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Who are Ligue 1’s most dangerous set-piece teams in 2025/26?

Corners and free kicks provide teams with opportunities to pose a threat in McDonald’s Ligue 1 matches. Which teams have been the most effective in this regard during the 2025/2026 season?

G.BOXALL

Published on 03/26/2026 at 13:20

2-minute read

Set-pieces remain one of the most reliable ways to unlock defences in Ligue 1 McDonald’s

Set-pieces remain one of the most reliable ways to unlock defences in Ligue 1 McDonald’s — and after 26 matchdays of the 2025/26 campaign, some clear specialists have emerged.

While direct free-kicks have been notably rare this season, corners and indirect situations are proving decisive across the league.

Lens lead the way from corners

RC Lens have established themselves as the most dangerous side from corners, with 10 goals scored from such situations, the highest total in the division.

Their latest came in a draw away at RC Strasbourg Alsace in late February, when Mamadou Sangaré netted their 10th of the campaign — although it was notably their first corner goal since November.

Behind Lens, Paris Saint-Germain have scored eight goals from corners, while Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille follow with six each.

Lorient stand out from free-kicks

If corners are dominated by Lens, free-kicks are the domain of FC Lorient.

The Merlus have scored six goals from free-kicks (direct and indirect combined) — more than any other team in Ligue 1 this season.

They are also the only side to have converted more than one direct free-kick, with goals from:

Arsène Kouassi (vs FC Nantes)
Pablo Pagis (vs OGC Nice)

Across the rest of the league, just three other direct free-kicks have been scored:

Paris Saint-Germain (Nuno Mendes)
FC Metz (Hein)
Olympique de Marseille (Angel Gomes)

Indirect free-kicks: Lorient still on top

Lorient’s strength doesn’t stop there. They also lead the way in indirect free-kicks, with four goals, a tally matched only by Stade Brestois 29.

FC Nantes sit just behind with three goals from such situations.

A season shaped by dead-ball efficiency

With open-play margins often fine, set-pieces are once again proving decisive in Ligue 1 McDonald’s.

Lens dominate from corners
Lorient lead from free-kicks
Direct free-kicks remain a rare art

As the season enters its final stretch, these finely tuned details could make all the difference in the race for Europe — and survival.