The art of scoring a free-kick in a football match is a testament to precision and brilliance, and there are many artists who have mastered this craft.

Over the years, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed the presence of these extraordinary individuals, whose exceptional skills and finesse have elevated the game to new heights through memorable goals from free-kicks.

And then there are players who possess the remarkable ability to consistently score from direct free-kicks.

On that note, let’s take a look at the players who have scored the highest number of free-kick goals in the history of the Hero ISL.

4 Goals – Greg Stewart and Marcelinho

Greg Stewart

It is actually a tie for 1st place in the current Hero ISL free-kick standings, with Brazilian Marcelinho also having scored the same number of goals from free-kicks.

However, unlike Marcelinho, Stewart is still an active player in the Hero ISL and will be aiming for the top spot in the upcoming season. Given his current rate, he has a good chance of achieving it.

The Scottish attacking midfielder possesses one of the most majestic left foots that the Hero ISL has ever seen. He can strike the ball with remarkable accuracy, often using the inside of his foot, which amplifies the power he generates.

The 33-year-old has already netted four goals from free-kicks, and his unforgettable long-range free-kick against Kerala Blasters FC will be fondly remembered for a long, long time.

He revitalised the attacks of both his former club, Jamshedpur FC, and his current club, Mumbai City FC, playing a crucial role in their pursuit of the Hero ISL League Shield.

Marcelinho

Marcelinho began his Hero ISL career with Delhi Dynamos FC, leaving a lasting impact on Indian football by clinching the Golden Boot award with 10 goals.

The Brazilian forward later moved to FC Pune City, where he gained recognition for his dead-ball delivery and technical prowess. His proficiency in taking free-kicks continued to improve during his tenure with Hyderabad FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC, as he found the back of the net from set-piece situations more often.

His technique, movement, and understanding of the game were of the highest calibre. He grabbed an astounding four free-kick goals during his six-year stint with six different clubs.

Marcelinho’s innate ability to score goals from any situation made him a true machine and he still holds the fifth position on the all-time top scorers' list in the Hero ISL.

3 Goals – Elano Blumer and Cleiton Silva

Elano Blumer

Elano Blumer, popularly known as Elano, in a Chennaiyin FC shirt, was a sight to behold. His prowess in scoring goals from free kicks was nothing short of legendary.

During his two-year stint with the Marina Machans, the retired Brazilian international managed to score three goals from free kicks. To this day, he remains the only player in the history of the Hero ISL to achieve such a feat, netting three goals from direct free kicks in a single campaign.

Elano's presence on the pitch meant that any situation around the penalty area was highly likely to result in a goal, showcasing the immense skill and impact of the Brazilian player.

Cleiton Silva

Next up is the former Bengaluru FC forward and current East Bengal FC forward, who also happens to be the third Brazilian to make it to this list.

The 36-year-old is just as dangerous in dead ball situations as in open play, and he is renowned for his charismatic personality and ability to lead by example.

Silva gained prominence while playing for the Blues, alongside Sunil Chhetri, before making a move to East Bengal FC prior to the 2022-23 season.

The forward possesses immense technical ability when it comes to striking the ball with accuracy and dip. He has already blasted three free kicks into the back of the net in the Hero ISL, with his most recent set-piece masterpiece occurring in the dying moments of a match against his former club, Bengaluru FC.

2 Goals – The Best of the Rest

In addition to the aforementioned players, there are several others who have showcased their prowess in scoring goals from free kicks. Edu Garcia, Amir Dervisevic, Diego Mauricio, Manuel Onwu, Edu Bedia, Manuel Lanzarote, Adrian Luna, and Adrian Mutu are among this group, with each player having successfully scored two free-kick goals.

These individuals have made remarkable contributions to their teams by utilising their expertise in set pieces and have undoubtedly played a significant role in their team's success.

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Related tags:

Mohun Bagan Super GiantEast Bengal FCMumbai City FCChennaiyin FC Marcelo PereiraCleiton SilvaElano BlumerGreg Stewart