A CPP type magnetic sensing element capable of properly performing magnetization control of a free magnetic layer and having small hysteresis and an excellent playback characteristic, as well as a manufacturing method therefor, are provided. Second antiferromagnetic layers are provided not only on both edge sections of the free magnetic layer, but also on the middle rear end. In the height-side edge of the middle front end of the aforementioned free magnetic layer, a sense current magnetic field in the direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the aforementioned free magnetic layer is cancelled by a bias magnetic field from the second antiferromagnetic layer provided on the middle rear end. Consequently, an influence of the aforementioned sense current magnetic field can be reduced, turbulence in the magnetization of the aforementioned free magnetic layer can be made smaller than ever, and a magnetic sensing element having small hysteresis can be manufactured.