The ongoing debate of who has the most free kicks between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has generated as much passion, intrigue, and endless inquiry as the comparison between two living G.O.AT.
Their extraordinary skills, mesmerizing goals, and unyielding determination have captivated the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. However, beyond their unrivaled goal-scoring prowess, an often-overlooked aspect of their genius lies in their ability to transform free-kicks into pure works of art.
In the relentless quest to establish supremacy among these two, one question always stands out: Who Has The Most Free-Kicks Between Ronaldo & Messi?
In this article, you’ll know the numbers. However, the numbers alone cannot fully capture the brilliance and impact of these two footballing icons.
Both Ronaldo and Messi have pushed the boundaries of what is possible from free-kicks, displaying their individual styles and techniques.
It is about the artistry, the split-second decisions, and the unparalleled precision that distinguish these two G.O.A.T. It is a fact of their ability to make a ball defy the laws of nature, evoking gasps of excitement from the stands.
Ronaldo or Messi? The answer, my friend, lies within the delicate balance of sheer power and unrivaled finesse.
Ronaldo’s Free Kick Rise & Messi’s Free Kick Evolution
In the early stages of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo gained recognition for his ability to score spectacular goals from dead-ball situations.
On November 1, 2003, he made a memorable debut with Manchester United, scoring his first goal for the club from a free-kick against Portsmouth in the Premier League. Ronaldo’s trademark “knuckleball” technique, which minimizes side spin and relies on the airflow to dictate the ball’s trajectory, soon became a sensation.
His stunning strike against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League further solidified his reputation as a free-kick specialist.
While Lionel Messi did not initially establish himself as a prolific scorer, he’s also among the top 12 footballers with the most free-kicks goals in history.
When he became Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer on March 20, 2012, he had only scored five goals from free-kicks. However, in the same calendar year, Messi scored seven free kicks, marking the beginning of a remarkable run.
Over the next seven years, Messi averaged nearly six free-kick goals per season. His most prolific year came in 2018 when he scored a staggering 10 free kicks in a single calendar year.
Ronaldo’s Decline and Messi’s Ascent
Interestingly, as Messi cemented his position as one of the world’s best free-kick takers, Ronaldo’s proficiency in this area seemed to diminish. In his final four seasons at Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored just nine free-kicks.
During his stint at Juventus, he managed to find the net from a free-kick only once in three seasons. After his return to Manchester United, Ronaldo added another free-kick goal to his tally.
One reason for Ronaldo’s decline in free-kick opportunities is the major disparity in the number of attempts taken by him and Messi.
Since the 2014-15 season, Ronaldo has taken fewer free-kicks than Messi, with 150 attempts compared to Messi’s 316.
This discrepancy can be attributed to the presence of other set-piece specialists such as Gareth Bale, Miralem Pjanic, and Paulo Dybala, who occasionally shared free-kick duties with Ronaldo.
Moreover, Ronaldo often chose to position himself inside the box for an indirect attempt at a goal.
Ronaldo’s Free Kick Technique
The Portuguese stand as a physical marvel, a specimen driven by ceaseless ambition.
His run-up, defined by fierce determination and meticulous preparation, morphs into a thunderous strike capable of eclipsing the boundaries of imagination.
Ronaldo’s free-kick trajectory often resembles a ballistic missile hurtling toward the goal, its sheer power and velocity forcing even the sturdiest of walls to tremble.
With a staggering number of free-kick goals to his name, Ronaldo’s right foot wields the force of a sledgehammer, leaving goalkeepers helpless and spectators in awe.
Ronaldo’s free-kick technique majorly revolves around the knuckleball method. This technique is characterized by its speed, lack of spin, and unpredictable movement.
Messi’s FreeKick Technique
Messi’s technique is a mesmerizing ballet, an enchanting dance with the ball.
With deceptive simplicity, he bends the laws of physics, subtly caressing the ball, granting it life, and defying the very concept of walls and barriers.
His finesse, combined with unrivaled accuracy, often leaves goalkeepers rooted to the spot, despairing at their inability to predict the trajectory of this ethereal phenomenon.
The unique free-kick technique is known as the “sprained-ankle” technique. His precision and control in bending the ball into the desired path have made him a formidable force from set pieces.
Messi holds the record for the most free-kick goals scored in a single season, proving his mastery of this technique.
Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Free Kick Numbers
As of now, Lionel Messi holds a slight advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of free-kick goals.
Ronaldo has scored a total of 60 free-kicks, whereas Messi has an impressive tally of 62. This puts Ronaldo three goals behind his Argentine rival.
However, it’s worth noting that Ronaldo has a lower conversion rate of 6.2%, compared to Messi’s 9.1%.
Breaking down their free-kick goals, Ronaldo’s numbers are as follows: 10 goals for his national team, 33 in domestic leagues, 12 in the UEFA Champions League, and 3 in other cup competitions, resulting in a total of 60 goals.
While Messi has scored 9 free-kicks for his national team, 41 in domestic leagues, 5 in the UEFA Champions League, and 6 in other cup competitions, amassing a total of 62 goals.
Before 2014/15
| Shots | Average per Season | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | 136 | 14 | 11 | 8.1% |
| Shots | Average per Season | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | 382 | 35 | 27 | 7.1% |
After 2014/15:
| Shots | Average per Season | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | 320 | 35 | 30 | 9.4% |
| Shots | Average per Season | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | 150 | 16 | 6 | 4.0% |
Total
| Shots | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | – | 41 | 9.0% |
| Shots | Success | Success Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | – | 33 | 6.4% |
Note: The success rate is calculated by dividing the number of goals scored from free-kick shots by the total number of free-kick shots, expressed as a percentage.
Messi’s Multiple Free Kicks In A Game
| Player | Date | Opponent | Goals | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messi | 11th Aug 2015 | Sevilla | 7th & 16th min | UEFA Super Cup Final |
| Messi | 8th Dec 2018 | Espanyol | 17th & 65th min | La Liga |
| Messi | 9th Nov 2019 | Celta de Vigo | 45th & 48th min | La Liga |
Ronaldo’s Multiple Free Kicks In A Game
| Player | Date | Opponent | Goals | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | 15th Nov 2008 | Stoke | 3rd & 88th min | Premier League |
| Ronaldo | 15th Sep 2009 | FC Zurich | 27th & 89th min | Champions League Group Stage |
| Ronaldo | 15th May 2011 | Villarreal | 22nd & 90th min | La Liga |
Ronaldo Free Kick Conversion Rate (League only)
| League Season | Free Kick Attempts | Free Kick Goals | Free Kick Conversion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 17 | 1 | 5.9% |
| 2021-2022 | 8 | 1 | 12.5% |
| 2020-2021 | 17 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 2019-2020 | 19 | 1 | 5.3% |
| 2018-2019 | 16 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 2017-2018 | 15 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 2016-2017 | 15 | 1 | 6.7% |
| 2015-2016 | 26 | 1 | 3.8% |
| 2014-2015 | 33 | 2 | 6.1% |
| 2014 – present | 150 | 6 | 4.0% |
| Overall Totals | 532 | 34 | 6.4% |
Messi Free Kick Conversion Rate (League only)
| League Season | Free Kick Attempts | Free Kick Goals | Free Kick Conversion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 20 | 2 | 10.0% |
| 2021-2022 | 16 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 2020-2021 | 40 | 3 | 7.5% |
| 2019-2020 | 43 | 5 | 11.6% |
| 2018-2019 | 41 | 6 | 14.6% |
| 2017-2018 | 48 | 6 | 12.5% |
| 2016-2017 | 37 | 2 | 5.4% |
| 2015-2016 | 38 | 4 | 10.5% |
| 2014-2015 | 37 | 2 | 5.4% |
| 2014 – present | 320 | 30 | 9.4% |
| Overall Totals | 456 | 41 | 9.0% |
Complete List of Ronaldo Free Kick Goals (Clubs & Country)
| Date | H/A | Team | Opponent | Score | Competition | Score after FK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/03/2023 | H | Portugal | Liechtenstein | 4-0 | Euro Qualifier | 4-0 |
| 18/03/2023 | H | Al-Nassr | Abha | 2-1 | Saudi Pro League | 1-1 |
