The corner kick is a pivotal set piece in football, offering teams a tantalizing opportunity to score. While most teams rely on headers or volleys to convert corners, some players have honed the art of scoring directly from corner kicks. This impressive feat requires exceptional skill, technique, and precision.
In this article, we’ll highlight 11 players who have achieved this remarkable feat, showcasing their memorable goals.
1. Christian Pulisic – AC Milan
Christian Pulisic demonstrated his versatility with a stunning direct corner kick goal against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) in October 2024.
2. Matheus Cunha – Wolves
Matheus Cunha caught everyone off guard with his clever corner kick strike against Manchester United in the Premier League in December 2024.
3. Douglas Luis – Aston Villa
Douglas Luis showcased his skill with a beautifully executed direct corner kick goal against Arsenal in August 2022.
4. Thierry Henry – Red Bulls
Thierry Henry proved he still had it with a stunning direct corner kick goal in the Major League Soccer (MLS) against Columbus Crew in 2012.
5. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
Toni Kroos scored directly from the corner kick against Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup Semi Final in 2020.
6. Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter Milan
Hakan Calhanoglu scored a breathtaking direct corner kick goal in the Derby d’Italia against As Roma in 2024.
7. Mohamed Salah – Egypt
Mohamed Salah showed his national team teammates how it’s done with a stunning direct corner kick goal against eSwatini in the Nations Cup qualifier in October 2018.
8. Juan Cuadrado – Juventus
Juan Cuadrado left everyone speechless with his incredible direct corner kick strike against Genoa in 2021.
9. David Beckham – LA Galaxy
David Beckham pulled off yet another magical moment when he scored directly from a corner in LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over Chicago Fire in 2011.
10. Angel Di Maria – Benfica
Angel Di Maria scored direct from a corner kick to give Benfica the lead in December 2023, UEFA Champions League Group D game away at RB Salzburg.
11. Son Heung-Min – Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-Min delivered a brilliant corner kick goal, leading Tottenham Hotspur to the semifinals of the Carabao Cup in December 2024.
These 11 players have demonstrated exceptional skill and technique, catching their opponents off guard with their direct corner kick goals. Their impressive feats serve as a testament to their mastery of the beautiful game.