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

See Examples For:

free kick

His greatest contribution was drawing the foul that led to Malik Tillman’s free kick goal to make it 1-1 in the first half.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

Again, it mattered little with the U.S. getting that goal back three minutes later with Tillman bending a free kick from the top of the box off Vasilj’s gloved right hand and into the net.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

In the 17th minute, Portugal had won a free kick on the edge of the box, and the entire stadium was certain of what would happen next.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

During first-half stoppage time, Rezaeian’s free kick was headed home by Ali Nemati, but Nemati was clearly offsides and the goal was waived off by the referees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026

At one point he got tripped, and picking himself up, placed the ball on the ground to take the free kick himself.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro