Arsenal’s Declan Rice has recently etched his name in the annals of UEFA Champions League history by achieving a remarkable and rare feat: scoring two goals from direct free-kicks in a single match against Real Madrid. The English midfielder, who had not managed to find the back of the net from a free-kick in his previous 338 professional appearances, displayed extraordinary skill and precision. His first goal came as he skillfully curled a stunning strike around the Madrid wall, evading the massive reach of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, thus giving Arsenal an early 1-0 lead over the reigning European champions.
Just twelve minutes following his initial success, Rice struck again, this time taking a more audacious approach. He whipped the free-kick towards the goalkeeper’s side, an action that demonstrated his confidence and variety in set-piece execution. This second goal, crashing into the top corner of the net, not only solidified Arsenal’s lead but also made Rice the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kick goals in a knockout stage match. While he stands alone in this specific record, Rice is not the first player to net two free-kicks in a Champions League match; there have been four others who have managed this impressive achievement.
One of the most notable players to achieve a brace of free-kicks in the tournament’s history is Brazil’s revered striker, Rivaldo. Back in 2000, during a thrilling 3-3 encounter between Barcelona and AC Milan, Rivaldo netted a hat-trick, with two of those goals coming from beautifully taken direct free-kicks. His first free-kick was a clever low shot designed to sail under the jumping wall of defenders—a tactical masterpiece that caught the Rossoneri by surprise. The second was a splendid shot that soared above the wall, ricocheted off the crossbar, and bounced off the back of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati into the net. This performance made Rivaldo the first player to achieve such a feat in Champions League history.
Another brilliant display of free-kick prowess came from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2009, the famed five-time Ballon d’Or winner made a striking debut for Real Madrid in a match against Swiss side FC Zurich, during which he scored two free-kicks. The first was a powerful, swirling strike from a favorable position that looped effortlessly over the opposing keeper. The second free-kick, taken in the dying moments of the game, was executed with similar intent but unfortunately slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands, trickling into the net.
Fast-forward to October 2018, where Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar showcased his own dazzling free-kick abilities against Red Star Belgrade, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 6-1 victory. Two of his goals were the product of masterful free-kick attempts, one curling into the bottom corner, while the second was a breathtaking effort that dipped perfectly into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Milan Borjan helpless as he could only watch the ball nestle into the net.
Most recently, in November 2023, Hakim Ziyech joined the elite club of free-kick scorers in a single Champions League match during a high-scoring draw between Galatasaray and Manchester United. Ziyech’s first free-kick took a crafty route through a split United wall before finding the back of the net. His second goal demonstrated a mix of skill and a hint of defensive naivety, as his curled free-kick somehow bypassed all players before deflecting off United’s keeper Andre Onana, further illustrating the unique drama that accompanies set-piece scenarios.
As Declan Rice basks in the afterglow of his extraordinary achievement against Real Madrid, the Champions League continues to provide a thrilling backdrop for football’s most remarkable moments, showcasing individual brilliance like that of Rice and those who have come before him. Through live broadcasts and extensive coverage, fans can keep witnessing such breathtaking performances, with the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League accessible via platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+.