free kick

American  

noun

Soccer.

1. an unhindered kick of a stationary ball, usually awarded to a player as the result of a foul committed by a player from the opposing team.

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free kick British  

noun

1. soccer a place kick awarded for a foul or infringement, either direct, from which a goal may be scored, or indirect, from which the ball must be touched by at least one other player for a goal to be allowed

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Etymology

Origin of free kick

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Mohammad Salah returns to the Liverpool starting XI as Liverpool score three goals, including an intelligent Dominik Szoboszlai free kick, to beat Olympique Marseille.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Argentine midfielder Pereyra answered off a free kick for Minnesota in the 19th minute, blasting in a left-footed shot from in front of the goal just outside the box.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

He had already scored twice from the penalty spot and once with a free kick.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

But Mickey Thomas sent a 25-yard free kick past David Seaman before Steve Watkin's strike earned victory for Wrexham just two minutes later.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

When North Atlanta scored first, on a free kick, the team’s coach jumped up and down, while across the field, parents leaped from their folding lawn chairs in celebration.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John