⚽️ Soccer Vocab
Soccer vocabulary includes player positions, officials, ball skills, scoring terms, restarts, rules, and tactical language. In most of the world, the sport is called football, while soccer is especially common in countries where the word football may refer to another sport. Position names such as Center Back, Fullback, Wingback, Winger, Forward, and Striker describe different tactical roles, while terms such as Free Kick, Corner Kick, Offside, Extra Time, and Penalty Shootout describe important parts of how a match is played. Exact formations and player responsibilities can vary considerably from one team or tactical system to another.
👥 Players, Positions & Officials
🧤 Goalkeeper
the player whose main job is to protect the goal and who may deliberately handle the ball with the hands inside the team's own penalty area, subject to the rules
Example: The goalkeeper dived to the left and stopped the shot.
🇫🇷 French: Gardien de but
🇩🇪 German: Torwart
🇮🇹 Italian: Portiere
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Goleiro / guarda-redes
💡 Nuance: Goalie and keeper are common informal alternatives.
the player whose main job is to protect the goal and who may deliberately handle the ball with the hands inside the team's own penalty area, subject to the rules
Example: The goalkeeper dived to the left and stopped the shot.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Portero / guardameta🇫🇷 French: Gardien de but
🇩🇪 German: Torwart
🇮🇹 Italian: Portiere
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Goleiro / guarda-redes
💡 Nuance: Goalie and keeper are common informal alternatives.
🛡️ Defender
a player whose primary responsibilities include stopping attacks, protecting the team's goal, and helping regain possession
Example: The defender intercepted the pass before the striker could reach it.
🇫🇷 French: Défenseur
🇩🇪 German: Verteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Difensore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Defensor
a player whose primary responsibilities include stopping attacks, protecting the team's goal, and helping regain possession
Example: The defender intercepted the pass before the striker could reach it.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Defensa🇫🇷 French: Défenseur
🇩🇪 German: Verteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Difensore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Defensor
🛡️ Center Back
a defender who usually plays in a central position in front of the goalkeeper
Example: The center back cleared the cross before it reached the forward.
🇫🇷 French: Défenseur central
🇩🇪 German: Innenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Difensore centrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Zagueiro / defensor central
💡 Nuance: British English commonly writes centre-back. Center backs often deal with central attacks, aerial balls, and opposing strikers.
a defender who usually plays in a central position in front of the goalkeeper
Example: The center back cleared the cross before it reached the forward.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Defensa central🇫🇷 French: Défenseur central
🇩🇪 German: Innenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Difensore centrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Zagueiro / defensor central
💡 Nuance: British English commonly writes centre-back. Center backs often deal with central attacks, aerial balls, and opposing strikers.
🏃 Fullback
a defender who generally plays on the left or right side of the defensive line
Example: The fullback moved forward to support the winger and then recovered quickly to defend.
🇫🇷 French: Arrière latéral
🇩🇪 German: Außenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Terzino
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Lateral
a defender who generally plays on the left or right side of the defensive line
Example: The fullback moved forward to support the winger and then recovered quickly to defend.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Lateral🇫🇷 French: Arrière latéral
🇩🇪 German: Außenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Terzino
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Lateral
🏃 Wingback
a wide player whose role combines substantial defensive work with frequent attacking movement along the side of the field
Example: The wingback ran down the right side and delivered a cross into the penalty area.
🇫🇷 French: Piston / latéral offensif
🇩🇪 German: Schienenspieler / offensiver Außenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Esterno a tutta fascia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ala / lateral ofensivo
💡 Nuance: Wingbacks are particularly common in formations that use three central defenders.
a wide player whose role combines substantial defensive work with frequent attacking movement along the side of the field
Example: The wingback ran down the right side and delivered a cross into the penalty area.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Carrilero / lateral ofensivo🇫🇷 French: Piston / latéral offensif
🇩🇪 German: Schienenspieler / offensiver Außenverteidiger
🇮🇹 Italian: Esterno a tutta fascia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ala / lateral ofensivo
💡 Nuance: Wingbacks are particularly common in formations that use three central defenders.
⚙️ Midfielder
a player who operates mainly between the defensive and attacking lines and helps connect different phases of play
Example: The midfielder received the ball from the defense and passed it forward.
🇫🇷 French: Milieu de terrain
🇩🇪 German: Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Meio-campista
a player who operates mainly between the defensive and attacking lines and helps connect different phases of play
Example: The midfielder received the ball from the defense and passed it forward.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Centrocampista🇫🇷 French: Milieu de terrain
🇩🇪 German: Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Meio-campista
🛡️ Defensive Midfielder
a midfielder positioned relatively deep whose responsibilities often include protecting the defense, winning possession, and beginning attacks
Example: The defensive midfielder broke up the attack before the ball reached the penalty area.
🇫🇷 French: Milieu défensif
🇩🇪 German: Defensiver Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista difensivo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Volante / meio-campista defensivo
a midfielder positioned relatively deep whose responsibilities often include protecting the defense, winning possession, and beginning attacks
Example: The defensive midfielder broke up the attack before the ball reached the penalty area.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Centrocampista defensivo / mediocentro defensivo🇫🇷 French: Milieu défensif
🇩🇪 German: Defensiver Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista difensivo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Volante / meio-campista defensivo
🎯 Attacking Midfielder
a midfielder who plays relatively close to the forwards and focuses heavily on creating scoring opportunities
Example: The attacking midfielder slipped a pass between two defenders for the striker.
