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How Many Free Kicks Has Reece James Scored |
Find out how many free kicks Reece James has scored in his career, with up-to-date stats, memorable goals for Chelsea and England, and key set-piece insights.
Reece James has become one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted defenders, known for his leadership, power and increasing set-piece prowess. One question fans often ask is how many free kicks has Reece James scored in his professional career — a specific stat that highlights his knack for scoring from dead-ball situations. In this post, we dive into verified numbers, key free-kick goals, context from club and international football, and why James’ ability on set pieces is gaining attention.
The Short Answer: How Many Free Kicks Has Reece James Scored?
Based on the most reliable available statistics from trusted football data aggregators, Reece James has scored two direct free kicks in his professional career for club teams as of late 2025.
These goals came in high-profile matches where his technique and precision made the difference — a notable achievement for a right-back.
What Counts as a “Free Kick Goal”?
Before we go deeper, it’s important to define the term:
What Is a Free Kick Goal?
A direct free kick goal is when the player strikes the ball from a set (dead ball) situation after a foul, and the ball goes directly into the net without any other player touching it.
This is distinct from:
- Indirect free kicks (where the ball must be touched by another player first)
- Penalty kicks
- Goals from open play after a restart
When we answer how many free kicks has Reece James scored, we refer only to direct free-kick goals.
Reece James’ Free Kick Goals for Chelsea
1. Bournemouth (January 2025)
One of James’ most memorable set-piece strikes came for Chelsea in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Bournemouth. In dramatic stoppage time, he curled a perfect ball into the corner from a free kick that rescued a point for his team.
This wasn’t just another goal — it was widely praised for its technique and importance.
2. SL Benfica — FIFA Club World Cup (2025)
James also scored another direct free kick in continental competition for Chelsea against SL Benfica at the FIFA Club World Cup, converting from a tight angle to give his team the lead in a key match.
This goal confirmed that his set-piece ability isn’t limited to domestic leagues — he can produce at the international club level as well.
Reece James’ Free Kick Reputation
James isn’t a typical defender — he’s one of the most technically gifted full-backs in Europe, and his ability from set pieces has been recognized by teammates and pundits alike.
For example, Chelsea teammate Pedro Neto described James as “unbelievable” in set-piece situations, reflecting how those around him view his technique and confidence.
This reputation explains why James is often trusted with free kicks — even over specialist takers — when he’s on the field.
Notable Free Kick Moments in 2025
Free Kick vs Newcastle United (December 2025)
In a dramatic Premier League clash against Newcastle United, James again demonstrated his set-piece threat by scoring a sublime free kick that ignited Chelsea’s comeback and helped secure a 2-2 draw.
While this goal may or may not be a direct free-kick goal recognized in official aggregated stats yet, it’s widely reported as a standout set-piece strike and part of his growing free-kick legacy (optical match reports describe the goal in set-piece terms).
International Free Kick Goals — England
Reece James has even translated his set-piece ability to the international stage.
England vs Latvia (March 2025)
In a World Cup qualifying match against Latvia, James scored a stunning free kick — his first international goal — curling it from distance to open the scoring.
Although this is technically an international free kick goal, its inclusion highlights how versatile and effective James can be from set pieces for both club and country.
So if we consider total professional free-kick goals across all levels (club and international), James has scored at least three — two for Chelsea and one for England.
Career Context: How Rare Free Kick Goals Are for James
Defenders are not generally expected to be prolific free kick scorers. Set-piece specialists have traditionally been attacking midfielders or forwards — players with more emphasis on finishing.
Even in the Premier League, scoring from free kicks is rare: only a handful of players score multiple direct frees each season. James’ ability to find the net from dead balls makes him stand out among defenders.
For comparison, free-kick records for specialists like James Ward-Prowse indicate that scoring multiple direct frees in a single season — let alone across competitions — is a notable achievement.
A Look at Reece James’ Overall Goal Contributions
In addition to free-kick goals, James contributes in other ways:
- Goals from open play and headed goals
- Assists, thanks to his crossing ability
- Key passes from set plays
Stats sites like FootyStats show James’ assist totals and chance creation metrics, confirming his overall importance in attack.
These contributions make him a complete force going forward — not just a defender.
Why Free Kick Goals Matter in Modern Football
Scoring from a free kick is more than just a goal — it’s a moment that can decide a match. Goals from set pieces often change momentum, break deadlocks, or rescue crucial points, as James’ goals against Bournemouth and Newcastle did.
For fans and analysts, how many free kicks has Reece James scored becomes a useful measure of:
- Technical skill
- Confidence under pressure
- Tactical versatility
It’s a stat that elevates his profile beyond traditional defensive duties.
How Many Free Kicks Has Reece James Scored — Summary
Here’s a quick recap:
- Chelsea Direct Free Kick Goals: 2 — Bournemouth (Jan 2025) and SL Benfica (2025).
- International Free Kick Goal for England: 1 — vs Latvia (Mar 2025).
- Total Professional Free Kick Goals: At least 3
James’ evolution into a free-kick threat is one of the more exciting developments in his career and sets him apart from many defenders.
