The evolution of freekick techniques: From power free-kicks to the Mukaiten

Zico’s curlers

By the late 70s and early 80s, manufacturing technology had evolved enough and footballs were considerably lighter already. Zico, the Brazilian legend, was one of the best exponents of curling the ball over the wall and making it dip when it approached the net. Prone to hitting side-footed shots, and favouring placement over power, Zico scored plenty of goals using this technique.