| 16/04/2022 | H | Manchester United | Norwich City | 3-2 | Premier League | 3-2 |
| 08/09/2020 | A | Portugal | Sweden | 2-0 | UEFA Nations League | 1-0 |
| 04/07/2020 | H | Juventus | Torino | 4-1 | Serie A | 3-1 |
| 05/06/2019 | H | Portugal | Switzerland | 3-1 | UEFA Nations League | 1-0 |
| 15/06/2018 | N | Portugal | Spain | 3-3 | World Cup | 3-3 |
| 16/12/2017 | H | Real Madrid | Gremio | 1-0 | Club World Cup | 1-0 |
| 25/03/2017 | H | Portugal | Hungary | 3-0 | World Cup Qualifier | 3-0 |
| 25/01/2017 | A | Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 2-2 | Copa del Rey | 1-1 |
| 19/11/2016 | A | Real Madrid | Atletico Madrid | 3-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 14/09/2016 | H | Real Madrid | Sporting CP | 2-1 | Champions League | 1-1 |
| 12/04/2016 | H | Real Madrid | Wolfsburg | 3-0 | Champions League | 3-0 |
| 05/03/2016 | H | Real Madrid | Celta Vigo | 7-1 | La Liga | 3-0 |
| 08/12/2015 | H | Real Madrid | Malmo | 8-0 | Champions League | 3-0 |
| 23/05/2015 | H | Real Madrid | Getafe | 7-3 | La Liga | 2-2 |
| 11/04/2015 | H | Real Madrid | Eibar | 3-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 29/04/2014 | A | Real Madrid | Bayern Munich | 4-0 | Champions League | 4-0 |
| 26/03/2014 | A | Real Madrid | Sevilla | 1-2 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 15/01/2014 | A | Real Madrid | Osasuna | 2-0 | Copa del Rey | 1-0 |
| 09/11/2013 | H | Real Madrid | Real Sociedad | 5-1 | La Liga | 5-1 |
| 25/09/2013 | A | Real Madrid | Elche | 2-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 06/09/2013 | A | Portugal | Northern Ireland | 4-2 | World Cup Qualifier | 4-2 |
| 08/05/2013 | H | Real Madrid | Malaga | 6-2 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 14/04/2013 | A | Real Madrid | Athletico Bilbao | 3-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 06/01/2013 | H | Real Madrid | Real Sociedad | 4-3 | La Liga | 4-2 |
| 01/12/2012 | H | Real Madrid | Atletico Madrid | 2-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 11/04/2012 | A | Real Madrid | Atletico Madrid | 4-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 04/04/2012 | H | Real Madrid | APOEL | 5-2 | Champions League | 3-1 |
| 31/03/2012 | A | Real Madrid | Osasuna | 5-1 | La Liga | 4-1 |
| 15/11/2011 | H | Portugal | Bosnia | 6-2 | Euro Qualifier Play-off | 1-0 |
| 02/11/2011 | A | Real Madrid | Lyon | 2-0 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 11/10/2011 | A | Portugal | Denmark | 1-2 | Euro Qualifier | 1-2 |
| 10/08/2011 | H | Portugal | Luxembourg | 5-0 | Friendly | 2-0 |
| 15/05/2011 | A | Real Madrid | Villarreal | 3-1 | La Liga | 3-1 |
| 15/05/2011 | A | Real Madrid | Villarreal | 3-1 | La Liga | 2-0 |
| 12/12/2010 | A | Real Madrid | Real Zaragoza | 3-1 | La Liga | 2-0 |
| 20/11/2010 | H | Real Madrid | Athletico Bilbao | 5-1 | La Liga | 4-1 |
| 19/10/2010 | H | Real Madrid | AC Milan | 2-0 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 12/10/2010 | A | Portugal | Iceland | 3-1 | Euro Qualifier | 1-0 |
| 25/03/2010 | A | Real Madrid | Getafe | 4-2 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 14/03/2010 | A | Real Madrid | Real Valladolid | 4-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 21/02/2010 | H | Real Madrid | Villarreal | 6-2 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 08/12/2009 | A | Real Madrid | Marseille | 3-1 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 15/09/2009 | A | Real Madrid | FC Zurich | 5-2 | Champions League | 4-2 |
| 15/09/2009 | A | Real Madrid | FC Zurich | 5-1 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 10/05/2009 | H | Manchester United | Manchester City | 2-0 | Premier League | 1-0 |
| 05/05/2009 | A | Manchester United | Arsenal | 3-1 | Champions League | 2-0 |
