There have been many long free kicks in football history, but it is difficult to determine the exact longest free kick ever as there is no comprehensive record of such a statistic.
However, one of the longest free kicks ever recorded was taken by Asmir Begovic, the goalkeeper for Stoke City, during a Premier League match against Southampton on November 2, 2013. Begovic scored from a distance of approximately 97.5 yards (89 meters) with a powerful kick that bounced over the opposition goalkeeper and into the net. This goal was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest goal ever scored by a goalkeeper in football history.
It’s worth noting that free kicks of such length and accuracy are extremely rare, and require exceptional skill, technique, and favourable wind conditions.
Latest Record for longest free kick ever
Lucas Zelarayan is an Argentine footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club Columbus Crew. He has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional skills and abilities on the pitch, including his precise passing, quick footwork, and impressive long-range shooting.
In a recent match against New York City FC on August 24, 2021, Zelarayan made history by scoring what is being hailed as the longest goal ever in the history of the MLS. The goal was a stunning strike from a free-kick that sailed over the defensive wall and into the back of the net, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance of saving it.
The goal, which came in the 62nd minute of the match, was a crucial one as it put Columbus Crew in the lead by 2-1. Zelarayan’s goal was met with ecstatic celebrations from his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans, who were left in awe of the Argentine’s remarkable skill and accuracy.
The goal was particularly significant for Zelarayan, who had been struggling with injuries and form in recent months. The 28-year-old midfielder had joined Columbus Crew in 2020 from Tigres UANL in Mexico and had made an instant impact, helping his team to win the MLS Cup in his debut season. However, he had been unable to replicate his form in the current season and had been criticized by some for his lack of impact on the pitch.
Zelarayan’s goal against New York City FC was not only a remarkable feat of skill but also a testament to his resilience and determination. It showed that he still had the ability to produce moments of magic on the pitch and that he was capable of leading his team to victory even in the most challenging circumstances.
The goal was also significant for the MLS as a whole, as it helped to further elevate the league’s profile and cement its reputation as a destination for top-class football talent. Zelarayan’s goal was widely shared and commented on across social media, with many fans and commentators hailing it as one of the greatest goals ever scored in the history of the league.
In terms of the technical aspects of the goal, Zelarayan’s strike was a masterclass in precision and power. The free-kick was awarded to Columbus Crew just outside the box, and Zelarayan stepped up to take it. He carefully studied the position of the defensive wall and the goalkeeper, assessing his options and plotting his approach.
With a swift run-up, Zelarayan struck the ball with his left foot, sending it hurtling towards the goal at a tremendous speed. The ball cleared the defensive wall and dipped just in time to land in the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to his spot and the defenders powerless to stop it.
The distance of the goal has been estimated at around 63 yards (approximately 57.5 meters), which makes it one of the longest goals ever scored in professional football. However, what made Zelarayan’s strike truly remarkable was the combination of power, accuracy, and technique that he displayed.
Zelarayan’s goal against New York City FC will go down in history as one of the greatest goals ever scored in the MLS. It was a moment of individual brilliance that showcased the Argentine’s incredible skill and talent, and it helped to cement his place as one of the league’s top players.
Zelarayan broke Smith’s record
Let us remind you that the last record for longest free kick before Zelarayan was set by Colorado’s Jamie Smith in May 2011 who scored the goal from a distance of 52 yards. But Zelarayan beat him by four yards as he scored from 56 yards.
Interestingly, the Armenian charming international has scored 17 goals from outside the box before he joined MLS in 2020. And now he has come to the same level as Robert Warzycha for scoring the most fascinating and ground breaking goals in Crew’s history. With such outstanding playing skills, he keeps setting records one after another. Having said so, he has also become the third player in the club’s history to ever score more than 9 goals and assists in a single season.
Concluding this, Zelarayan’s longest kick ever was a remarkable feat of skill and determination, and it will be remembered as one of the greatest goals ever scored in the history of the MLS. It is a testament to the quality of the league and the talent of the players who compete in it, and it is sure to inspire fans and motivate them to become one of upcoming football legends who can be proud of.
