Free-kicks are an art form in football with technique, power, and placement all required to score set-piece strikes. Across the entire history of the FIFA World Cup, only three players have scored multiple free-kicks at the tournament.
Most free-kick goals in World Cup history
Rivellino – Brazil 1970 and 1974 (2)
A key component of Brazil’s victorious 1970 side, a team often regarded as the greatest side in World Cup history. The South Americans conquered the world stage for a third time in Mexico, with Rivellino scoring three times throughout the tournament.
A stunning set-piece against Czechslovakia earned Rivellino the nickname “Patada Atómica” (Atomic Kick) by Mexican fans.
Bernard Genghini – France 1982 (2)
Bernard Genghini scored six goals for France, including two free-kicks at the 1982 World Cup. He netted set pieces against Kuwait and Austria, as France reached the semi-finals.
He later formed part of the team that won the 19084 European Championship on home soil, securing Les Bleus’ first-ever major tournament.
David Beckham – England 1998 and 2006 (2)
David Beckham’s brand was largely built on his ability to score stunning goals, with the film ‘Bend it like Beckham’ even becoming a pop-culture hit in the early noughties.
Beckham scored two free-kicks for England at World Cup tournaments, arriving eight years apart.
In 1998, the midfielder’s magnificent effort helped the Three Lions past Colombia and into the knockout stages, though his tournament ended in disaster after a costly red card in the last-16 exit to Argentina.
🔙 Cuando David Beckham hizo un golazo ante Colombia en la #CopaMundialFIFA 1998 y luego corrió a pedirle la camiseta al @PibeValderramaP. 🏴👕🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/U1Lv8Gs1Zf
— Copa Mundial FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) May 2, 2024
After a remarkable redemption arc, Beckham captained England to the 2002 and 2006 finals, memorably scoring a stunning free-kick against Greece to seal qualification to the former finals.
During the latter tournament, he scored the decisive goal from a free-kick as England edged out Ecuador 1-0 in the Round of 16.
Read – World Cup Moments – Beckham red begins road to redemption
See more – The biggest wins in FIFA World Cup history