🇫🇷 French: Milieu offensif
🇩🇪 German: Offensiver Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista offensivo / trequartista
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Meia ofensivo
a midfielder who plays relatively close to the forwards and focuses heavily on creating scoring opportunities
Example: The attacking midfielder slipped a pass between two defenders for the striker.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Centrocampista ofensivo / mediapunta🇫🇷 French: Milieu offensif
🇩🇪 German: Offensiver Mittelfeldspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Centrocampista offensivo / trequartista
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Meia ofensivo
🏃 Winger
an attacking player who usually operates near one side of the field and may dribble, cross, or move inside to shoot
Example: The winger beat the fullback and crossed the ball toward the far post.
🇫🇷 French: Ailier
🇩🇪 German: Flügelspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Ala
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ponta
an attacking player who usually operates near one side of the field and may dribble, cross, or move inside to shoot
Example: The winger beat the fullback and crossed the ball toward the far post.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Extremo🇫🇷 French: Ailier
🇩🇪 German: Flügelspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Ala
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Ponta
⚽ Forward
a broad term for an attacking player whose role is centered on creating or scoring goals
Example: The forward made a run behind the defense and received a long pass.
🇫🇷 French: Attaquant
🇩🇪 German: Stürmer / Angreifer
🇮🇹 Italian: Attaccante
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Atacante
💡 Nuance: Forward is broader than striker. Wingers and other attacking roles can also be described as forwards.
a broad term for an attacking player whose role is centered on creating or scoring goals
Example: The forward made a run behind the defense and received a long pass.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Delantero / atacante🇫🇷 French: Attaquant
🇩🇪 German: Stürmer / Angreifer
🇮🇹 Italian: Attaccante
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Atacante
💡 Nuance: Forward is broader than striker. Wingers and other attacking roles can also be described as forwards.
🎯 Striker
an attacking player, usually positioned centrally, whose role emphasizes scoring goals
Example: The striker controlled the pass and shot into the bottom corner.
🇫🇷 French: Avant-centre
🇩🇪 German: Mittelstürmer
🇮🇹 Italian: Centravanti
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Centroavante
an attacking player, usually positioned centrally, whose role emphasizes scoring goals
Example: The striker controlled the pass and shot into the bottom corner.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Delantero centro🇫🇷 French: Avant-centre
🇩🇪 German: Mittelstürmer
🇮🇹 Italian: Centravanti
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Centroavante
🧑✈️ Captain
the player designated as the team's on-field captain, typically identified by an armband
Example: The captain spoke to the referee after the decision.
🇫🇷 French: Capitaine
🇩🇪 German: Kapitän
🇮🇹 Italian: Capitano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Capitão
💡 Nuance: The captain is an important leadership role, but the exact responsibilities and communication protocols can depend on the competition.
the player designated as the team's on-field captain, typically identified by an armband
Example: The captain spoke to the referee after the decision.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Capitán🇫🇷 French: Capitaine
🇩🇪 German: Kapitän
🇮🇹 Italian: Capitano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Capitão
💡 Nuance: The captain is an important leadership role, but the exact responsibilities and communication protocols can depend on the competition.
🧑⚖️ Referee
the match official responsible for applying the Laws of the Game and making decisions during play
Example: The referee stopped play and awarded a free kick.
🇫🇷 French: Arbitre
🇩🇪 German: Schiedsrichter
🇮🇹 Italian: Arbitro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Árbitro
the match official responsible for applying the Laws of the Game and making decisions during play
Example: The referee stopped play and awarded a free kick.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Árbitro🇫🇷 French: Arbitre
🇩🇪 German: Schiedsrichter
🇮🇹 Italian: Arbitro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Árbitro
🚩 Assistant Referee
a match official who assists the referee, especially with decisions involving the touchline, goal line, and offside situations
Example: The assistant referee raised the flag after the attacker became involved in play from an offside position.
🇫🇷 French: Arbitre assistant
🇩🇪 German: Schiedsrichterassistent
🇮🇹 Italian: Assistente arbitrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Árbitro assistente
💡 Nuance: The older term linesman is still heard informally, but assistant referee is the standard modern term.
a match official who assists the referee, especially with decisions involving the touchline, goal line, and offside situations
Example: The assistant referee raised the flag after the attacker became involved in play from an offside position.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Árbitro asistente🇫🇷 French: Arbitre assistant
🇩🇪 German: Schiedsrichterassistent
🇮🇹 Italian: Assistente arbitrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Árbitro assistente
💡 Nuance: The older term linesman is still heard informally, but assistant referee is the standard modern term.
⚽ Scoring, Passing & Ball Skills
▶️ Kickoff
the kick from the center of the field used to start or restart play at specified points in a match
Example: The home team took the kickoff at the start of the second half.
🇫🇷 French: Coup d'envoi
🇩🇪 German: Anstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio d'inizio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pontapé inicial / saída de bola
💡 Nuance: Kick-off is also a common spelling.
the kick from the center of the field used to start or restart play at specified points in a match
Example: The home team took the kickoff at the start of the second half.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Saque inicial🇫🇷 French: Coup d'envoi
🇩🇪 German: Anstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio d'inizio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pontapé inicial / saída de bola
💡 Nuance: Kick-off is also a common spelling.
🥅 Goal
a score awarded when the whole ball legally crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar
Example: The ball crossed the line and the referee awarded the goal.
🇫🇷 French: But
🇩🇪 German: Tor
🇮🇹 Italian: Gol
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Gol / golo
a score awarded when the whole ball legally crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar
Example: The ball crossed the line and the referee awarded the goal.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Gol🇫🇷 French: But
🇩🇪 German: Tor
🇮🇹 Italian: Gol
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Gol / golo
😬 Own Goal
a goal scored when a player causes the ball to enter that player's own team's goal
Example: The defender accidentally scored an own goal while trying to clear the cross.
🇫🇷 French: But contre son camp
🇩🇪 German: Eigentor
🇮🇹 Italian: Autogol
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Gol contra / autogolo
a goal scored when a player causes the ball to enter that player's own team's goal
Example: The defender accidentally scored an own goal while trying to clear the cross.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Autogol / gol en propia puerta🇫🇷 French: But contre son camp
🇩🇪 German: Eigentor
🇮🇹 Italian: Autogol
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Gol contra / autogolo
🎁 Assist
a statistical credit commonly given to a player whose pass or other action directly helps create a teammate's goal
Example: The winger received an assist after crossing the ball to the goal scorer.
🇫🇷 French: Passe décisive
🇩🇪 German: Torvorlage
🇮🇹 Italian: Assist
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Assistência
💡 Nuance: Assist statistics are not defined identically by every league, competition, or statistics provider.
a statistical credit commonly given to a player whose pass or other action directly helps create a teammate's goal
Example: The winger received an assist after crossing the ball to the goal scorer.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Asistencia🇫🇷 French: Passe décisive
🇩🇪 German: Torvorlage
🇮🇹 Italian: Assist
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Assistência
💡 Nuance: Assist statistics are not defined identically by every league, competition, or statistics provider.
🎯 Shot
an attempt to send the ball toward the goal in order to score
Example: Her first shot went just over the crossbar.
🇫🇷 French: Tir
🇩🇪 German: Schuss
🇮🇹 Italian: Tiro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Chute / remate
an attempt to send the ball toward the goal in order to score
Example: Her first shot went just over the crossbar.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tiro / disparo🇫🇷 French: Tir
🇩🇪 German: Schuss
🇮🇹 Italian: Tiro
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Chute / remate
🧑 Header
an intentional play of the ball with the head, often used for passing, clearing, or shooting
Example: The striker scored with a powerful header from the cross.
🇫🇷 French: Coup de tête
🇩🇪 German: Kopfball
🇮🇹 Italian: Colpo di testa
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cabeceio
an intentional play of the ball with the head, often used for passing, clearing, or shooting
Example: The striker scored with a powerful header from the cross.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Cabezazo🇫🇷 French: Coup de tête
🇩🇪 German: Kopfball
🇮🇹 Italian: Colpo di testa
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cabeceio
➡️ Pass
an intentional movement of the ball from one player toward a teammate or a space the teammate can reach
Example: The midfielder played a short pass to the fullback.
🇫🇷 French: Passe
🇩🇪 German: Pass
🇮🇹 Italian: Passaggio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Passe
an intentional movement of the ball from one player toward a teammate or a space the teammate can reach
Example: The midfielder played a short pass to the fullback.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Pase🇫🇷 French: Passe
🇩🇪 German: Pass
🇮🇹 Italian: Passaggio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Passe
↗️ Cross
a pass played from a wide position toward a more central attacking area, often near the goal
Example: The winger sent a low cross toward the striker at the near post.
🇫🇷 French: Centre
🇩🇪 German: Flanke
🇮🇹 Italian: Cross
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cruzamento
a pass played from a wide position toward a more central attacking area, often near the goal
Example: The winger sent a low cross toward the striker at the near post.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Centro🇫🇷 French: Centre
🇩🇪 German: Flanke
🇮🇹 Italian: Cross
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cruzamento
🏃 Dribble
to move with the ball under control while running or changing direction, often to get past an opponent
Example: The winger used a quick dribble to get around the defender.
🇫🇷 French: Dribble
🇩🇪 German: Dribbling
🇮🇹 Italian: Dribbling
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Drible
to move with the ball under control while running or changing direction, often to get past an opponent
Example: The winger used a quick dribble to get around the defender.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Regate🇫🇷 French: Dribble
🇩🇪 German: Dribbling
🇮🇹 Italian: Dribbling
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Drible
🦵 Tackle
a defensive challenge intended to take the ball away from an opponent
Example: The defender made a clean tackle and won the ball.
