Free Kick Goals - Messi vs Ronaldo Free Kick Goals and Conversion Rates
All Time Career Free Kicks
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks
66 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 16.4 games
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks
64 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.6 games
messivsronaldo.app All Time Career Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2024
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2024
3
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2023
5
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2023
3
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2022
2
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2022
1
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2021
5
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2021
0
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2020
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2020
2
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2019
8
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2019
1
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2018
10
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2018
1
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2017
5
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2017
3
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2016
7
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2016
4
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2015
4
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2015
3
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2014
4
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2014
3
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2013
3
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2013
6
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2012
7
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2012
4
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2011
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2011
6
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2010
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2010
7
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2009
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2009
6
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2008
1
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2008
5
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2007
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2007
2
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2006
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2006
2
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2005
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2005
1
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2004
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2004
0
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2003
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2003
1
Messi All Time Career Free Kicks 2002
0
Ronaldo All Time Career Free Kicks 2002
0
All Time Career * Free Kicks
Messi All Time Career Europe Free Kicks
63 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 16.6 games
Ronaldo All Time Career Europe Free Kicks
59 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.8 games
messivsronaldo.app All Time Career * Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
All Time Club Free Kicks
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks
55 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 16.2 games
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks
53 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.6 games
messivsronaldo.app All Time Club Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2024
1
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2024
3
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2023/24
2
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2023/24
3
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2023
3
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2023
2
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2022/23
2
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2022/23
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2021/22
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2020/21
3
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2019/20
5
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2019/20
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2018/19
8
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2017/18
7
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2017/18
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2016/17
4
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2016/17
3
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2015/16
7
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2015/16
3
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2013/14
3
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2013/14
5
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2012/13
4
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2012/13
4
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2011/12
3
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2011/12
4
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2010/11
1
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2010/11
5
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2009/10
2
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2009/10
6
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2008/09
1
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2008/09
5
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2007/08
5
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2006/07
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2005/06
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2003/04
1
Messi All Time Club Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Ronaldo All Time Club Free Kicks 2002/03
0
All Time Club * Free Kicks
Messi All Time Club Europe Free Kicks
52 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 16.4 games
Ronaldo All Time Club Europe Free Kicks
48 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.8 games
messivsronaldo.app All Time Club * Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
League Free Kicks
Messi League Free Kicks
42 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 14.4 games
Ronaldo League Free Kicks
38 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 18.7 games
messivsronaldo.app League Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi League Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2024
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2024
3
Messi League Free Kicks 2023/24
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2023/24
3
Messi League Free Kicks 2023
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2023
2
Messi League Free Kicks 2022/23
2
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2022/23
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2021/22
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2020/21
3
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Messi League Free Kicks 2019/20
5
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2019/20
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2018/19
6
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Messi League Free Kicks 2017/18
6
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2017/18
0
Messi League Free Kicks 2016/17
2
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2016/17
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2015/16
4
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2015/16
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Messi League Free Kicks 2013/14
2
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2013/14
3
Messi League Free Kicks 2012/13
3
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2012/13
4
Messi League Free Kicks 2011/12
3
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2011/12
2
Messi League Free Kicks 2010/11
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2010/11
4
Messi League Free Kicks 2009/10
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2009/10
3
Messi League Free Kicks 2008/09
1
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2008/09
4
Messi League Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2007/08
4
Messi League Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2006/07
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2005/06
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Messi League Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2003/04
1
Messi League Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Ronaldo League Free Kicks 2002/03
0
League * Free Kicks
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks
41 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 14.1 games
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks
33 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.7 games
messivsronaldo.app League * Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2024/25
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2024
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2024
3
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2023/24
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2023/24
3
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2023
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2023
2
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2022/23
2
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2022/23
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2021/22
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2020/21
3
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2019/20
5
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2019/20
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2018/19
6
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2017/18
6
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2017/18
0
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2016/17
2
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2016/17
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2015/16
4
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2015/16
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2014/15
2
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2013/14
2
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2013/14
3
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2012/13
3
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2012/13
4
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2011/12
3
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2011/12
2
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2010/11
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2010/11
4
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2009/10
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2009/10
3
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2008/09
1
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2008/09
4
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2007/08
4
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2006/07
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2005/06
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2003/04
1
Messi All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Ronaldo All Time League Europe Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Champions League Free Kicks
Messi Champions League Free Kicks
5 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 23.9 games
