat to goalkeepers, combining strength and precision. Rice’s calmness under pressure allows him to remain composed when stepping up for crucial set pieces.

In addition to his free kick duties, Rice’s leadership on and off the pitch is vital for Arsenal’s success. He marshals the midfield, breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. His tactical intelligence complements his technical ability, making him a well-rounded player and captain.

Rice’s progression as a free kick taker has added an extra dimension to Arsenal’s attacking options. His ability to convert or create chances from dead-ball situations makes him a valuable asset. As Arsenal seeks to challenge for titles, Rice’s leadership and free kick expertise will continue to play a pivotal role.

8. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Premier League)

Bruno Fernandes is one of the Premier League’s most feared free kick takers, known for blending power with pinpoint accuracy. As Manchester United’s creative engine, Fernandes regularly steps up in key moments to deliver dangerous free kicks that either find the net or create scoring opportunities for teammates.

Fernandes’s technique involves a perfect combination of curl and pace, allowing him to bend the ball around walls or whip it under the crossbar. His consistency in dead-ball situations adds significant value to United’s attacking threat. Beyond his free kicks, Fernandes is a vocal leader who drives his team forward with passion and determination.

His ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most has cemented his status as a reliable set-piece specialist. Fernandes’s free kick goals and assists have been crucial in Manchester United’s push for domestic and European success. His skillset makes him a constant threat during set pieces, forcing defenses to remain vigilant.

7. Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona, La Liga)

Frenkie de Jong’s role at FC Barcelona extends beyond his midfield control to include key set-piece responsibilities. Known for his vision and technique, De Jong delivers precise free kicks that often lead to dangerous chances or direct goals. His calmness and confidence make him an ideal free kick taker in high-pressure situations.

De Jong’s approach combines accuracy with intelligent placement, often aiming for the corners of the goal or delivering curling crosses into the box. His ability to read the game helps him choose the best option for each free kick, whether shooting or assisting.

His versatility and technical skills make him a vital part of Barcelona’s attack. De Jong’s free kicks add another dimension to the team’s strategy, providing an additional weapon to break down tight defenses. As Barcelona rebuilds and aims for success, his set-piece contribution will be increasingly important.

6. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League)

James Maddison has firmly established himself as Tottenham Hotspur’s primary free kick taker, impressing with his technical ability and composure. His deliveries from dead-ball situations are consistently dangerous, combining curl and pace to either score or assist.

Maddison’s vision allows him to execute a variety of free kick techniques, whether curling the ball over the wall or delivering accurate crosses into the box. His creativity and flair are evident in how he manipulates set-piece situations to create scoring chances.

Beyond his free kick prowess, Maddison plays a vital role in Tottenham’s attacking play, linking up with forwards and midfielders alike. His set-piece expertise has helped Spurs secure crucial goals, and his confidence continues to grow. As Tottenham looks to compete at the highest level, Maddison’s free kick ability will remain a key asset.

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5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, La Liga)

Kylian Mbappé has added free kick taking to his already impressive arsenal of skills at Real Madrid. Known for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, Mbappé now also poses a significant threat from dead-ball situations. His free kicks combine power with precision, making goalkeepers wary of his attempts.

Mbappé’s development as a free kick taker has expanded Real Madrid’s attacking options, allowing the team to capitalize on set-piece opportunities. His ability to deliver accurate shots under pressure enhances his role as a leading forward.

As one of the world’s best players, Mbappé’s free kick goals often come in crucial moments, helping Real Madrid maintain their dominance in La Liga and Europe. His continued improvement in this area adds to his overall impact on the team’s success.

4. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid, La Liga)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid has not diminished his reputation as one of football’s best free kick takers. Known for his exceptional delivery and technique, Alexander-Arnold consistently provides dangerous balls from set pieces, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

His ability to curl the ball with precision and deliver crosses that find teammates in prime positions makes him a vital part of Real Madrid’s offensive strategy. Alexander-Arnold’s vision and creativity extend to his free kick execution, combining accuracy with tactical awareness.

At Real Madrid, he continues to develop as a leader and key set-piece taker, helping the team maintain pressure on opponents. His free kick deliveries often force defenses to remain alert, knowing he can create goal-scoring chances at any moment.

3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, MLS)

Lionel Messi’s free kick mastery remains legendary even after moving to Inter Miami in MLS. His ability to bend the ball with pinpoint accuracy and deceptive pace makes him one of the dead-ball specialists in the world, regardless of league.

Messi’s technique involves a unique blend of precision, placement, and finesse, allowing him to score from a variety of distances and angles. His calmness in pressure situations ensures he remains reliable for free kicks in tight matches.

His free kick goals and assists continue to be highlights for Inter Miami, helping the team compete at a higher level in MLS. Messi’s experience and skill make his free kicks a constant threat and a joy to watch.

2. Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona, La Liga)

Robert Lewandowski’s free kick skills have become an important aspect of his game at Barcelona. As a striker known for his finishing, Lewandowski also delivers powerful and accurate free kicks, adding another scoring dimension to the team.

His technique allows him to strike the ball cleanly with power while maintaining precision, making him dangerous from set pieces. Lewandowski’s experience and composure enhance his ability to perform under pressure during crucial moments.

At Barcelona, his free kick goals contribute to the team’s attacking strength, helping them in their quest for domestic and European success. Lewandowski’s all-around ability, including his dead-ball prowess, solidifies his status as a top player.

1. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, Premier League)

Bukayo Saka has emerged as one of the Premier League’s premier free kick takers and Arsenal’s captain. His precision, technique, and composure from dead-ball situations have made him a consistent goal threat and creative force for his team.

Saka’s curling free kicks are known for their ability to bend around walls and find the top corners of the net. His calmness under pressure ensures that he remains reliable during key moments in tight matches.

Beyond scoring, Saka’s free kicks often lead to assists, showcasing his vision and ability to create chances. His leadership on and off the pitch adds to his importance for Arsenal, making him a central figure in their title ambitions. Saka’s development into a free kick specialist highlights his all-around talent and commitment.

FAQ’s:

What makes a great free kick taker in football?

A great free kick taker combines precision, power, and technique. They must be able to bend the ball around or over the wall, place it accurately, and remain calm under pressure to convert set pieces into scoring opportunities.

How do free kick takers impact their teams in critical moments?

Free kick takers can change the course of a match by scoring or creating chances from set pieces. Their ability to convert dead-ball situations often breaks deadlocks, shifts momentum, and provides their teams with crucial goals during tight games.

Are free kick takers usually midfielders or forwards?

While free kick takers are often midfielders or forwards due to their technical skills, defenders with strong striking abilities, such as fullbacks, can also be primary free kick specialists. The key factor is mastery of technique and consistency.