🇫🇷 French: Tacle
🇩🇪 German: Tackling / Zweikampf
🇮🇹 Italian: Contrasto / tackle
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Desarme
💡 Nuance: A tackle can be legal or illegal depending on how the challenge is made. A sliding tackle is only one type of tackle.
a defensive challenge intended to take the ball away from an opponent
Example: The defender made a clean tackle and won the ball.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Entrada / quite🇫🇷 French: Tacle
🇩🇪 German: Tackling / Zweikampf
🇮🇹 Italian: Contrasto / tackle
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Desarme
💡 Nuance: A tackle can be legal or illegal depending on how the challenge is made. A sliding tackle is only one type of tackle.
🧤 Save
an action by the goalkeeper that prevents a shot from becoming a goal
Example: The goalkeeper made an excellent save from a close-range shot.
🇫🇷 French: Arrêt
🇩🇪 German: Parade
🇮🇹 Italian: Parata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Defesa
an action by the goalkeeper that prevents a shot from becoming a goal
Example: The goalkeeper made an excellent save from a close-range shot.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Parada / atajada🇫🇷 French: Arrêt
🇩🇪 German: Parade
🇮🇹 Italian: Parata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Defesa
🚩 Fouls, Restarts & Discipline
⚠️ Foul
an illegal action against an opponent or another offense that causes the referee to penalize a player or team
Example: The referee called a foul after the defender tripped the attacker.
🇫🇷 French: Faute
🇩🇪 German: Foul
🇮🇹 Italian: Fallo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Falta
an illegal action against an opponent or another offense that causes the referee to penalize a player or team
Example: The referee called a foul after the defender tripped the attacker.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Falta🇫🇷 French: Faute
🇩🇪 German: Foul
🇮🇹 Italian: Fallo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Falta
⚽ Free Kick
a restart awarded after certain offenses, taken with the ball stationary and with opponents required to respect the required distance
Example: The team won a free kick just outside the penalty area.
🇫🇷 French: Coup franc
🇩🇪 German: Freistoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di punizione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tiro livre / livre
💡 Nuance: Free kicks can be direct or indirect. A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick, while an indirect free kick must touch another player before a goal can count.
a restart awarded after certain offenses, taken with the ball stationary and with opponents required to respect the required distance
Example: The team won a free kick just outside the penalty area.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tiro libre🇫🇷 French: Coup franc
🇩🇪 German: Freistoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di punizione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tiro livre / livre
💡 Nuance: Free kicks can be direct or indirect. A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick, while an indirect free kick must touch another player before a goal can count.
🎯 Penalty Kick
a kick taken from the penalty mark after certain offenses by the defending team inside its own penalty area
Example: The referee awarded a penalty kick after the attacker was fouled inside the penalty area.
🇫🇷 French: Penalty / coup de pied de réparation
🇩🇪 German: Strafstoß / Elfmeter
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di rigore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pênalti / grande penalidade
a kick taken from the penalty mark after certain offenses by the defending team inside its own penalty area
Example: The referee awarded a penalty kick after the attacker was fouled inside the penalty area.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Penalti / tiro penal🇫🇷 French: Penalty / coup de pied de réparation
🇩🇪 German: Strafstoß / Elfmeter
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di rigore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Pênalti / grande penalidade
🚩 Corner Kick
a restart for the attacking team when the ball crosses the defending team's goal line without a goal after last touching a defender
Example: The defender blocked the shot and the ball went out for a corner kick.
🇫🇷 French: Corner / coup de pied de coin
🇩🇪 German: Eckstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio d'angolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Escanteio / pontapé de canto
a restart for the attacking team when the ball crosses the defending team's goal line without a goal after last touching a defender
Example: The defender blocked the shot and the ball went out for a corner kick.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Saque de esquina / córner🇫🇷 French: Corner / coup de pied de coin
🇩🇪 German: Eckstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio d'angolo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Escanteio / pontapé de canto
🥅 Goal Kick
a restart for the defending team when the ball crosses its goal line without a goal after last touching an attacking player
Example: The striker's shot went wide, so the defending team restarted with a goal kick.
🇫🇷 French: Coup de pied de but
🇩🇪 German: Abstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di rinvio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tiro de meta / pontapé de baliza
a restart for the defending team when the ball crosses its goal line without a goal after last touching an attacking player
Example: The striker's shot went wide, so the defending team restarted with a goal kick.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Saque de meta / saque de puerta🇫🇷 French: Coup de pied de but
🇩🇪 German: Abstoß
🇮🇹 Italian: Calcio di rinvio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Tiro de meta / pontapé de baliza
🙌 Throw-In
the restart used when the whole ball crosses a touchline, awarded to the opponents of the player who touched it last
Example: The ball crossed the touchline and the referee awarded a throw-in to the other team.
🇫🇷 French: Rentrée de touche / touche
🇩🇪 German: Einwurf
🇮🇹 Italian: Rimessa laterale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arremesso lateral / lançamento lateral
the restart used when the whole ball crosses a touchline, awarded to the opponents of the player who touched it last
Example: The ball crossed the touchline and the referee awarded a throw-in to the other team.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Saque de banda🇫🇷 French: Rentrée de touche / touche
🇩🇪 German: Einwurf
🇮🇹 Italian: Rimessa laterale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arremesso lateral / lançamento lateral
🚩 Offside
a rule that can penalize an attacking player who is in an offside position when a teammate plays or touches the ball and then becomes actively involved in play
Example: The assistant referee signaled offside after the forward received the pass and became involved in the attack.
🇫🇷 French: Hors-jeu
🇩🇪 German: Abseits
🇮🇹 Italian: Fuorigioco
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Impedimento / fora de jogo
💡 Nuance: Simply standing in an offside position is not automatically an offense. A player also cannot be penalized for receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick.
a rule that can penalize an attacking player who is in an offside position when a teammate plays or touches the ball and then becomes actively involved in play
Example: The assistant referee signaled offside after the forward received the pass and became involved in the attack.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Fuera de juego🇫🇷 French: Hors-jeu
🇩🇪 German: Abseits
🇮🇹 Italian: Fuorigioco
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Impedimento / fora de jogo
💡 Nuance: Simply standing in an offside position is not automatically an offense. A player also cannot be penalized for receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick.
🟨 Yellow Card
the card shown by the referee to formally caution a player, substitute, or team official for specified misconduct
Example: The midfielder received a yellow card for stopping the attack illegally.
🇫🇷 French: Carton jaune
🇩🇪 German: Gelbe Karte
🇮🇹 Italian: Cartellino giallo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cartão amarelo
💡 Nuance: Two cautions received by the same player during a match normally result in that player being sent off.
the card shown by the referee to formally caution a player, substitute, or team official for specified misconduct
Example: The midfielder received a yellow card for stopping the attack illegally.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tarjeta amarilla🇫🇷 French: Carton jaune
🇩🇪 German: Gelbe Karte
🇮🇹 Italian: Cartellino giallo
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cartão amarelo
💡 Nuance: Two cautions received by the same player during a match normally result in that player being sent off.
🟥 Red Card
the card shown when a player, substitute, or team official is sent off for a sending-off offense
Example: The defender was shown a red card and had to leave the field.
🇫🇷 French: Carton rouge
🇩🇪 German: Rote Karte
🇮🇹 Italian: Cartellino rosso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cartão vermelho
💡 Nuance: A player who is sent off after the match has started takes no further part in the match.
the card shown when a player, substitute, or team official is sent off for a sending-off offense
Example: The defender was shown a red card and had to leave the field.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tarjeta roja🇫🇷 French: Carton rouge
🇩🇪 German: Rote Karte
🇮🇹 Italian: Cartellino rosso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Cartão vermelho
💡 Nuance: A player who is sent off after the match has started takes no further part in the match.
🏆 Match Results, Tactics & Squad Terms
⚽⚽⚽ Hat Trick
three goals scored by the same player in one match
Example: The striker completed a hat trick with her third goal in the second half.
🇫🇷 French: Triplé
🇩🇪 German: Hattrick
🇮🇹 Italian: Tripletta
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Hat trick / três gols no mesmo jogo
three goals scored by the same player in one match
Example: The striker completed a hat trick with her third goal in the second half.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Triplete / hat trick🇫🇷 French: Triplé
🇩🇪 German: Hattrick
🇮🇹 Italian: Tripletta
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Hat trick / três gols no mesmo jogo
🧤 Clean Sheet
a match in which a team does not concede any goals
Example: The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in the two-zero victory.
🇫🇷 French: Cage inviolée / match sans encaisser
🇩🇪 German: Zu null spielen / weiße Weste
🇮🇹 Italian: Porta inviolata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Jogo sem sofrer gols / baliza inviolada
💡 Nuance: A clean sheet describes the team's defensive result, although goalkeeper statistics often track clean sheets individually as well.
a match in which a team does not concede any goals
Example: The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in the two-zero victory.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Portería a cero🇫🇷 French: Cage inviolée / match sans encaisser
🇩🇪 German: Zu null spielen / weiße Weste
🇮🇹 Italian: Porta inviolata
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Jogo sem sofrer gols / baliza inviolada
💡 Nuance: A clean sheet describes the team's defensive result, although goalkeeper statistics often track clean sheets individually as well.
⏱️ Extra Time
additional playing periods used in some matches when competition rules require a winner after the normal match ends level
Example: The score was still tied after ninety minutes, so the match went to extra time.
🇫🇷 French: Prolongation
🇩🇪 German: Verlängerung
🇮🇹 Italian: Tempi supplementari
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Prorrogação
💡 Nuance: Extra time is not the same as stoppage time. Stoppage time is added to the end of a half to compensate for time lost during that half.
additional playing periods used in some matches when competition rules require a winner after the normal match ends level
Example: The score was still tied after ninety minutes, so the match went to extra time.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Prórroga / tiempo extra🇫🇷 French: Prolongation
🇩🇪 German: Verlängerung
🇮🇹 Italian: Tempi supplementari
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Prorrogação
💡 Nuance: Extra time is not the same as stoppage time. Stoppage time is added to the end of a half to compensate for time lost during that half.
🎯 Penalty Shootout
a series of kicks from the penalty mark used after the match has ended when competition rules require a winner
Example: The final remained tied after extra time and was decided by a penalty shootout.
🇫🇷 French: Séance de tirs au but
🇩🇪 German: Elfmeterschießen
🇮🇹 Italian: Tiri di rigore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Disputa de pênaltis / grandes penalidades
💡 Nuance: A penalty shootout happens after the match itself has ended. It should not be confused with a penalty kick awarded during normal or extra playing time.
a series of kicks from the penalty mark used after the match has ended when competition rules require a winner
Example: The final remained tied after extra time and was decided by a penalty shootout.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Tanda de penaltis🇫🇷 French: Séance de tirs au but
🇩🇪 German: Elfmeterschießen
🇮🇹 Italian: Tiri di rigore
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Disputa de pênaltis / grandes penalidades
💡 Nuance: A penalty shootout happens after the match itself has ended. It should not be confused with a penalty kick awarded during normal or extra playing time.
📋 Formation
the general tactical arrangement of a team's outfield players on the field
Example: The coach changed the formation from four-three-three to three-five-two.
🇫🇷 French: Formation / dispositif
🇩🇪 German: Formation / Aufstellung
🇮🇹 Italian: Modulo / formazione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Formação
💡 Nuance: Numbers such as 4-3-3 usually count defenders, midfielders, and forwards and normally do not include the goalkeeper.
the general tactical arrangement of a team's outfield players on the field
Example: The coach changed the formation from four-three-three to three-five-two.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Formación🇫🇷 French: Formation / dispositif
🇩🇪 German: Formation / Aufstellung
🇮🇹 Italian: Modulo / formazione
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Formação
💡 Nuance: Numbers such as 4-3-3 usually count defenders, midfielders, and forwards and normally do not include the goalkeeper.
🔄 Substitute
a player named as an available replacement who may enter the match in place of another player according to the competition's substitution rules
Example: The substitute entered the match in the second half and scored five minutes later.
🇫🇷 French: Remplaçant
🇩🇪 German: Ersatzspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Sostituto / riserva
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Substituto / reserva
💡 Nuance: The number of permitted substitutions can depend on the competition and match regulations.
a player named as an available replacement who may enter the match in place of another player according to the competition's substitution rules
Example: The substitute entered the match in the second half and scored five minutes later.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Suplente🇫🇷 French: Remplaçant
🇩🇪 German: Ersatzspieler
🇮🇹 Italian: Sostituto / riserva
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Substituto / reserva
💡 Nuance: The number of permitted substitutions can depend on the competition and match regulations.
🧠 Useful Distinctions
⚽ Soccer vs. Football
Football is the usual name for the sport in most countries. Soccer is especially common where the word football is also used for another sport, including the United States and Canada.
Football is the usual name for the sport in most countries. Soccer is especially common where the word football is also used for another sport, including the United States and Canada.
🛡️ Defender vs. Center Back
Defender is the broad position category. A Center Back is a defender who normally plays centrally in front of the goalkeeper.
Defender is the broad position category. A Center Back is a defender who normally plays centrally in front of the goalkeeper.
🏃 Fullback vs. Wingback
A Fullback usually begins as part of the defensive line. A Wingback normally has an especially large responsibility for covering the entire side of the field in both attack and defense.
A Fullback usually begins as part of the defensive line. A Wingback normally has an especially large responsibility for covering the entire side of the field in both attack and defense.
⚙️ Midfielder vs. Defensive Midfielder
Midfielder is the broad category. A Defensive Midfielder plays deeper and focuses more heavily on protecting the defense and recovering possession.
Midfielder is the broad category. A Defensive Midfielder plays deeper and focuses more heavily on protecting the defense and recovering possession.
⚙️ Defensive Midfielder vs. Attacking Midfielder
A Defensive Midfielder usually operates closer to the team's defenders. An Attacking Midfielder generally plays closer to the forwards and concentrates more on creating chances.
A Defensive Midfielder usually operates closer to the team's defenders. An Attacking Midfielder generally plays closer to the forwards and concentrates more on creating chances.
🏃 Winger vs. Wingback
A Winger is primarily an attacking wide player. A Wingback combines wide attacking responsibilities with substantial defensive duties.
A Winger is primarily an attacking wide player. A Wingback combines wide attacking responsibilities with substantial defensive duties.
⚽ Forward vs. Striker
Forward is the broader attacking category. A Striker is usually a central forward whose role places particular emphasis on scoring goals.
Forward is the broader attacking category. A Striker is usually a central forward whose role places particular emphasis on scoring goals.
🧑⚖️ Referee vs. Assistant Referee
The Referee has primary authority over the match. Assistant Referees help with decisions including offside, whether the ball has left the field, and other situations within their responsibilities.
The Referee has primary authority over the match. Assistant Referees help with decisions including offside, whether the ball has left the field, and other situations within their responsibilities.
🎯 Shot vs. Pass
A Shot is an attempt to score. A Pass is primarily intended to move the ball to a teammate or into space for a teammate.
A Shot is an attempt to score. A Pass is primarily intended to move the ball to a teammate or into space for a teammate.
➡️ Pass vs. Cross
Pass is the broad term. A Cross is a particular kind of pass played from a wide area toward a more central attacking position.
Pass is the broad term. A Cross is a particular kind of pass played from a wide area toward a more central attacking position.
🏃 Dribble vs. Pass
When a player dribbles, the player keeps possession while moving with the ball. With a pass, possession is intentionally transferred toward a teammate or another area.
When a player dribbles, the player keeps possession while moving with the ball. With a pass, possession is intentionally transferred toward a teammate or another area.
🦵 Tackle vs. Foul
A Tackle is an attempt to win the ball from an opponent and can be completely legal. A Foul is an offense penalized by the referee.
A Tackle is an attempt to win the ball from an opponent and can be completely legal. A Foul is an offense penalized by the referee.
⚽ Free Kick vs. Penalty Kick
A Free Kick can be awarded in many locations and may be direct or indirect. A Penalty Kick is taken from the penalty mark after particular defending offenses inside the penalty area.
A Free Kick can be awarded in many locations and may be direct or indirect. A Penalty Kick is taken from the penalty mark after particular defending offenses inside the penalty area.
🚩 Corner Kick vs. Goal Kick
If the ball crosses the defending team's goal line after last touching a defender, the attacking team may receive a Corner Kick. If it last touched an attacker, the defending team generally receives a Goal Kick.
If the ball crosses the defending team's goal line after last touching a defender, the attacking team may receive a Corner Kick. If it last touched an attacker, the defending team generally receives a Goal Kick.
🙌 Throw-In vs. Kickoff
A Throw-In restarts play after the ball crosses a touchline. A Kickoff starts or restarts play from the center of the field at specified times.
A Throw-In restarts play after the ball crosses a touchline. A Kickoff starts or restarts play from the center of the field at specified times.
🚩 Offside Position vs. Offside Offense
Being in an offside position is not automatically an offense. The player must also become involved in active play under the offside rule before being penalized.
Being in an offside position is not automatically an offense. The player must also become involved in active play under the offside rule before being penalized.
🟨 Yellow Card vs. Red Card
A Yellow Card is a caution. A Red Card means the person is sent off and may take no further part in the match.
A Yellow Card is a caution. A Red Card means the person is sent off and may take no further part in the match.
⚽ Goal vs. Own Goal
A normal Goal is credited to the attacking team. An Own Goal occurs when a player causes the ball to enter that player's own team's goal.
A normal Goal is credited to the attacking team. An Own Goal occurs when a player causes the ball to enter that player's own team's goal.
🎁 Goal vs. Assist
The player who puts the ball into the opponents' goal may receive credit for the Goal. Another player whose action directly created the scoring opportunity may receive an Assist, depending on the statistical rules being used.
The player who puts the ball into the opponents' goal may receive credit for the Goal. Another player whose action directly created the scoring opportunity may receive an Assist, depending on the statistical rules being used.
⚽⚽⚽ Hat Trick vs. Assist
A Hat Trick means one player scores three goals in a match. An Assist describes helping create a teammate's goal.
A Hat Trick means one player scores three goals in a match. An Assist describes helping create a teammate's goal.
🧤 Clean Sheet vs. Win
A Clean Sheet means conceding no goals. It does not necessarily mean winning, because a zero-zero draw is also a clean sheet.
A Clean Sheet means conceding no goals. It does not necessarily mean winning, because a zero-zero draw is also a clean sheet.
⏱️ Extra Time vs. Stoppage Time
Extra Time consists of additional playing periods used in some tied knockout matches. Stoppage Time is time added to the end of a regular half to compensate for delays during that half.
Extra Time consists of additional playing periods used in some tied knockout matches. Stoppage Time is time added to the end of a regular half to compensate for delays during that half.
🎯 Penalty Kick vs. Penalty Shootout
A Penalty Kick is part of ordinary match play after a qualifying offense. A Penalty Shootout is a separate procedure used after the match has ended when a winner must be determined.
A Penalty Kick is part of ordinary match play after a qualifying offense. A Penalty Shootout is a separate procedure used after the match has ended when a winner must be determined.
📋 Formation vs. Position
A player's position describes that individual's role. A Formation describes the overall arrangement of several players, such as 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.
A player's position describes that individual's role. A Formation describes the overall arrangement of several players, such as 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.
🔄 Substitute vs. Starting Player
A Starting Player begins the match on the field. A Substitute is named as an available replacement and may enter according to the competition's substitution rules.
A Starting Player begins the match on the field. A Substitute is named as an available replacement and may enter according to the competition's substitution rules.
💬 Everyday Soccer Phrases
🛡️ The center back plays centrally, while the fullback usually defends on one side of the field.
distinguishing two common defensive positions
🇫🇷 Le défenseur central joue dans l'axe, tandis que l'arrière latéral défend généralement sur un côté du terrain.
🇩🇪 Der Innenverteidiger spielt zentral, während der Außenverteidiger normalerweise auf einer Seite des Spielfelds verteidigt.
🇮🇹 Il difensore centrale gioca al centro, mentre il terzino di solito difende su un lato del campo.
🇵🇹 O zagueiro joga pelo centro, enquanto o lateral normalmente defende por um dos lados do campo.
distinguishing two common defensive positions
Show translations
🇪🇸 El defensa central juega en el centro, mientras que el lateral normalmente defiende por uno de los lados del campo.🇫🇷 Le défenseur central joue dans l'axe, tandis que l'arrière latéral défend généralement sur un côté du terrain.