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks
12 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 16.1 games
messivsronaldo.app Champions League Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2023
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2023
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2022/23
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2022/23
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2019/20
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2019/20
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2018/19
2
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2017/18
1
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2017/18
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2016/17
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2016/17
1
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2015/16
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2015/16
2
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2014/15
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2014/15
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2013/14
1
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2013/14
1
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2012/13
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2012/13
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2011/12
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2011/12
2
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2010/11
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2010/11
1
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2009/10
1
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2009/10
3
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2008/09
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2008/09
1
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2007/08
1
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Messi Champions League Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Ronaldo Champions League Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Other Club Cups Free Kicks
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks
8 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 15.8 games
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks
3 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 48.3 games
messivsronaldo.app Other Club Cups Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2024/25
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2024/25
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2024
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2024
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2023/24
2
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2023/24
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2023
2
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2023
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2022/23
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2022/23
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2021/22
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2020/21
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2019/20
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2019/20
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2018/19
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2017/18
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2017/18
1
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2016/17
2
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2016/17
1
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2015/16
3
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2015/16
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2014/15
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2014/15
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2013/14
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2013/14
1
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2012/13
1
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2012/13
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2011/12
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2011/12
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2010/11
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2010/11
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2009/10
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2009/10
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2008/09
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2008/09
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2007/08
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2006/07
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2005/06
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2004/05
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2003/04
0
Messi Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Ronaldo Other Club Cups Free Kicks 2002/03
0
Other Club Cups * Free Kicks
Messi All Time Cups Europe Free Kicks
6 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 18.7 games
Ronaldo All Time Cups Europe Free Kicks
3 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 38.3 games
messivsronaldo.app Other Club Cups * Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
International Free Kicks
Messi International Free Kicks
11 Free Kicks
Messi scores a free kick every 17.4 games
Ronaldo International Free Kicks
11 Free Kicks
Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.7 games
messivsronaldo.app International Free Kicks
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi International Free Kicks 2024
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2024
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2023
2
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2023
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2022
1
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2022
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2021
2
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2021
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2020
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2020
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2019
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2019
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2018
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2018
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2017
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2017
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2016
3
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2016
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2015
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2015
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2014
1
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2014
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2013
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2013
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2012
2
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2012
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2011
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2011
3
Messi International Free Kicks 2010
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2010
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2009
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2009
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2008
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2008
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2007
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2007
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2006
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2006
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2005
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2005
1
Messi International Free Kicks 2004
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2004
0
Messi International Free Kicks 2003
0
Ronaldo International Free Kicks 2003
0
Messi & Ronaldo Free Kick Record
All stats on this page will auto-update
One of Ronaldo's 64 free kick goals was from an indirect free kick inside the box (where the free kick was rolled to Ronaldo to score) - if the lay-off is short enough it is considered by Opta as a free kick goal.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have had somewhat curious journeys when it comes to their free kick records.
Ronaldo quickly became known for scoring fairly outrageous free kick goals during his Manchester United career - in fact his first United goal was from a free kick. Some years later he popularised the famous “knuckleball” technique with his iconic strike against Portsmouth, and scored from an impossible distance against Arsenal in the Champions League.
He finished his Man Utd career with 5 free kick goals in each of his last 2 seasons, and then continued this dead ball form into his La Liga career, scoring 23 direct free kick goals in his first 5 seasons. However, that's when things began to turn, as he netted just 9 free kicks in his final 4 seasons at Madrid, and scored only 1 free kick goal in 3 seasons at Juventus.
Messi's journey as a free kick specialist has been almost the exact opposite to Ronaldo's. Messi became Barcelona's all time leading goalscorer in March 2012, at which point he had scored just 5 free kick goals (with Ronaldo on 30). Then, everything changed for Messi, as he went on to score 7 in 2012 alone, before averaging 6 free kick goals each year for the next 7 years. He even managed to score 10 free kicks in a single calendar year in 2018, and then followed it up with another 8 in 2019.
Messi's transformation into the ultimate free kick specialist in the second half of his career has been quite staggering to witness, whereas Ronaldo's increasing ineffectiveness compared to his early career form has been somewhat alarming.
The Numbers
In terms of the figures, these opposing journeys have merged almost in the same place, with Ronaldo currently on 64 career free kick goals and Messi now on 66 all time free kick goals.
To highlight how different their routes to these totals have been, at the end of 2013 Ronaldo was on 39 free kick goals, with Messi on just 14!
Similarly, from 2017-2019, Messi scored 23 free kick goals to Ronaldo's 5; however, from 2009-2011, Ronaldo scored 21 direct free kick goals to Messi's 3.
There is some rationale behind Messi's relatively late transformation: he wasn't the undisputed free kick taker at Barcelona during his earlier years at the club, playing second-fiddle to Ronaldinho and Xavi until it became clear he was the greater threat.
Similarly, Ronaldo's decline in free kick goals can be partly explained by the fact he takes considerably fewer free kicks now than he used to earlier in his career. This reduction in free kick attempts can be attributed to Ronaldo having played with other free kick specialists in recent years such as Bale, Modric, Pjanic and Dybala - as well as Ronaldo often preferring to take up a position in the box where in previous years he might have gone for a direct attempt on goal.
If we look at how often Messi and Ronaldo score free kicks, it's Messi that has the edge here. Messi scores a free kick every 16.4 games, whereas Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.6 games.
After surpassing Ronaldo's career total, the momentum is seemingly with Messi, and it seems increasingly likely that he will finish with the greater number of free kick goals and ultimately win the battle of the free kick specialists.
