Who are the top 20 best long shot takers in football 2023?

Who are the top 20 best long shot takers in football 2023?

Kevin Omuya, Jackline Wangare
updated at August 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM

In football, there are numerous ways to score goals. All that matters is that the ball lands in the back of the net. Few images on the pitch are more satisfying to witness than a long-range shot that fizzes past a diving goalie and into the net. Here are some of the best long shot takers in football.

The best long shot takers in football
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Long-range shooters are crucial to any team's success. They can make a difference in games where one team has trouble breaking down the other's defence. Below is a list of the best long shot takers in FIFA 23.

Top 20 best long shot takers in football

There are not many players who can pull off this highly required skill. Long-range goals are the most aesthetically pleasing goals to score in football. This list contains the top 20 long-shot takers in football.

20. Xabi Alonso

best long shot takers in fifa 23
Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach Xabi Alonso gestures during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two matches between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Photo: Marcio Machado
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Xabier Alonso Olano
  • Date of birth: 25 November 1981
  • Age: 41 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Tolosa, Spain
  • Current team: Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso is a former football player and Bayer Leverkusen's head coach. He was an effective set-piece and penalty kick taker, and he excelled in the centre in a deep-lying playmaking role, using his accurate long-passing ability to create goal-scoring chances for teammates.

19. Toni Kroos

best long shot takers in fifa 23
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Betis and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain. Photo: Fermin Rodriguez
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Toni Kroos
  • Date of birth: 4 January 1990
  • Age: 33 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Greifswald, Germany
  • Current team: Real Madrid

Toni Kroos currently plays for Real Madrid as a midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and primarily plays as a central midfielder. Toni has played several roles, such as a deep-lying playmaker, on the flank, in a box-to-box role, or even as a defensive midfielder.

18. Robin van Persie

who is the best shooter in football history
Robin van Persie reacts prior to the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two matches between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Photo: Ash Donelon
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Robin van Persie
  • Date of birth: 6 August 1983
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Robin van Persie is a Feyenoord coach and former football striker. He began his career as a left winger for Feyenoord during the 2001–02 season. Robin was initially used primarily as a supporting forward in League Cup, and FA Cup matches.

17. Steven Gerrard

most long range goals in football history
Steven Gerrard during the UEFA Champions League one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Steven George Gerrard
  • Date of birth: 30 May 1980
  • Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Whiston, England

Steven George is currently the football manager for Aston Villa. He spent most of his time playing as a central midfielder for Liverpool and the English national team. Steve was named eight times in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

16. Paul Pogba

top 10 most powerful shot takers in football 2023
Paul Pogba of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on March 05, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Photo: Danilo Di Giovanni
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Paul Labile Pogba
  • Date of birth: 15 March 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lagny-sur-Marne, France
  • Current team: Juventus

Paul Pogba currently plays for the Juventus and the France national team. Pogba was deployed in a more advanced and creative midfield role rather than his usual box-to-box role, giving him more time on the ball and allowing him to excel as the team's main playmaker due to his vision and passing range.

15. Arjen Robben

which player has the highest shot power
Arjen Robben of Holland during the EURO match between Holland v Germany. Photo: Eric Verhoeven
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Arjen Robben
  • Date of birth: 23 January 1984
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bedum, Netherlands

Arjen Robben is a retired footballer who played as a winger. He was well-known for his dribbling abilities, quickness, ball control, and long-range shots. Robben is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, and he was frequently regarded as one of the best wingers in the world during his prime.

14. Yaya Touré

Who is the best long shot in football?
Yaya Toure playing for the World Legends during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 match between Arab Legends and World Legends at Al Thumana Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Matthew Ashton
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré
  • Date of birth: 13 May 1983
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Bouaké, Ivory Coast

Yaya Touré is a former midfielder and an academy coach for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. During his career, he spent most of his time as a box-to-box midfielder for the club. He has key strengths in passing range, vision and physical ability.

13. Andrea Pirlo

Who is the best long shot taker in FIFA 22?
Andrea Pirlo of Team FIFA takes a penalty during the 72nd FIFA Congress Football Delegation Tournament at Aspire Zone Sports Centre in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Andrea Pirlo
  • Date of birth: 19 May 1979
  • Age: 43 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Flero, Italy

Andrea Pirlo is a former football player and coach of the Süper Lig club. He began his career in 1995 as an attacking midfielder. Due to his vision and passing accuracy, Andrea was given the role of deep-lying playmaker.

