What “Player to Score a Free-Kick” Means
This is a player-specials market offered by some bookmakers.
You’re betting on a named player to score directly from a free-kick during the match.
- Direct free-kick only counts (ball goes straight into the net from the free-kick).
- Indirect free-kick goals or goals scored after a short pass do not count.
- Penalties are not included.
- Usually applies to 90 minutes only (extra time excluded unless stated).
Example with a Team
Let’s use Manchester City vs Chelsea as an example:
Bookmaker offers markets like:
| Player | Odds to Score from a Free-Kick |
|---|---|
| James Ward-Prowse (Chelsea) | 14.00 (13/1) |
| Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) | 10.00 (9/1) |
| Phil Foden (Man City) | 21.00 (20/1) |
If you bet ₦1,000 on Kevin De Bruyne to score from a free-kick at 10.00, and he scores directly from a free-kick in the match, you win ₦10,000.
If he scores from open play or penalty, the bet loses because it’s not a direct free-kick goal.
Realistic Player Profiles
Some players are known for free-kicks. For example:
- James Ward-Prowse (Chelsea)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
- Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
When these players are on the pitch, this market becomes interesting.
What to Check Before Betting
- Player’s Role
- Does the player regularly take free-kicks? (midfielders/wingers like Ward-Prowse, Messi, etc.)
- Team’s Playing Style
- Teams that attack a lot win more free-kicks around the box.
- Example: Man City, Liverpool, Barcelona.
- Opposition’s Discipline
- A team that fouls frequently around the penalty area gives more free-kick chances.
- Example: A physical team like Burnley often concedes free-kicks.
- Match Importance & Player Starting
- Make sure your chosen player starts the match.
- Check the lineup before placing bet.
- Weather Conditions
- Rain or wind may reduce accuracy of long-range free-kicks.
Betting Tips
- Research Set-Piece Takers: Bet only on players who regularly take free-kicks. (Most midfield playmakers or specialist set-piece takers).
- Use Team + Player Stats: Look up how many direct free-kick goals the player has scored in last seasons.
- Check Fouling Stats of Opponent: More fouls around the box = higher chance of a free-kick scoring chance.
- Live-Betting Option: Some bookmakers offer in-play odds. If you see your player about to take a free-kick, you can bet (odds will be low but chance high).
- Combine Bets Cautiously: This is a high-odds market. Don’t stake too much. It’s better in a small stake “fun” bet or as part of a special accumulator.
Quick Example Tip Sheet
- Fixture: Chelsea vs Tottenham
- Player: James Ward-Prowse (Chelsea)
- Odds: 15.00
- Reason: Ward-Prowse is Chelsea’s main free-kick taker; Tottenham commit a lot of fouls near the area.
- Stake: ₦500 small stake → Potential win ₦7,500
Would you like me to make you a step-by-step checklist for picking the best free-kick goal-scorer bets (like a quick cheat sheet)?