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There are very few things as satisfying as watching a player put a free-kick top bins like it’s nothing. The panic in the keeper as they organise the wall in front of them, all the players trying to get into position to make it as difficult as possible, it’s great to watch.
The only thing that may be just as good, is when you do it yourself on FIFA. In FIFA 23, there may be a few changes to who the best free-kick takers will be, especially after the season some of the players had, but the list will largely be the same as last year.
Read more: Best Career Mode Strikers in FIFA 23
Scoring a free-kick on FIFA is a skill in itself, but it doesn’t hurt to do it with some of the best in the game. Below is who we think will be the best free-kick takers on FIFA 23.
- James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
- Lionel Messi – PSG
- Miralem Pjanic – Barcelona
- Parejo – Villareal
- Aketxe – SD Eibar
- Enis Bardhi – Levante
- Lucas Zelarayán – Columbus Crew
- Ángel Di María – Juventus
- Robert Skov – TSG Hoffenheim
- Paulo Dybala – AS Roma (Roma FC)
James Ward-Prowse proved once again last season why he is considered the best free-kick taker in the world right now. He scored four free-kicks last season alone. It’s getting to a point where giving away a free-kick to Southampton is almost like giving away a goal. There is genuine fear amongst defenders when he steps over the ball and rightfully so.
Lionel Messi will still rank highly, despite not having his best season. He will always be dangerous from set pieces and if he can re-find his best form he may once again be considered the best in the world.
Read more: FIFA 23 Career mode
Who will get an upgrade?
There are a few players that will most likely get upgrades on their free-kicks after last season, but will need to do it more frequently to crack the top ten. Kieran Trippier scored two free-kicks for Newcastle last season and should expect a boost on his free-kicks.
The other player who will be getting a big upgrade is PSG’s Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi scored two near identical free-kicks when he was at The Afcon last January and they were just a week apart. Free-kicks wasn’t something he was known for prior to this, but if he takes them more often he may be able to crack the top ten.
