Why Do Soccer Players Take Off Their Shirts After A Goal? (Answered)

Why do soccer players take off their shirts after a goal?

Before answering that question, keep in mind that Soccer/Football causes a ton of emotion around people.

Some people love it, others hate it, and during the game, the fans send love to their team and find the most unusual way to express their joy but also other emotions.

Sometimes, the players also want to let their happiness after they scored a goal.

A few years ago, players would often take off their shirts to show off their muscles after scoring a goal. However, this behaviour has now been prohibited…

Although players still take off their shirts when they score a goal, this is now followed by a sanction.

But why do some soccer players take off their shirts in the first place, really? Why has this been prohibited by FIFA? And what kind of sanctions will follow after taking off a shirt after scoring a goal?

This post will cover those questions.

• Why do soccer players take off their shirts after a goal?
• Which sanctions will result when taking off the shirt?
• Why did FIFA prohibit this behavior?
• Final Thoughts

Why Do Soccer Players Take Off Their Shirts After A Goal?

Soccer players usually take off their shirts after scoring an important goal for their team. Soccer is a game full of emotions and therefore, players can’t control them. Imagine scoring a winner’s goal in the last second of a tough game or a goal that allows your team to win a Trophy.

All those emotions make soccer/football or whatever you call it more than just a game.

Soccer is an amazing sport. Whether you play in a professional team or just a Sunday league game, the feeling is the same when you score a fabulous goal or a goal that is leading your team to victory.

And this emotion can often result in you taking off your shirt to celebrate.

But why doesn’t it happen also in Basketball or any other sport? You might ask.

Well, the truth is soccer(Aka football) is the greatest collective sport in the world, and nothing beat it in terms of emotions.

Now let’s have a look at the sanctions for those taking off their shirts in pro football.

Which Sanctions Will Result When Taking Off The Shirt?

Since 2004, taking off the shirt after scoring a goal has been a yellow card offence. No matter if the player is doing it for showing off his muscles or for any other reason.

Note that if a player already has a yellow card and still take off his shirt after scoring a goal, the referee is going to sanction him with a second yellow card followed by a red card.

However, even this punishment isn’t enough to put some players off.

A great example in recent years was C.Ronaldo during a game against Barcelona where he was holding his shirt like a flag after scoring a wonderful goal.

Why Did FIFA Prohibit Such Behavior?

Diego Forlan caused this during a Man United game in 2004 when he scored a goal and didn’t put his shirt back before the next break in play.

On this day, he has changed the laws of soccer/football.

In the same year, precisely on February 28th, FIFA decided to sanction whoever will take off their shirt after scoring a goal.

Here is what they stated:

“The IFAB, the body responsible for the Laws of the game, has decided to add details to law 12-relating to ‘fouls and misconduct’, this states that: “A player who removes his jersey after scoring a goal will be cautioned for unsporting behaviour”. We have added this under the section of “Additional instruction for referees and assistant referees”, the Laws clearly state “Removing one’s shirt after scoring is unnecessary and players should avoid such excessive display of joy.”

From FIFA.

But here are the main reasons we believe FIFA has decided to prohibit this behaviour:

1-To Avoid Wasting Time Restarting The Game.

Most players spend too much time celebrating a goal. So, taking off a shirt would even be more time wasted.

Others will even run to the supporters and express their joy.

The amount of time to celebrate a goal is one minute. So, if a player was taking off their shirt, the celebration could last for more than a minute because the game can not restart if a player is shirtless.

Even if the team that conceded the goal is ready to restart, they will have to wait for the goalscorer to wear their shirt. This can be frustrating.

2-To ban spreading messages whether they are political or personal. FIFA wants to stay neutral.

Players often hide messages under their jerseys that some may find annoying. For instance, religious messages, messages to a family member, to say no to racism, etc.

“Football isn’t a platform for sending messages”. Stated Jerome Valcke, the former FIFA #2.

3-Team Sponsors Were Unhappy With Those Celebrations.

The shirt sponsor deal involves a lot of money. So, when a player takes off his jersey, the sponsors are deprived of the exposure and advertising time they are paying for. Especially when we know how money and sponsorship are important in soccer nowadays.

Hence players such as C.Ronaldo, Neymar, etc have huge deals with sponsors.

4-Some football fans may not simply want to see player’s chests after every goal.

Yeah, you read that right. Most Fans want to see player skills and goals, not the torso LOL.

Also read: Why do soccer players change jerseys at halftime?

Final Thoughts

Soccer is a great sport full of emotions. Sometimes, payers can’t control their joy.

Although FIFA has now made playing shirtless punishable by card, this doesn’t seem to stop players from taking off their shirts after scoring a goal.

Let’s be honest, all of these make soccer The Beautiful game.

What’s your favourite celebration in soccer? Would you take off your shirt if you were scoring a last-minute goal winner?

Let us know in the comment section below. We are a great community of like-minded people who like to share ideas and experiences.