Can Anyone Break Beckham’s Legendary Free-Kick Record?
David Beckham remains a legendary figure in football, particularly known for his exceptional free-kick ability. On Tuesday afternoon, he was awarded a knighthood at Windsor Castle. This marks yet another prestigious achievement in his illustrious career, alongside six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory.
Beckham’s Free-Kick Record
In addition to his accolades, Beckham holds the Premier League record for the most goals scored from direct free-kicks, totaling 18. However, a current player is on track to challenge this record.
James Ward-Prowse: The Challenger
James Ward-Prowse is gaining attention for his remarkable free-kick skills. He is just one goal behind Beckham, with 17 goals to his name. According to Opta, Ward-Prowse has netted six match-winning free-kicks, and 13 of his goals have come away from home.
A Rapid Rise
Ward-Prowse made his Premier League debut in 2012, but his journey as a free-kick specialist began in January 2016. His reputation surged during the 2021-22 season, where he scored four free-kicks. In early 2023, Pep Guardiola praised him, calling him the best free-kick taker he has seen.
Recent Challenges
Ward-Prowse’s quest to surpass Beckham faced hurdles recently. After leaving Southampton, he joined West Ham United. Unfortunately, his first season was lackluster, leading him to a loan to Nottingham Forest. He struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Current Status
With the managerial changes at West Ham, Ward-Prowse’s playing time has diminished. He started the initial five games under previous manager Graham Potter but was soon dropped from the squad by Espirito Santo. His limited game time could hinder his chances to break Beckham’s free-kick record.
All-Time Free-Kick Goals in the Premier League
| Player | Free-Kick Goals |
|---|---|
| David Beckham | 18 |
| James Ward-Prowse | 17 |
| Thierry Henry | 12 |
| Gianfranco Zola | 12 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 12 |
| Laurent Robert | 11 |
| Sebastian Larsson | 11 |
| Ian Harte | 10 |
| Morten Gamst Pedersen | 10 |
| Nolberto Solano | 9 |
| Frank Lampard | 9 |
| Jamie Redknapp | 9 |
| James Maddison | 9 |
| Christian Eriksen | 8 |
| Juan Mata | 8 |
| Matt Le Tissier | 7 |
| Steven Gerrard | 7 |
| Alan Shearer | 7 |
| Mikel Arteta | 7 |
| Gary McAllister | 7 |
| Gylfi Sigurdsson | 7 |
| Wayne Rooney | 7 |
| Ryan Giggs | 7 |
| Didier Drogba | 7 |
| Ashley Young | 7 |
As the situation stands, breaking Beckham’s legendary free-kick record is uncertain for Ward-Prowse. Only time will tell if the young midfielder can reclaim the spotlight and set a new standard in Premier League history.
