Soccer Goalies Can Score Goals Too!
Yes, soccer goalkeepers can score goals just like any other player on the field! While their main job is stopping the other team from scoring, goalies sometimes get to be the hero by putting the ball in the net themselves.
TL;DR:
When Do Goalies Try to Score?
Goalies usually stay in their net to protect it. But sometimes, teams need an extra player to help score. This happens most often in the last few minutes of a game when a team is losing by one goal.
I think the most thrilling soccer moment is watching a goalkeeper run all the way up the field to join the attack during a corner kick. It’s risky but can change the entire game!
Can Goalies Take Penalty Kicks?
Yes! Goalkeepers can take penalty kicks, though it doesn’t happen very often. Teams usually choose their best shooters – typically forwards or midfielders – for these important shots.
In my opinion, a goalie who steps up to take a penalty kick shows incredible confidence. It takes a special kind of courage to switch from defending to attacking in such a high-pressure moment.
Corner Kicks and Free Kicks
During corner kicks or free kicks, goalkeepers can join their teammates near the other team’s goal. They might try to score with a header or a kick.
This is a risky move because it leaves their own goal empty. If they miss, the other team could quickly counterattack. Coaches have to think carefully about when to send their goalie forward.
Conclusion
According to Law 16 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a goalie can score a goal directly from a goal kick.
While stopping goals is their main job, goalkeepers can definitely score them too! It might be rare, but when it happens, it’s one of the most exciting moments in soccer.
I’ve been coaching and watching youth soccer for the past decade and I’ve only seen a goalie score on two occasions. The first one was off a corner kick at the end of regulation. The second was a penalty shootout in a Father’s Day tournament. Both times were super exciting for everyone watching!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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