What Happens If You Score an Own Goal From a Free Kick?

Picture this: a defender tries to clear a free kick fired into the box, miscues it, and the ball spins into his own net. Does the count go up? The answer surprises most fans. Under the Laws of the Game, an own goal can't be scored directly from a free kick.

TL;DR: If a free kick goes directly into your own goal without touching anyone, no goal is given — a corner kick is awarded to the opposition instead.

The Free Kick Rule (Law 13)

The rule sits in Law 13 of the Laws of the Game, set by IFAB and the FA. It lays out exactly what happens when the ball enters a goal from a free kick:

Into the opponents' goal (direct): goal awarded.
Into the opponents' goal (indirect): goal kick, since an indirect free kick must touch another player first.
Into your own goal (direct or indirect): corner kick to the opposition.

So if the taker knocks the ball straight into their own net, the score stays level and a corner is awarded.

What About a Deflected Effort?

The corner rule applies only when the ball goes directly in from the kick. Once the ball touches a teammate, opponent, or referee, it's a normal goal if it crosses the line. That's how deflection goals are credited.

Common Misconception

Many fans think any own goal from a free kick counts. In reality, the ball must be touched by someone other than the taker to stand. If it flies in untouched, it's a corner. For context, see how an own goal is defined.