Why Do Goalies Wear Different Uniforms?

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Why do goalies wear different uniforms?

Before answering that question, you need to understand that in soccer/football, each team is composed of eleven players on the pitch. Among these players, there are ten outfield players and one goalie.

The goalie is the one on guard in the goal area and he is the only one allowed to use both hands and feet to stop any balls from entering his cages. That makes him the most important position in soccer.

However, why are goalie jerseys different from the rest of the players on the pitch? This is what you are going to find out in this article.

Let’s get started.

Why Do Goalies Wear Different Uniforms?

Goalies wear different uniforms to be easily distinguished from the rest of the team and also to protect their bodies from high-impact shots.

These are the two main reasons goalkeepers wear different jerseys than outfield players.

Let’s explain these reasons in more detail.

1-Wearing Different Jerseys To Be Distinguished From Outfield Players

The first reason goalies wear different uniforms is to show the difference between the outfield players and them.

As mentioned earlier, ten outfield players are running everywhere on the pitch but only one goalie is standing in front of the goal. It is important to show that difference.

So, this distinction can be easily made by wearing a different jersey and colour.

The IFAB states that “Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials”.

They made this statement to avoid any confusion on the pitch.

For instance, if a goalkeeper is wearing the same uniform as the other players and a different player catch the ball with their hands, it might confuse the referee.

Also, it wouldn’t look nice to see a picture of eleven players wearing all the same jerseys. There has to be a difference between the goalie and the other players on the pitch.

why do goalies wear different uniforms - England national team

The goalie is the most important position in a team. A game cannot be played without a goalie in the goal area. This shows the goalie’s importance on the pitch in each aspect.

It’s also easier for forwards when a goalkeeper wears a different colour. This is because the goalie is a reference point.

For example, if a striker is running towards the opposing defence and manages to pass the last defender, he can easily determine where the goalie is even if he isn’t looking in the goalie’s direction.

It happens to all of us. We can see a bright colour even without looking in that direction. Anyone can relate to that.

Note that it is more difficult for strikers to find the target when the goalie is wearing a black uniform.

2-Wearing Different Jersey To Protect Their Bodies From High-Impact Shots

The second reason the goalie wears a different uniform from the rest of the team is to protect their bodies from powerful shots and to reduce the impact when they dive.

What Kind Of Uniform Does A Goalkeeper Wear?

The goalkeeper’s uniform is made of thicker and more durable materials to protect their body from high-impact shots.

Goalies are allowed to use every part of their bodies to stop any ball from entering the goal. But, this becomes a harder task to do when there are players with powerful shots.

So, those thicker uniforms can potentially reduce the impact of the shot and be useful to the goalie.

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Stopping a ball from entering the goal also means goalies have to dive a lot. Once again, the thicker jersey is very useful in these moments to reduce the impact.

==>>You can also read: Why do goalkeepers wear number 1?

Final Word

Goalies wear a different uniform for two main reasons: To be easily distinguished from the rest of the team(and avoid any confusion) and also to reduce high impact from powerful shots.

I hope you have gained value from this article.

Are you a goalie? Do you wear a different uniform every time you play with your friends or on your team? What type of uniforms do you wear?

Share your questions or any idea you might have in the comment section below.

Don’t forget to check out the best goalkeeper soccer sale here.

4 thoughts on “Why Do Goalies Wear Different Uniforms?”

  1. I don’t play football, but it is very popular in our country, both men’s and women’s leagues.
    This article was very interesting to read because I didn’t know the real reason why goalkeepers have different uniforms. But now that I know the answer, it makes a lot of sense. It is especially important to reduce high-impact from powerful shots.
    Nina

    Reply
  2. I don’t know much about soccer, but I love to learn different things. I am somehow forced to watch soccer a lot because I work at a sports bar.  I find it interesting that the goalie wears a different color. It Makes a lot of sense as it is easier to see where they are. I didn’t know that the type of uniforms goalies wear have more protection than the other players. That also makes sense since they are the ones that the ball is coming towards and diving on the ground. Thank you so much for this information I found it very informative. 

    Reply
    • Hi, Reggie. I am glad you have been enlightened by the article. As you said, the goalie uniform is made different because they have to dive a lot throughout the game.

      Reply

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