12. Christian Eriksen

best long shot takers in fifa 23
Christian Eriksen of Manchester United in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Reading at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Photo: Joe Prior
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Christian Dannemann Eriksen
  • Date of birth: 14 February 1992
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Middelfart, Denmark
  • Current team: Manchester United

Christian Eriksen is a midfielder who plays for Manchester United and the Denmark national team. He is well-known for his vision, technique, passing, and free kicks. Christian has been named Danish Football Player of the year five times and fifth-highest all-time goalscorer.

11. Frank Lampard

who is the best shooter in football history
Everton manager Frank Lampard during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton FC at London Stadium in London, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Frank James Lampard
  • Date of birth: 20 June 1978
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Romford, United Kingdom

Frank Lampard is a retired football player and is currently the manager of Everton. He is widely regarded as one of Chelsea's greatest players of all time, as well as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He holds the Premier League record for the most goals a midfielder scored and the most from outside the box.

10. Ruben Neves

top 10 most powerful shot takers in football history
Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux in Wolverhampton, England. Photo: Jack Thomas
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves
  • Date of birth: 13 March 1997
  • Age: 26 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Mozelos, Portugal
  • Current team: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Neves may not be considered one of the best players in the world, but his long-range shooting ability must be recognized. One of Neves' most illustrious goals was a long-range miracle strike against Liverpool and Manchester United.

9. Bruno Fernandes

best long shot takers fifa 23
Bruno Fernandez of Manchester United runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round match between Manchester United and West Ham United. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes
  • Date of birth: 8 September 1994
  • Age: 28 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Maia, Portugal
  • Current team: Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes is a young offensive midfielder whose key asset is his ability to score goals. By blasting shots now and then, he keeps the goalie occupied. During his stint at Sporting Lisbon, he was the club's most important player, scoring 63 goals in 137 appearances.

He's also a great free-kick taker. Bruno Fernandes has scored four goals from outside the 18-yard box in his Manchester United debut season. He is, without a doubt, one of the best long-shot takers in football.

8. Hakim Ziyech

most long range goals in football history
Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Craig Mercer
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hakim Ziyech
  • Date of birth: 19 March 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Dronten, Netherlands
  • Current team: Chelsea

Ziyech is one of the top long-shot takers in football. He was crucial in Ajax's successful UEFA Champions League campaign in 2018-19. One of his best goals in the UCL group stage was a long-range curler against Valencia. Ziyech is undoubtedly becoming a better player due to his move to Chelsea.

7. Angel Di Maria

top 10 most powerful shot takers in football 2023
Di Maria Angel Hernandez of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico in Rome Italy. Photo: Claudio Pasquazi
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ángel Fabián Di María
  • Date of birth: 14 February 1988
  • Age: years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Current team: Juventus

Angel is a diligent worker with much potential and can take free kicks. The winger has excellent agility, creativity, and playmaking ability. His jaw-dropping strike against France in the 2018 World Cup was one of his most famous goals. Angel Di Maria is widely considered one of the most powerful shot-takers in football.

6. Paulo Dybala

which player has the highest shot power
Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico in Rome Italy. Photo: Claudio Pasquazi
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Paulo Exequiel Dybala
  • Date of birth: 15 November 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Laguna Larga, Córdoba, Argentina
  • Current team: Roma

Following in the footsteps of his countryman Leo Messi, the Argentine plays like a true superstar. He usually plays in the midfield for his team, offering assists, dribbles, and long-range beauties. With his talented left foot, he has scored numerous goals. His one-touch finishes and solo goals are unique.

5. Radja Nainggolan

Who is the best long shot in football?
Radja Nainggolan of Spal in action during the Serie B match between Spal and Como at Stadio Paolo Mazza on February 18, 2023 in Ferrara, Italy. Photo: Emmanuele Ciancaglini
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Radja Nainggolan
  • Date of birth: 4 May 1988
  • Age: 34 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Antwerp, Belgium
  • Current team: SPL

He is a physically powerful and flexible midfielder with exceptional shooting ability, regarded as one of the best long-shot takers in football. The 34-year-old veteran has spent his whole professional life in Italy.

