Own Goal From a Free Kick? Here's What Happens

A defender miscues a clearance at a free kick and the ball flies into their own net. Goal or not? The answer surprises most fans: it never stands.

TL;DR: An own goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick — the referee awards a corner to the attacking team instead.

The Rule, Explained Simply

The Laws of the Game state that an own goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick, covering both direct and indirect free kicks. If a player sends the ball into their own goal without anyone else touching it, the referee stops play and gives a corner to the opposition, per IFAB Law 13.

Why the Goal Doesn't Count

Restarts have strict rules about legitimate goals. Because the player restarting play is not being challenged, the Laws refuse to award points for a self-inflicted error. Instead, it is treated like any ball behind the goal line: a corner to the other team.

Direct vs. Indirect Free Kicks

• Direct free kick: The kicker may score straight into the opponent's goal — but an own goal from it is disallowed and becomes a corner.
• Indirect free kick: A goal counts only if another player touches the ball first, so an own goal from it is also disallowed.

Either way, a mistake delivers a corner for the opposition, per the own goal rules.

Own Goals in the Spotlight

Own goals are football's cruelest comedy — Richard Dunne holds the record with ten. Rare from restarts, but defenders have bundled loose balls past their own keepers from corners for years — sparking endless debate over credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an own goal be scored from a corner kick?

No. Since the 2016 rule change, a direct own goal from a corner is disallowed and a goal kick is awarded.

Does an own goal from a free kick count if it touches a defender?

If the ball deflects off another player on the way in, it may count as a normal goal.

Who is credited with the goal on an own goal?

Stats mark it "OG" but never add it to a player's season or career total.