| 21/02/2009 | H | Manchester United | Blackburn | 2-1 | Premier League | 2-1 |
| 15/11/2008 | H | Manchester United | Stoke City | 5-0 | Premier League | 5-0 |
| 15/11/2008 | H | Manchester United | Stoke City | 5-0 | Premier League | 1-0 |
| 19/03/2008 | H | Manchester United | Bolton | 2-0 | Premier League | 2-0 |
| 30/01/2008 | H | Manchester United | Portsmouth | 2-0 | Premier League | 2-0 |
| 12/01/2008 | H | Manchester United | Newcastle | 6-0 | Premier League | 1-0 |
| 26/12/2007 | A | Manchester United | Sunderland | 4-0 | Premier League | 3-0 |
| 27/11/2007 | H | Manchester United | Sporting CP | 2-1 | Champions League | 2-1 |
| 04/11/2006 | H | Manchester United | Portsmouth | 3-0 | Premier League | 2-0 |
| 04/02/2006 | H | Manchester United | Fulham | 4-2 | Premier League | 2-0 |
| 04/06/2005 | H | Portugal | Slovakia | 2-0 | World Cup Qualifier | 2-0 |
| 01/11/2003 | H | Manchester United | Portsmouth | 3-0 | Premier League | 2-0 |
Complete List of Messi Free Kick Goals (Clubs & Country)
| Date | H/A | Team | Opponent | Score | Competition | Score after FK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/03/2023 | H | Argentina | Panama | 2-0 | International Friendly | 2-0 |
| 19/02/2023 | H | Paris Saint-Germain | Lille | 4-3 | Ligue 1 | 4-3 |
| 01/10/2022 | H | Paris Saint-Germain | Nice | 2-1 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 |
| 28/09/2022 | N | Argentina | Jamaica | 3-0 | International Friendly | 3-0 |
| 03/07/2021 | N | Argentina | Ecuador | 3-0 | Copa America | 3-0 |
| 14/06/2021 | N | Argentina | Chile | 1-1 | Copa America | 1-0 |
| 02/05/2021 | A | Barcelona | Valencia | 3-2 | La Liga | 3-1 |
| 31/01/2021 | H | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 2-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 09/01/2021 | A | Barcelona | Granada | 4-0 | La Liga | 3-0 |
| 16/07/2020 | H | Barcelona | Osasuna | 1-2 | La Liga | 1-1 |
| 09/11/2019 | H | Barcelona | Celta Vigo | 4-1 | La Liga | 3-1 |
| 09/11/2019 | H | Barcelona | Celta Vigo | 4-1 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 29/10/2019 | H | Barcelona | Real Valladolid | 5-1 | La Liga | 3-1 |
| 06/10/2019 | H | Barcelona | Sevilla | 4-0 | La Liga | 4-0 |
| 01/05/2019 | H | Barcelona | Liverpool | 3-0 | Champions League | 3-0 |
| 02/04/2019 | A | Barcelona | Villarreal | 4-4 | La Liga | 3-4 |
| 30/03/2019 | H | Barcelona | Espanyol | 2-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 17/03/2019 | A | Barcelona | Real Betis | 4-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 08/12/2018 | A | Barcelona | Espanyol | 4-0 | La Liga | 4-0 |
| 08/12/2018 | A | Barcelona | Espanyol | 4-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 18/09/2018 | H | Barcelona | PSV Eindhoven | 4-0 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 18/08/2018 | H | Barcelona | Alaves | 3-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 07/04/2018 | H | Barcelona | Leganes | 3-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 04/03/2018 | H | Barcelona | Atletico Madrid | 1-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 01/03/2018 | A | Barcelona | Las Palmas | 1-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 24/02/2018 | H | Barcelona | Girona | 6-1 | La Liga | 3-1 |
| 28/01/2018 | H | Barcelona | Alaves | 2-1 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 14/01/2018 | A | Barcelona | Real Sociedad | 4-2 | La Liga | 4-2 |
| 18/10/2017 | H | Barcelona | Olympiacos | 3-1 | Champions League | 2-0 |
| 04/02/2017 | H | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 3-0 | La Liga | 2-0 |
| 11/01/2017 | H | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 3-1 | Copa del Rey | 3-1 |
| 08/01/2017 | A | Barcelona | Villarreal | 1-1 | La Liga | 1-1 |
| 05/01/2017 | A | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 1-2 | Copa del Rey | 1-2 |
