Few moments in football capture the imagination quite like a perfectly struck free kick. The ball arcing over the wall, dipping into the corner, leaving goalkeepers rooted—it’s a sight that has delivered countless unforgettable memories in the Premier League.
For fans and bettors alike, moments like these add an extra thrill to the game, especially when paired with the best free bet offers available on matchdays. But when it comes to free kicks, who stands tall in Premier League history, and which of today’s stars could one day surpass the legends?
Beckham’s reign at the top
David Beckham remains the benchmark for Premier League free-kick specialists. During his time at Manchester United, he scored 18 goals directly from free kicks, an astonishing record that has stood the test of time.
Beckham’s technique, combining pinpoint accuracy with a unique whip on the ball, made him nearly unplayable from set-piece situations. Whether curling one into the top corner against Everton or producing last-minute magic for England on the international stage, Beckham defined what it meant to be a dead-ball genius.
Ward-Prowse: The heir apparent
If there is one man who looks destined to take Beckham’s crown, it is James Ward-Prowse. Having scored 17 free-kick goals across spells with Southampton and now West Ham, the midfielder is just one behind Beckham’s record.
His consistency from 20 to 25 yards is unrivalled in the modern game, and his ability to dip the ball under the crossbar with pinpoint precision makes him one of the league’s most feared set-piece takers. Few doubt that Ward-Prowse will eventually move into first place, it’s simply a matter of when.
The chasing pack
Beyond Beckham and Ward-Prowse, the leaderboard is filled with legends. Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored 12 free-kick goals in the Premier League.
Henry’s blend of power and finesse often left keepers helpless, while Zola’s flair and creativity made his attempts as beautiful as they were effective. Ronaldo, during his Manchester United days, brought his trademark “knuckleball” technique to England, producing iconic moments, such as his thunderbolt against Portsmouth in 2008.
Just behind them are Laurent Robert and Sebastian Larsson, both with 11 goals apiece. Robert, with his thunderous left foot, was Newcastle’s set-piece weapon of choice, while Larsson earned a reputation at Birmingham and Sunderland for producing big goals in tight games.
New faces on the scene
While history is defined by Beckham and his peers, the present brings new challengers. James Maddison, now at Tottenham Hotspur, is currently joint 13th on the list with eight free-kick goals. Still only 28, Maddison has plenty of time to climb further. If he maintains his accuracy and gets opportunities, he could easily break into the top five in the years to come. The question is, could Maddison eventually rival Beckham’s 18? While it may be ambitious, his natural technique means it cannot be ruled out.
Another name now entering the conversation is Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder, signed by Liverpool in 2023, announced himself in spectacular fashion with a stunning free-kick winner in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal. The strike showcased his trademark blend of power and precision, marking him out as one to watch in future free-kick discussions. Though he is still far from Beckham’s tally, his ability suggests he could join the elite if given time and opportunities.