Nainggolan has not scored many goals in his career, but it's a rocket of a strike every time he does. His volley against Juventus in Serie A in 2019 was an emotional goal and one of his greatest. Radja Nainggolan has earned the reputation of scoring only world-class bangers.

4. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Who is the best long-range goal scorer?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC MIlan at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy. Photo: Alessandro Sabattini
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Zlatan Ibrahimović
  • Date of birth: 3 October 1981
  • Age: 41 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Malmö, Sweden
  • Current team: AC Milan

The Swedish international has represented several notable European clubs. The veteran has scored numerous miracle goals throughout his career, but his well-known over-head kick from 30 yards against England is undoubtedly his greatest. Most of his career goals are long-shot goals.

3. Kevin De Bruyne

Who is the best long shot taker in FIFA 22?
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium. Photo: Richard Sellers
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kevin De Bruyne
  • Date of birth: 28 June 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Drongen, Belgium
  • Current team: Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne is currently one of the best midfielders in the world. He has been the driving force behind Pep Guardiola's Premier League victory. The Belgian midfielder is solely a baller with excellent shooting ability, which he employs in open play and when taking free kicks.

His playing style is praised not only by Manchester City fans but also by fans worldwide. In the 2018 World Cup, his goal against Brazil was a stunning strike that helped Belgium advance to the next round. De Bruyne is one of the best long-shot takers in the Premier League.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Who is the best long-range goal scorer?
Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Batin at the Mrsool Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Photo: AFP
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1985
  • Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
  • Current team: Al Nassr

Who is the best shooter in football history? Cristiano can shoot with his strong right foot and his weaker left foot. He has a great shot power to go along with the other qualities that have earned him the title of 'the best.' His dedication to hard effort and positive attitude has aided him in becoming an expert shooter. He's scored many free-kick goals over his illustrious career.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal from outside the 18-yard box every 19.2 games in his senior career. He is the most prolific goal scorer in the game's history and one of the best long-shot takers of all time.

1. Lionel Messi

Who is the best long shot taker in FIFA 22?
Lionel Messi during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Nantes at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. Photo: Anthony Bibard
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
  • Date of birth: 24 June 1987
  • Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Current team: Paris Saint-Germain

Who is the best long-range goal scorer? Despite having those appealing qualities of smooth passing and mazy dribbling, Messi can shoot accurately from long range, making him one of the best players.

Aside from his spectacular open-play goals, the former Barcelona captain can also score from free kicks with aplomb. His free kick strike against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 semi-final is one of his best long-range efforts. Messi has scored the most long-range goals in football history.

Top 10 most powerful shot takers in football history

Who is the best long shot in football? Below is a summary list of the top 10 most powerful shot takers in football in 2023.

  1. Lionel Messi
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo
  3. Kevin De Bruyne
  4. Zlatan Ibrahimović
  5. Radja Nainggolan
  6. Paulo Dybala
  7. Angel Di Maria
  8. Hakim Ziyech
  9. Bruno Fernandes
  10. Ruben Neves

Which player has the highest shot power?

Some of the players who are considered to have the highest shot power in soccer include Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been recorded hitting shots at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (128 km/h), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been recorded hitting shots at speeds of up to 76 miles per hour (122 km/h).

Who is the best long shot taker in FIFA 22?

Cristiano is regarded as the world's most versatile player and one of the best long-shot takers in FIFA 22.

Summary list of top best long shot takers in football

  1. Lionel Messi
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo
  3. Kevin De Bruyne
  4. Zlatan Ibrahimović
  5. Radja Nainggolan
  6. Paulo Dybala
  7. Angel Di Maria
  8. Hakim Ziyech
  9. Bruno Fernandes
  10. Ruben Neves
  11. Frank Lampard
  12. Christian Eriksen
  13. Andrea Pirlo
  14. Yaya Touré
  15. Arjen Robben
  16. Paul Pogba
  17. Steven Gerrard
  18. Robin van Persie
  19. Toni Kroos
  20. Xabi Alonso

We have seen a few athletes who could go all out from afar throughout history. The best long shot takers in football can beat goalkeepers with sheer strength and swerve. Even goalkeepers would be hesitant to get in the line of shots from such players.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
Jackline Wangare photo
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).