Olympique Lyonnais legend Juninho is turning 49 today, and to celebrate the Brazilian's birthday, here's a look at the five best free kicks during his time for Les Gones.
Lyon vs. FC Barcelona: February 2009
Juninho showcased his brilliance in a thrilling UEFA Champions League home game against the Spanish side. Positioned for a potential header pass to his teammates, the OL star aimed directly for the goal instead, leaving the Barcelona goalkeeper helpless to stop it.
24 février 2009 : @Juninhope08 s'illustrait avec ce merveilleux coup franc face à Barcelone en @ChampionsLeague ! ☄
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 24, 2021
Quel est votre coup franc préféré de Juninho ? 💥#OLRetro pic.twitter.com/ePdwlRNolU
Lyon vs. AC Ajaccio: March 2006
The Brazilian demonstrated his ability to score from a free kick regardless of the distance, exemplified no better than in the match against Ajaccio. With the ball positioned near midfield and a swift run, Juninho opted to go for the goal instead of trying any other move, ultimately scoring.
𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆 𝒍'𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 🎄 @Ligue1UberEats
— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) December 5, 2021
En ce 5⃣ décembre on vous offre certainement l'une des plus belles "pralines" de notre championnat ! Un coup franc de 40 m du maître Juninho 🇧🇷#Ligue1Legends pic.twitter.com/qhlWa2smh6
Lyon vs. Bayern Munich: November 2003
Juninho scored a free kick goal past Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn. In the Champions League match, the OL midfielder fired a shot that Kahn couldn't stop as he ran out of room, resulting in the ball hitting the goalpost and going in for a goal.
👀 Bayern 🆚 Lyon, 2003 edition...
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 17, 2020
🇧🇷 Juninho Pernambucano 🎯⚽️@OL_English | #MondayMotivation | #UCL pic.twitter.com/UGWWRW7Ark
Lyon vs. Dynamo Kyiv: October 2006
Juninho scored another Champions League goal against Dynamo Kyiv, placing the ball perfectly out of the goalkeeper's reach.
Juninho serving up free-kick perfection 💯#UCL pic.twitter.com/loNGiSylg3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 17, 2023
Lyon vs. SV Werder Bremen: February 2005
Despite the considerable distance, the OL star tested his free kick prowess against the German side, effortlessly slotting the ball into the net and showcasing his ability to easily score from afar.
🇧🇷 Juninho Pernambucano 🎯#UCL | @OL pic.twitter.com/1Un6pPpMDS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 12, 2019
