Own Goal From a Free Kick: What Actually Happens

Scoring an own goal is bad enough. Do it directly from a free kick and you might fear the worst. But here's the surprise: a soccer own goal from a free kick never counts — the restart goes to the other team.

TL;DR: If the ball goes straight into the kicker's own goal from a free kick, it's not a goal. It's a corner kick for the opposing team.

The Rule That Saves You

Under Law 13 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, only the team taking a direct free kick can be awarded a goal, and only in the opponent's net. If the ball flies into the kicker's own goal without touching anyone, the referee disallows it and awards a corner kick to the opposition.

That's different from ordinary open play, where an own goal always counts. A free kick is treated specially so a lucky deflection can't punish the taker.

The Indirect Free Kick Twist

For an indirect free kick, the rule is stricter still. A goal only counts if the ball touches another player first, so an indirect free kick into your own net is also disallowed — again restarting with a corner kick.

Why It's So Rare

An own goal from a free kick is one of the rarest events in football. It needs a perfect storm:

• A free kick taken deep in your own half
• A mis-hit clearance that loops backward
• A goalkeeper out of position or wrong-footed

When it does happen, it's viral gold. Fans replay it endlessly, and even rival supporters feel a pang of sympathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an own goal from a free kick count for the opponents?

No. The goal is disallowed and the opposing team gets a corner kick instead.

What if the free kick touches another player before going in?

Then it becomes a normal own goal. If the ball deflects off a teammate, it counts against the defending team.

Can you score a valid goal from your own free kick?

Only in the opponent's goal — that's how defenders score spectacular long-range free kicks. Your own net never counts.

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