Juninho Pernambucano, Sinisa Mihajlovic, David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Lionel Messi, Rogerio Ceni, James Ward-Prowse… The list goes on, but not many players can make it and join the renowned group of the best free-kick takers football has ever had.Last night, one man applied for admission, though he’ll have to prove himself much longer to have a chance to stand in line with the names mentioned above. Yesterday, Declan Rice became the utmost hero of Arsenal’s magnificent win over European Champions Real Madrid, paving the way for the Gunners’ victory with two beautiful free-kick goals.This feels so surreal man. 😍 pic.twitter.com/dmNIVPrnXi— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) April 9, 2025 And although his membership into the “free-kick elite” will have to wait, the midfielder has become a member of another respected group. Namely, Rice is only the fifth player who netted a free-kick brace in the UEFA Champions League, after Rivaldo (2000), Cristiano Ronaldo (2009), Neymar (2018), and Hakim Ziyech (2023), and the first to do it in a knockout phase!Arsenal lock horns with Barca over young NicoHis accomplishments become even more outstanding if we know that these were the first free-kick goals in his career! In 338 career games Rice has played, he’s taken only 12 free kicks. Until last night! The numbers 13 and 14 found Thibaut Courtois’ net, as the 26-year-old probably launched himself to the top of the free-kick-taking list at Emirates.Before this evening, Declan Rice had not scored from a direct free-kick in any of his 338 games for West Ham and Arsenal. HE’S JUST SCORED TWO IN 12 MINUTES AGAINST REAL MADRID. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FTQZenPhzy— Squawka (@Squawka) April 8, 2025 At the beginning of the century, the phrase “Bend it like Beckham” became famous thanks to the legendary midfielder’s ability to splendidly “curl” the ball when shooting, taking set pieces, or sending long passes towards his teammates. Moreover, this phrase was so popular that a movie was named after it back in 2002.Well, after last night, it could be modified a bit. After last night, the phrase could be – “Bend it like Declan.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – QUARTER-FINALSFirst legTuesdayArsenal – Real Madrid 3-0 (0-0)/Rice 58, 70, Merino 75/Bayern – Inter 1-2 (0-1)/Muller 85 – Lautaro 38, Frattesi 88/Wednesday 22.00: (1.37) Barcelona (5.10) Dortmund (7.75)22.00: (1.42) PSG (5.00) Aston Villa (7.00)***odds are subject to change***
