We have players who are gifted with the ability to hit their targets precisely, and have put that talent into good use in the free kick taking department of football. Let us take a look at 5 players who are regarded as one of the greatest free kick takers of all time.

Juninho Pernambucano



Known as the master of free kicks. He may not be popular or skillful as other star players on the pitch, but when it comes to set pieces, they are his stomping ground. He completely surpasses everyone else, because of his precise hits, bends, dips and curve. He is broadly viewed as the best free kick taker ever and holds the record for the most goals scored through free kicks with 77.

David Beckham



An iconic player for clubs and country. Beckham is known to be able to bend balls beyond ones imagination, and his curve was so evident anytime he was a charge if a dead ball situation, which has led to the popular saying, 'bend it like Beckham'. He has also featured for various clubs like Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid, amassing a total of 65 free kick goals in his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo



Arguably the best player in the world, Ronaldo needs no introduction. The 5 time ballon do'r winner's dribbling skills, techniques and pace is really mesmerizing, but his prowess in dead ball situation is a magic to behold. Be it bending, curving, dipping and power, Cristiano has it all. He has scored a total of 54 free kick goals but in recent times, his stats has been worrying as he has not been able to score a freekick goal since his move to Juventus.

Lionel Messi


Barcelona's legend, Lionel Messi may have the least amount of free kick goals on this list with 52, but that was due to the fact that he started free kick duties late in his career. Xavi was Barcelona's main free kick taker before Messi. Lionel Messi has an incredible record as he has scored more free kick goals than any club in Europe's top five leagues in the past one year. It should be noted that in the past 1 year, Messi has been the best free-kick taker in the world and had it been he had started earlier in his career, he would have had more than the number he boasts.

Ronaldinho



Everybody knowns Ronaldinho for his skills and ball control. He also knows how to hit an amazing free kick. He won the FIFA footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005 and scored 66 Direct free kick goals in his glittering career. He was nothing short of sensational during his time with Barcelona and garnered the attention of the media and the fans. Everyone loved Ronaldinho.