| 15/11/2016 | H | Argentina | Colombia | 3-0 | World Cup Qualifier | 1-0 |
| 21/06/2016 | N | Argentina | USA | 4-0 | Copa America | 2-0 |
| 10/06/2016 | N | Argentina | Panama | 5-0 | Copa America | 3-0 |
| 08/05/2016 | H | Barcelona | Espanyol | 5-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 28/02/2016 | H | Barcelona | Sevilla | 2-1 | La Liga | 1-1 |
| 14/02/2016 | H | Barcelona | Celta Vigo | 6-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 06/01/2016 | H | Barcelona | Espanyol | 4-1 | Copa del Rey | 2-1 |
| 12/12/2015 | H | Barcelona | Deportivo La Coruna | 2-2 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 11/08/2015 | H | Barcelona | Sevilla | 5-4 | UEFA Super Cup | 1-1 |
| 11/08/2015 | H | Barcelona | Sevilla | 5-4 | UEFA Super Cup | 2-1 |
| 08/02/2015 | A | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 5-2 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 22/11/2014 | H | Barcelona | Sevilla | 5-1 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 25/06/2014 | N | Argentina | Nigeria | 3-2 | World Cup | 2-1 |
| 20/04/2014 | H | Barcelona | Athletic Bilbao | 2-1 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 02/03/2014 | H | Barcelona | Almeria | 4-1 | La Liga | 2-0 |
| 18/09/2013 | H | Barcelona | Ajax | 4-0 | Champions League | 1-0 |
| 05/05/2013 | H | Barcelona | Real Betis | 4-2 | La Liga | 3-2 |
| 16/02/2013 | A | Barcelona | Granada | 2-1 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 13/10/2012 | H | Argentina | Uruguay | 3-0 | World Cup Qualifier | 3-0 |
| 07/10/2012 | H | Barcelona | Real Madrid | 2-2 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 08/09/2012 | H | Argentina | Paraguay | 3-1 | World Cup Qualifier | 3-1 |
| 29/08/2012 | A | Barcelona | Real Madrid | 1-2 | Supercopa de Espana | 1-2 |
| 05/05/2012 | H | Barcelona | Espanyol | 4-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 24/03/2012 | A | Barcelona | Mallorca | 2-0 | La Liga | 1-0 |
| 26/02/2012 | A | Barcelona | Atletico Madrid | 2-1 | La Liga | 2-1 |
| 08/01/2011 | A | Barcelona | Deportivo La Coruna | 4-0 | La Liga | 2-0 |
| 06/03/2010 | A | Barcelona | Almeria | 2-2 | La Liga | 1-1 |
| 09/12/2009 | A | Barcelona | Dynamo Kyiv | 2-1 | Champions League | 2-1 |
| 04/10/2008 | H | Barcelona | Atletico Madrid | 6-1 | La Liga | 3-0 |
Who is the God of free-kick Ronaldo or Messi?
| Player | International | League | Champions League | Other Cup Competitions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | 10 | 33 | 12 | 3 | 60 |
| Messi | 9 | 41 | 5 | 6 | 62 |
FAQs
Who scored the most free-kick goals in soccer?
- Juninho 77
- Pele 70
- Victor Legrotaglie 66
- Ronaldinho 66
- David Beckham 65
- Diego Maradona 62
- Zico 62
- Lionel Messi 62
How many free-kicks has Messi scored in his history?
61.
Messi has scored 9 free-kicks for his national team, 41 in domestic leagues, 5 in the UEFA Champions League, and 6 in other cup competitions, amassing a total of 61 goals.
Who is the best free-kick taker Messi or Neymar?
Messi is inarguably the best free-kick taker in the world right now.
Who has scored the most free-kicks in premier league history?
David Beckham – 18 Free kick goals
David Beckham’s free-kick prowess is nothing short of legendary.
Renowned for his exceptional ability to bend and shape the ball with precision, he has etched his name in football history by holding the record for the most free-kick goals scored in the English Premier League (PL).
Who is the most free-kick scorer in history?
Juninho (77 free-kick goals)
Juninho also has 77 goals from free kicks on his account. His free kicks were pure art, unmatched in football history. He used enough power and technique for the shot to be perfect.
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