Types of Free Kick Goals
Messi and Ronaldo have scored a very similar number of free kick goals, but the way they've scored them has been very different.
Messi adopts a more traditional style, typically bending the ball into one of the corners from around 20-25 yards out, although he has scored a handful from 30+ yards. When right on the edge of the area he tends to hit the ball with force, arrowing the ball into one of the top corners. He's also scored several that he's aimed underneath the wall, playing his part in triggering the trend of teams opting to lay a player on the floor behind their wall.
Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand utilises the knuckleball technique, smashing the ball with his laces to avoid any spin, causing it to swerve and dip unpredictably towards the goal. This method is a lot more effective from distance than a ball struck with spin, as it gives the goalkeeper less time to adjust and the ball more time to snake through the air.
Subsequently, Ronaldo's free kick goals have been scored from a much greater variety of positions than Messi's - many from seemingly impossible distances!
Messi Free Kick Conversion Rate (League only)
League Season
Free Kick Attempts
Free Kick Goals
Free Kick Conversion Rate
2024-2025
5
1
20.0%
2024
15
1
6.7%
2023-2024
17
0
0.0%
2023
17
1
5.9%
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
478
42
8.8%
Ronaldo Free Kick Conversion Rate (League only)
League Season
Free Kick Attempts
Free Kick Goals
Free Kick Conversion Rate
2024-2025
6
1
16.7%
2024
14
3
21.4%
2023-2024
27
3
11.1%
2023
35
2
5.7%
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
581
38
6.5%
Interestingly, Messi now takes significantly more free kicks than he used to, whilst Cristiano is actually taking considerably fewer shots from free kicks than earlier in his career.
Before the 2014/15 season, Messi took 136 shots from direct free kicks in 10 La Liga seasons - an average of just 14 per season. Since then however, he has taken 320 shots at goal from free kicks, averaging 24 attempts per season.
In contrast, Ronaldo hit 382 free kick shots in 11 seasons before 2014/15 in the league (not including his season at Sporting) - an average of 35 per season. But since then he's taken 150 shots at goal from free kicks, averaging 11 attempts per season. This is 170 fewer free kick shots than Messi has attempted in the same period.
Before 2014/15: Messi 136 free kick shots (14 per season on average)
Before 2014/15: Ronaldo 382 free kick shots (35 per season on average)
After 2014/15: Messi 320 free kick shots (24 per season on average)
After 2014/15: Ronaldo 150 free kick shots (11 per season on average)
Despite this, Messi boasts a considerably better success rate, scoring 9.4% of his free kick shots in the league since 2014/15, with Ronaldo scoring 4.0% of his free kick attempts in the league since 2014/15.
Before 2014/15, Messi scored 8.1% of his free kick attempts (11 from 136), whereas Ronaldo scored 7.1% of his free kick shots (26 of 382).
Overall, in all league seasons played (excluding Ronaldo's season at Sporting), Messi has converted 0.0% of his free kick shots, whereas Ronaldo has converted 0.0% of his free kick shots.
Multiple Free Kicks Scored in a Game
Scoring from a free kick is a relatively rare thing; scoring two in a single game is almost unheard of. But both Messi and Ronaldo have achieved this feat on multiple occasions now.
Messi multiple free kicks in a game
11th Aug 2015 vs Sevilla (7th & 16th min) - UEFA Super Cup Final
8th Dec 2018 vs Espanyol (17th & 65th min) - La Liga
9th Nov 2019 vs Celta de Vigo (45th & 48th min) - La Liga
Ronaldo multiple free kicks in a game
15th Nov 2008 vs Stoke (3rd & 88th min) - Premier League
15th Sep 2009 vs FC Zurich (27th & 89th min) - Champions League Group Stage
15th May 2011 vs Villarreal (22nd & 90th min) - La Liga
2nd April 2024 vs Abha (11th & 21st min) - Saudi Pro League
Complete List of Messi Free Kick Goals
A complete list of all Messi free kick goals for Barcelona, PSG and Argentina.
Date
H/A
Team
Opponent
Score
Competition
Score after FK
02/10/2024
A
Inter Miami
Columbus
3-2
MLS
2-0
07/09/2023
H
Argentina
Ecuador
1-0
World Cup Qualifier
1-0
06/08/2023
A
Inter Miami
FC Dallas
4-4
Leagues Cup
4-4
22/07/2023
H
Inter Miami
Cruz Azul
2-1
Leagues Cup
2-1
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
Complete List of Cristiano Ronaldo Free Kick Goals
A complete list of all Ronaldo free kick goals for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.
Date
H/A
Team
Opponent
Score
Competition
Score after FK
27/08/2024
A
Al-Nassr
Al Feiha
4-1
Saudi Pro League
2-0
02/04/2024
A
Al-Nassr
Abha
8-0
Saudi Pro League
1-0
02/04/2024
A
Al-Nassr
Abha
8-0
Saudi Pro League
2-0
21/10/2023
H
Al-Nassr
Damac
2-1
Saudi Pro League
2-1
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
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