9 players who scored more free kicks than Messi and Ronaldo

#8 Ronald Koeman - 60 goals

Even though younger fans might be more accustomed to seeing Ronald Koeman on the bench as a manager, older fans of the game remember 'the blonde arrow' as one of the greatest defenders to grace a football field.

During his heyday, Ronald Koeman was a superb defender, capable with the ball at his feet and till date remains the highest scoring defender of all time with 253 official goals (more than some strikers manage in their career) of which 60 came from direct free kicks.

He represented some of the best clubs in the world during his prime including Ajax, PSV and Barcelona, captaining the latter to their first ever European Cup in 1992 (scoring the winning goal off what else but a free kick)..

#7 Zico - 62 goals

In the eyes of many, the most naturally talented Brazilian player of all time, Zico exhibited poise, finesse and wonderful technique during his playing days.

Having started his career in his native Brazil, Zico courted worldwide attention with his displays for the Samba Boys at the 1982 World Cup and prompted a transfer to Italian side Udinese.

He took his free kick specialty with him to the Serie A and they were so deadly that television stations constantly debated on the best way to stop them (to limited effect).

In total, 'the white Pele' scored a total of 62 direct free kicks and is undoubtedly one of the most accurate free kick takers in history.

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee