What Are Positions in Soccer? A Complete Guide

Ever wondered about the different roles on a soccer field? Let’s break it down!

I’ve been a soccer fan for years and I can tell you, understanding positions is key to loving the game.

So grab your favorite football shirt and let’s get started!

The Basics: 11 Players, Many Roles

A soccer team has 11 players on the field. But did you know each one has a job? Here’s the scoop:

1. Goalkeeper (GK) The last line of defense. These brave souls guard the net with their lives (and hands)!

2. Defenders

   • Center-backs (CB) The tough guys who protect the goal area

   • Full-backs (FB) Right-back (RB) and Left-back (LB) who defend the wings

3. Midfielders

   • Defensive Midfielder (DM) The shield in front of the defense

   • Central Midfielder (CM) The engine of the team

   • Attacking Midfielder (AM) The creative spark behind the forwards

4. Forwards

   • Strikers The goal-hungry predators

   • Wingers Speedy players who attack from the sides

Beyond the Basics: Specialized Roles

Ever heard commentators mention a “false 9” or a “sweeper keeper”? These are specialized roles that blur the lines:

• False 9: A forward who drops deep, confuses the defenders

• Sweeper Keeper: A goalie who’s not afraid to use their feet

Positions Shape the Game

Positions aren’t just about where you stand. They determine how you attack and defend. A team with wingers will cross the ball, a team with a good striker will play through the middle.

Kit Up: Football Kits and Positions

Did you know you can often guess a player’s position by their jersey number? Traditionally:

• 1: Goalkeeper

• 2-5: Defenders

• 6-8: Midfielders

• 9-11: Forwards

But don’t take this as fact – many players choose numbers for personal reasons!

Done!

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To dive deeper in soccer rules, there is no better source than Fifa itself

 

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Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out these articles:

 

• How Many Players Are on a Soccer Team? A Complete Guide
• What Skills Should a Girls U14 Soccer Forward Have?
• What Skills Should a Girls U14 Soccer Goalie Have?
• How to Know the Home Team in Soccer?
• What Is Offsides in Soccer?
• How Long Is Halftime in Football? A Global Guide for Fans