🇩🇪 Der Innenverteidiger spielt zentral, während der Außenverteidiger normalerweise auf einer Seite des Spielfelds verteidigt.
🇮🇹 Il difensore centrale gioca al centro, mentre il terzino di solito difende su un lato del campo.
🇵🇹 O zagueiro joga pelo centro, enquanto o lateral normalmente defende por um dos lados do campo.
🚩 A player can be in an offside position without committing an offside offense.
recognizing an important distinction in the offside rule
🇫🇷 Un joueur peut être en position de hors-jeu sans commettre une infraction de hors-jeu.
🇩🇪 Ein Spieler kann sich in einer Abseitsstellung befinden, ohne ein Abseitsvergehen zu begehen.
🇮🇹 Un giocatore può trovarsi in posizione di fuorigioco senza commettere un'infrazione di fuorigioco.
🇵🇹 Um jogador pode estar em posição de impedimento sem cometer uma infração de impedimento.
recognizing an important distinction in the offside rule
Show translations
🇪🇸 Un jugador puede estar en posición de fuera de juego sin cometer una infracción de fuera de juego.🇫🇷 Un joueur peut être en position de hors-jeu sans commettre une infraction de hors-jeu.
🇩🇪 Ein Spieler kann sich in einer Abseitsstellung befinden, ohne ein Abseitsvergehen zu begehen.
🇮🇹 Un giocatore può trovarsi in posizione di fuorigioco senza commettere un'infrazione di fuorigioco.
🇵🇹 Um jogador pode estar em posição de impedimento sem cometer uma infração de impedimento.
⏱️ Extra time is an additional period of play, while stoppage time is added to the end of a half.
distinguishing two soccer expressions that are often confused by learners
🇫🇷 La prolongation est une période de jeu supplémentaire, tandis que le temps additionnel est ajouté à la fin d'une mi-temps.
🇩🇪 Die Verlängerung ist eine zusätzliche Spielphase, während die Nachspielzeit am Ende einer Halbzeit hinzugefügt wird.
🇮🇹 I tempi supplementari sono un periodo aggiuntivo di gioco, mentre il recupero viene aggiunto alla fine di un tempo.
🇵🇹 A prorrogação é um período adicional de jogo, enquanto os acréscimos são adicionados ao final de uma parte.
distinguishing two soccer expressions that are often confused by learners
Show translations
🇪🇸 La prórroga es un período adicional de juego, mientras que el tiempo añadido se agrega al final de una mitad.🇫🇷 La prolongation est une période de jeu supplémentaire, tandis que le temps additionnel est ajouté à la fin d'une mi-temps.
🇩🇪 Die Verlängerung ist eine zusätzliche Spielphase, während die Nachspielzeit am Ende einer Halbzeit hinzugefügt wird.
🇮🇹 I tempi supplementari sono un periodo aggiuntivo di gioco, mentre il recupero viene aggiunto alla fine di un tempo.
🇵🇹 A prorrogação é um período adicional de jogo, enquanto os acréscimos são adicionados ao final de uma parte.
🎯 A penalty kick happens during the match, while a penalty shootout is used after the match to determine a winner.
distinguishing an in-match restart from a post-match deciding procedure
🇫🇷 Un penalty a lieu pendant le match, tandis qu'une séance de tirs au but est utilisée après le match pour déterminer un vainqueur.
🇩🇪 Ein Strafstoß findet während des Spiels statt, während ein Elfmeterschießen nach dem Spiel zur Ermittlung eines Siegers verwendet wird.
🇮🇹 Un calcio di rigore avviene durante la partita, mentre i tiri di rigore vengono usati dopo la partita per determinare un vincitore.
🇵🇹 Um pênalti acontece durante a partida, enquanto uma disputa de pênaltis é usada depois da partida para determinar um vencedor.
distinguishing an in-match restart from a post-match deciding procedure
Show translations
🇪🇸 Un penalti ocurre durante el partido, mientras que una tanda de penaltis se utiliza después del partido para determinar un ganador.🇫🇷 Un penalty a lieu pendant le match, tandis qu'une séance de tirs au but est utilisée après le match pour déterminer un vainqueur.
🇩🇪 Ein Strafstoß findet während des Spiels statt, während ein Elfmeterschießen nach dem Spiel zur Ermittlung eines Siegers verwendet wird.
🇮🇹 Un calcio di rigore avviene durante la partita, mentre i tiri di rigore vengono usati dopo la partita per determinare un vincitore.
🇵🇹 Um pênalti acontece durante a partida, enquanto uma disputa de pênaltis é usada depois da partida para determinar um vencedor.
🏆 Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Imagine you are watching a soccer match, listening to commentary, reading a match report, or discussing tactics with another fan. Choose the term that best matches the player's role, action, restart, rule, or match situation.
Imagine you are watching a soccer match, listening to commentary, reading a match report, or discussing tactics with another fan. Choose the term that best matches the player's role, action, restart, rule, or match situation.
Question 1 of 8
✅ Correct: 0
❓ Questions: 0
🎯 Accuracy: 0%