5 Top Players Who Have Scored Incredible Goals Directly From Corner Kicks

• Angel di Maria scored directly from a corner as Benfica beat RB Salzburg
• The Argentine also set up Rafa Silva to give their team the two-goal lead
• Sports Brief looks at the greatest-ever goals scored directly from a corner

Scoring directly from a corner is a rare sight in football, but Angel Di Maria achieved the extraordinary with a breathtaking attempt against Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League.

Unlike some 'Olympic goals', Di Maria's effort was clearly intentional. Whether it's a powerful drive to the near post, weaving through a crowd of players, or a beautifully curled delivery to the far stick, these goals are truly spectacular to witness.

Considering that, and without a specific ranking, Sports Brief presents a collection of some of the most remarkable direct corner goals we've had the pleasure of witnessing.

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Football

The more remarkable 'Olympic' goals

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

Seizing the opportunity while Valencia goalkeeper, Jaume engaged in a dispute with the referee over a corner decision, Kroos took control of the game.

Spotting the shot-stopper positioned far from his line, the German calmly delivered a curling shot to the near post with ease, leaving the crowd utterly amazed.

Among the extensive catalogue of corner goals, this one undeniably stands out as one of the finest and, for a change, we can confirm its intentional brilliance.

Ronaldinho (Flamengo)

Of course he did. Exhibiting unparalleled South American flair, the ex-Barcelona player possessed the audacity to attempt almost anything on a football field. So, why not score a goal from a corner?

Back in his homeland, while playing for Flamengo, the soccer sensation skillfully directed the set piece towards the near post, effortlessly finding the back of the net.

What's even more astonishing is that there was a defender marking the near post, yet he couldn't prevent the goal.

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Football

Diego Forlan (Internacional)

Forlan showcased his exceptional corner kick strike against Fluminense in Brazil.

The Uruguayan attacker, for some reason on corner-kick duty, delivered a teasing ball into the box, benefiting admittedly from a surprising lapse in goalkeeping.

Nonetheless, he now joins our exclusive club and I'm sure he'll be thrilled about it.

Roberto Carlos (Corinthians)

There were hardly any tasks, if at all, that this man couldn't master with his left foot. Evidently, scoring from a corner was no exception.

Carlos, who earned the set piece, used his quick thinking to strike the ball low and forcefully across the goal, exploiting a notable lapse in the opposition keeper's concentration.

The ball soared into the far corner, leaving the spectators in awe. However, the left-back, perhaps accustomed to even more spectacular feats, modestly wheeled away with a subdued celebration.

David Beckham (LA Galaxy)

Demonstrating his title as the greatest crosser of the ball England has ever seen (a fact), Beckham likely showcased his party trick during a match between LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire.

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Opting to whip an intense delivery toward the near post, the Englishman witnessed his strike navigate through a crowd of players, ultimately finding the back of the net.

Given Beckham's immense ability, it's challenging to dispute that he may have executed this intentionally. Regardless, I'm sure he'll proudly claim it.