A couple of Manchester United legends figure prominently on a list of dead-ball specialists that includes plenty of modern day greats
There are few greater sights in football than seeing a spectacular free kick curled over a defensive wall and into the top corner, with the Premier League fortunate enough to have been graced by many iconic performers who have perfected that art.
Manchester United legend David Beckham was always a threat over a dead-ball, for the Red Devils and England, while Cristiano Ronaldo picked up that baton when inheriting a famous No.7 shirt at Old Trafford.
All-time greats such as Thierry Henry and Gianfranco Zola made a habit of finding the target from set-pieces during their memorable stints in London at Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively.
However, it's now Southampton star James Ward-Prowse who has risen the leaderboard to challenge Beckham, moving just one back of the icon with his goal against Chelsea on February 18, 2023.
Who, though, has scored the most goals from direct free kicks in Premier League history? GOAL takes a look…
Getty1David Beckham | 18 goals
A graduate of Manchester United’s fabled Class of ‘92 and a man that sits inside the Premier League’s Hall of Fame. Won six top-flight titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford and will forever be remembered for his set-piece prowess. Registered his first free-kick goal against Southampton in October 1996 and his 18th against Everton in May 2003, with efforts against the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, Leeds and Manchester City recorded along the way.
AdvertisementGetty2James Ward-Prowse | 17 goals
A south coast native who emerged out of Southampton’s academy system to make his senior debut in October 2011. The England international midfielder has spent his entire career to date with the Saints, with over 300 appearances made in the top flight. He has been a model of consistency throughout, particularly from free kicks.
He finished 2022 with a December 31 free kick goal against Fulham before repeating the feat on January 14, 2023, against Everton, and on February 18, 2023, against Chelsea.
Getty3Cristiano Ronaldo | 12 goals
There are not too many records that an iconic Portuguese forward does not hold, but he will have to go some in order to match or better Beckham in the free kick stakes. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has never been prolific over a dead-ball, despite being entrusted with set-piece duty on a regular basis by club and country. Arguably his most memorable effort in the Premier League came during a first stint at United in January 2008 when his famous knuckleball strike fizzed past a motionless David James in the Portsmouth goal.
Getty4Thierry Henry | 12 goals
The man who brought ‘Va va voom’ to Arsenal when arriving from Juventus in 1999 is another decorated member of the Premier League Hall of Fame. Joined the Gunners as a World Cup-winning winger, but became one of the most deadly strikers in history. The Frenchman remains the all-time top goalscorer on the red half of north London, with his record-setting haul of 228 efforts including plenty of spectacular free kicks.