Are Goalkeepers Allowed To Score?

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Goalkeepers are often thought of as the last line of defense on a soccer team, tasked with the critical job of preventing the opposing team from scoring. However, are they allowed to score goals and can they play an essential offensive role on the field?

This is what you are going to discover in this article.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Are Goalkeepers Allowed To Score Goals?

Yes, goalkeepers are allowed to score in soccer (football). It is not uncommon to see goalies scoring from penalty kicks, long throw-ins, and corner kicks.

Let’s have more explanations.

Goalies Scoring From Penalty, Throw In, and Corner

Penalty kicks are awarded to a team when a player from the opposing team commits a foul inside their penalty area, and sometimes, the goalkeeper can be designated to take it.

is goalkeeper allowed to score - two shadows, a penalty taker and a goalie

Note that the goalie must be a very good penalty-taker for the coach to trust him to do it.

A goalkeeper can also score a goal from a long throw-in, which is when the ball is thrown from behind the touchline and into the opposing team’s penalty area. This is a tactic that some teams use to put pressure on the opposing defense and create scoring opportunities.

In this scenario, the goalkeeper must join the attack if the game is almost over.

The goalie can also score a goal from a corner kick. Just like the previous one, this usually happens in the last minutes of the game, when the team is trying either to equalize or win the game.

Note that the goalie can not attack in a corner too early in the game, otherwise, the opposing team could have a counterattack.

So, it’s preferable to do it when the team gets a last chance to score.

==> Can goalkeepers play outfield?

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1. Has a Goalie ever Scored in Soccer?

Yes, goalies have scored in soccer before. Some goalkeepers have scored from penalty kicks, long throw-ins, and corner kicks. One of the most famous examples of a goalkeeper scoring a goal is José Luis Chilavert, who was known for his ability to score from free kicks and penalties. Chilavert, who played for clubs like Real Zaragoza and Paraguay national team, scored 62 goals during his career.

2. What happens if a Goalie Scores?

If a goalkeeper scores a goal in soccer, the goal is counted towards their team’s total score, just like any other goal. The rules do not distinguish between goals scored by field players and goals scored by goalkeepers. In addition to the excitement and morale boost that comes with scoring a goal, a goalkeeper who scores can also have a big impact on the game and even more so when it happens in crucial moments of the match.

3. Who is the Highest Scoring Keeper?

The highest-scoring goalkeeper in soccer history is Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni, who scored a total of 131 goals during his career, all for his club team Sao Paulo. Ceni was known for his exceptional free-kick-taking ability and was often given the opportunity to take free kicks and penalties for his team, which allowed him to score a large number of goals throughout his career.

4. Can a Goalie Throw the Ball and Score?

Yes, a goalkeeper can throw the ball and score a goal in soccer. This can happen when the goalkeeper takes a long throw-in that goes directly into the opposing team’s goal without any other player touching the ball. However, this is a relatively rare occurrence and requires a high level of skill and accuracy from the goalkeeper to be successful.

5. Has a Goalie ever Scored in the World Cup?

Yes, a few goalkeepers have scored in the World Cup. One famous example is Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita, who scored a goal against Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup. In the same tournament, Peter Schmeichel of Denmark scored a goal against Uruguay. Another example is Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who scored a penalty kick in the 1998 World Cup against Bulgaria. These are just a few examples of goalkeepers scoring in the World Cup, but it is a relatively rare occurrence.

In addition to scoring goals, goalkeepers can also contribute to their team’s offence by acting as a “sweeper-keeper”.

The Role Of The Sweeper-Keeper

A sweeper-keeper is a goalkeeper who is comfortable coming out of his or her penalty area to clear the ball and start an offensive play.

This can be an effective strategy for teams that like to play a high-pressing, attacking style of football, as it allows the team to transition from defence to attack quickly.

A good example is Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, goalkeepers are not just limited to their defensive role on the field, they can also contribute to the team’s offensive play by scoring goals or acting as a “sweeper-keeper”.

While it’s rare for them to score, they can do so, and it’s an exciting moment when it happens.

It also can have a big impact on the game and even more so when it happens in crucial moments of the match.

Hope you have gained value from this article.

You can also read: Are goalkeepers tall?