Can You Score an Own Goal From a Free Kick?

Imagine the chaos of a free kick ricocheting off a defender and rolling into his own net. Can you actually score an own goal from a free kick? Under the Laws of the Game, the answer is no — an own goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick, whether direct or indirect.

TL;DR: A ball kicked straight into the wrong net from a free kick does not count — a corner is awarded to the attacking team instead.

The Own Goal Rule Explained

IFAB states that an own goal cannot be scored directly from a restart. If a player takes or deflects a free kick straight into his own goal before anyone else touches it, the referee does not award a goal. Instead, play restarts with a corner kick to the opposition.

What Counts as "Directly"?

If the ball touches any other player after the free kick and then goes into the net, an own goal stands. Only the first touch straight from the restart protects the defending team.

Why Can't You Score Against Yourself?

A goal can only be credited to the team that took the restart. You cannot legally score in your own net from a free kick. A corner gives the attacking side the chance to put the loose ball into the box fairly. The same principle applies to corner kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and kick-offs — an own goal cannot be scored directly from any of them.

When a Defense Touches the Ball

If a free kick strikes the post or a defender and crosses the line, it is no longer "direct" — so the goal counts as an own goal. The same happens on a deflection off the goalkeeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an own goal from a direct free kick allowed?

No. An own goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick. The referee awards a corner.

What about an indirect free kick into your own net?

The same rule applies — no goal is given and a corner is awarded.

Can a free kick score an own goal after a touch?

Yes. Once the ball touches another player, an own goal can stand.

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