Best Long-Range Shooters in Football

In today’s football, dominated by tactical philosophies and meticulous strategies, the term "system" is often overused. Teams are expected to not only have a distinctive playing style but also a comprehensive tactical rationale behind it.

However, when innovation falters, even the most forward-thinking managers rely on one thing: a player capable of scoring from long range. The best football long shot technique in football are rare gems that every top-tier manager dreams of having at their disposal.

Fans, too, have always adored these players. The collective roar of the crowd urging them to shoot when space opens up is one of the most exhilarating moments in football.

Top Players with the Best Long Shots in Football

Here’s a look at some of the top players who have consistently troubled goalkeepers from distance. For context, we’ve highlighted their longest goals since goal distances began being tracked around 2017.

Ruslan Malinovskyi (Atalanta)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 33 meters
The Ukrainian maestro is arguably the best long-range shooter in the game. Between his stints at Genk, Marseille, and Atalanta, Malinovskyi has scored 34 goals from a distance of 16 meters or more, 15 of which came in league play over the past four seasons alone. Impressively, only one of these goals was scored with his weaker right foot. His longest strike—a 33-meter stunner against Brescia in 2020—solidifies his spot among the elite.

Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Position: MC | Longest goal range: 28 meters
Known for his thunderous strikes, Ruben Neves is a menace outside the box. In the Premier League, the Portuguese midfielder has scored 21 goals, nine of which came from long range. His most iconic was a 28-meter screamer against Aston Villa in the dying minutes of a match, securing a dramatic draw.

Marco Asensio (Paris Saint-Germain)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 31 meters
Asensio’s reputation as a scorer of spectacular goals precedes him. Despite limited opportunities during his time at Real Madrid, the left-footed Spaniard scored 10 long-range goals in La Liga and 12 in the Champions League. Now at PSG, Asensio continues to showcase his ability to deliver from distance, with his longest effort—a 31-meter strike—coming against Las Palmas in 2017.

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Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 34 meters
De Bruyne is as deadly as he is creative. The Belgian playmaker has scored 24 goals from outside the box in league play, many of which were perfectly placed strikes with either foot. His longest—a 34-meter effort against Crystal Palace in 2018—was a testament to his incredible vision and technique.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Position: CF | Longest goal range: 32 meters
Often dismissed as a "tap-in merchant" by critics, Ronaldo’s long-range abilities are undeniable. Before joining Al-Nassr, the Portuguese legend had netted 15 long-range league goals from open play since 2017. His longest—a 32-meter blast against Norwich in 2022—proved he still has plenty of firepower.

Paulo Dybala (Roma)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 30 meters
Known for his finesse and accuracy, Dybala has scored 18 league goals from outside the box, focusing more on placement than power. His longest effort—a 30-meter beauty against Milan in 2018—showcased his technical brilliance.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 32 meters
Messi is a name synonymous with attacking excellence. The Argentine maestro has scored a staggering 72 long-range goals across all competitions, with 28 coming in league play. His longest—a 32-meter strike—proves his accuracy and precision are unmatched.

Aleksandr Golovin (Monaco)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 31 meters
Often underrated, Golovin has proven himself a lethal long-range threat. With 14 goals from outside the box, his longest—a 31-meter strike against Metz in 2023—showcases his ability to break down tight defenses with precision.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 33 meters
Known for his dead-ball prowess, Çalhanoğlu is equally capable from open play. The Turkish midfielder has scored 24 long-range goals, including a 33-meter rocket. All but one of his strikes came from his stronger right foot, cementing his place among the best.

Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
Position: AMC | Longest goal range: 30 meters
Eriksen, primarily known for his technical skills and set-piece ability, has scored 15 long-range goals in league play. Remarkably, his longest—a 30-meter strike—was scored with his weaker left foot, demonstrating his versatility and precision.

While today’s best long-range shooters are predominantly attacking midfielders, it’s worth noting the past dominance of central midfielders like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Clarence Seedorf. These legends paved the way for the long-range specialists we celebrate today.

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Conclusion:

Long-range shooting remains one of the most exciting aspects of football, showcasing players' ability to deliver moments of brilliance from unexpected distances. From Ruslan Malinovskiy's powerful strikes to Lionel Messi's precision placement, these players are a testament to the art and skill of shooting from afar.

While the modern game often emphasizes intricate passing and structured systems, the thrill of a thunderous strike from distance continues to captivate fans and change games in an instant. Whether it's the technical finesse of Paulo Dybala, the raw power of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, or the versatility of Kevin De Bruyne, these players ensure that long-range goals remain an iconic part of football.

Their ability to consistently score from beyond the box not only adds a unique edge to their teams but also cements their place in the hearts of fans worldwide. As tactics evolve, the magic of a perfectly executed long-range shot will always be a reminder of football's unpredictable and thrilling nature.