In today’s game, nailing those set pieces? That’s what can really separate the winners from the almosts. We’re talking free kicks, corners, penalties – the works. It takes a cool head, some serious skill, and laser focus. And man, this past season, some guys just took it to another level, turning those dead-ball spots into pure gold.
So, here’s the lowdown on the top 10 set-piece masters this season, ranked by how accurate they are, how often they deliver, and how clutch they are in those big moments.
10. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool / Hungary)
Liverpool’s sparkplug midfielder Szoboszlai has become a real threat on free kicks. He’s got this killer mix of power and finesse, making it anyone’s guess where he’ll put it from distance. Whether he’s bending it into the upper 90 or whipping in a cross, he’s always on point. He’s still sharing duties at Liverpool, but his touch has been noticed all season.
9. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich / Germany)
Kimmich is still one of the most well-rounded midfielders around and his set-piece delivery is a huge part of Bayern’s game. His curved free kicks and perfect corners cause defenders headaches. He’s got a knack for bending the ball into those dangerous areas with speed and precision, making him Bayern’s main man on set plays.
8. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal / England)
Saka’s evolution into a creative leader includes his precision from set pieces. Trusted for corners and indirect free-kicks, his deliveries have produced vital goals for the Gunners this season. His control, awareness, and clean technique show maturity well beyond his age — making him Arsenal’s reliable spark in dead-ball moments.
7. Declan Rice (Arsenal / England)
Rice has brought a lot to Arsenal, not just his defense. This season, he’s been taking corners and free kicks, showing leadership and some seriously clean technique. His deliveries have led straight to goals for Arsenal, and his improved accuracy on set pieces gives his game another edge. All that maturity he shows on the ball is paying off big time on those dead-ball plays.
6. Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli / Belgium)
Now in Italy with Napoli, De Bruyne’s still one of the best playmakers in the game. His corner kicks and penalty skills have been super important for his new team and his long-range free kicks still have that danger. Not many players can match his vision, accuracy, and composure – whether he’s whipping in a cross or coolly scoring from the penalty spot.
5. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United / Portugal)
Fernandes is the heartbeat of United’s set pieces. He’s their main penalty taker and a trusted guy on all dead balls. With his technique, his cool head, and how he can fake out the defense, he’s one of the best penalty scorers in the Premier League. And beyond penalties, he’s great at floating those perfect crosses into the box from free kicks.
4. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan / Turkey)
Out of everyone this season, Çalhanoğlu really stands out as the most consistent and dangerous set-piece taker. His direct free kicks, long shots, and penalties have all turned into huge goals for Inter. He delivers when the pressure’s on, almost never misses the target, and he’s as technically sound as ever. In 2025, he’s the ultimate dead-ball expert.
3. Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen / Spain)
You could argue that Grimaldo’s one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe, and his left foot helped Bayer Leverkusen have an amazing season. His free kicks have been both awesome and steady, bending right into the top corner or causing a scramble in the box. Grimaldo’s set-piece skills have been key to Leverkusen’s success playing for Xabi Alonso.
2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina)
Messi’s still the king of free kicks. Even in MLS, his left foot is as magical as ever – curling and bending shots that no one can reach. He can read the wall and the goalie at the same time like no one else. Every free kick feels like a show, and in 2025, he’s still making the difference for Inter Miami when they need it most.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr / Portugal)
Ronaldo’s taken set-piece skills and extended them for a long time. This season, he’s still Al Nassr’s main penalty taker and one of the most confident dead-ball strikers out there. His knuckleball technique on free kicks is famous, but his penalty record in 2024/25 says it all: he brings the pressure and he delivers. No one brings that kind of power and mental game when they’re facing the goal.
