Exclusive: Leeds legend Ian Harte on why he was better at free-kicks than David Beckham and Roberto Carlos

Leeds legend Ian Harte
(Image credit: Getty)

When football fans list the greatest free kick takers of all time, two players are always near the top: David Beckham and Roberto Carlos. 

The former Real Madrid team-mates were known for hitting a sweet dead ball. And while their styles differed – Becks could bend it like no other, while Carlos went for sheer power – they both boasted impressive records for club and country. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Ed McCambridge
Staff Writer

Ed is a staff writer at FourFourTwo, working across the magazine and website. A German speaker, he’s been working as a football reporter in Berlin since 2015, predominantly covering the Bundesliga and Germany's national team. Favourite FFT features include an exclusive interview with Jude Bellingham following the youngster’s move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, a history of the Berlin Derby since the fall of the Wall and a celebration of Kevin Keegan’s playing career.