Who Should Be Barcelona’s Main Free-Kick Taker This Season?
Since the departure of Lionel Messi, Barcelona have struggled to find a consistent and confident free-kick specialist — a role that was once a source of guaranteed goals and breathtaking moments for the club. Over the past few seasons, several players have stepped up to try their luck from set-pieces, yet none have truly made the position their own. As the new season unfolds, the question remains: who should be Barcelona’s main free-kick taker?
One of the most promising candidates is Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation who continues to dazzle fans with his flair, creativity, and impeccable technique. Despite his young age, Yamal possesses a remarkable ability to strike the ball cleanly and with precision. His performances in training and matches show glimpses of natural free-kick potential — his ball control, curl, and confidence all suggest he could evolve into Barcelona’s next long-term set-piece master. However, his youth and limited experience in high-pressure situations might make him a rotational option for now rather than the undisputed first choice.
Another strong contender is Pedri, whose technical intelligence and calmness under pressure make him a perfect fit for precise, curl-based free kicks. Pedri isn’t known for raw power, but his sense of timing, vision, and placement could make him a lethal threat from just outside the penalty area. He reads the game well, knows how to pick his spot, and could thrive on free kicks where precision outweighs brute force. Moreover, Pedri’s cool temperament means he can handle tense moments, something crucial for big matches and narrow scorelines.
Raphinha, on the other hand, offers a very different skill set. The Brazilian winger is known for his explosive pace and powerful left foot, which can generate tremendous speed and dip on the ball. He has the confidence and aggression needed for long-range free kicks, often aiming for the top corner or surprising goalkeepers with sudden swerves. Although he occasionally struggles with consistency, Raphinha’s ability to strike the ball with venom gives Barcelona a weapon from distance — especially against teams that sit deep and invite pressure.
If Barcelona were to rely on experience and proven delivery, Marcus Rashford (should his move materialize or if he’s involved in set plays through rotation) could bring that missing edge. Rashford has scored more direct free kicks in his career than most current Barça players, and his “knuckleball” technique is unpredictable for goalkeepers. His ability to mix accuracy with power would add another dimension to Barça’s attack. Having such a player would relieve some of the creative burden from midfielders and offer the team a direct scoring route from set-pieces.
Beyond individual talent, Barcelona’s coaching staff — under Hansi Flick — must also consider strategy and specialization. Free-kicks aren’t just about who strikes the ball best; they’re about positioning, angles, and roles. For instance, a left-footed player like Raphinha might be best suited for shots on the right-hand side of the pitch, while right-footed players like Yamal or Pedri could handle the opposite side. This rotational strategy would maximize efficiency and keep opponents guessing.
Ultimately, Barcelona’s next free-kick specialist must be someone who combines confidence, consistency, and creativity — all traits that define the club’s attacking philosophy. While Yamal appears to be the natural heir for the role, the team could benefit from sharing responsibilities among him, Pedri, and Raphinha based on situational advantage. Over time, with training and trust, one of them will inevitably rise as the go-to name when Barcelona line up for a dead ball.
