Goalkeeper (association football)
The goalkeeper is a position in association football. It is the most specialised position in the sport. The goalkeeper's main role is to stop the opposing team from scoring. This is accomplished by having the goalkeeper move into the trajectory of the ball to either catch it or direct it further from the vicinity of the goal line. Within the penalty area goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands, giving them the sole rights on the field to handle the ball. The goalkeeper is indicated by wearing a different coloured kit from their teammates and opposition.
Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas – the first goalkeeper ever to keep one hundred international clean sheets (UEFA Euro 2012)
A goalkeeper (left, wearing a white shirt) being charged by a rival player (1905)
Maksym Koval (left) closes down Luis Suárez.
Goalkeeper Destin Onka Malonga (right) making a save
Association football positions
In the sport of association football, each of the 11 players on a team is assigned to a particular position on the field of play. A team is made up of one goalkeeper and ten outfield players who fill various defensive, midfield, and attacking positions depending on the formation deployed. These positions describe both the player's main role and their area of operation on the pitch.
Goalkeeper diving to keep the ball away from goal.
A defender (in the foreground, wearing a white shirt) challenging for possession.
Centre-back Alex Greenwood (on the right wearing the orange shirt) passing the ball.
Steven Gerrard, regarded as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.