What Do Goalies Wear in Soccer?

Being a goalkeeper requires players to wear certain pieces of equipment during their games. Some gear is necessary while others are ‘nice-to-have’.

From goalie gloves to different colored jerseys, we’ll explain exactly what you need for the upcoming season!

What Do Goalies Wear in Games?

As a goalkeeper, you are responsible for protecting your team’s goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring. One of the most critical things you need to consider as a goalkeeper is what you wear.

You’ll need to wear the right gear to protect yourself and perform at your best during games. Here are the essential items that goalies wear during soccer games:

Soccer Goalie Gloves

Goalkeeper gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a goalie in soccer. They protect your hands from impact and provide a better grip on the ball.

Look for gloves with good padding, a comfortable fit, and a non-slip palm. Some gloves also have finger spines for added support. Here’s a great pair that I purchased on Amazon…

Shin Guards

Shin guards are required for all soccer players, including goalies. As a goalie, you probably have the least chance of getting kicked in the shins but it does happen.

I’ve seen a really bad injury where both the striker and goalie went after a 50/50 ball. The goalie cleared it first but then the striker cracked the goalie’s shin. Without shin guards, I’m convinced his lower leg would’ve shattered.

Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats are designed to provide traction on the field and help you make quick movements. As a goalie, you need cleats with good grip and support. Look for cleats with a wider base and more studs for better stability. The Adidas Copa’s below are a great option for goalies.

Here’s our picks for the best soccer cleats.

Goalkeeper Jersey

Goalkeeper jerseys are different from regular jerseys because they have padded elbows and shoulders for extra protection. They are also usually a different color than the rest of the team to make it easier for players to identify the goalie.

Here’s an example of a goalie jersey you can purchase on Amazon.

Additional Soccer Gear for Goalkeepers

Although more optional, here are a few other pieces of gear that can help you stay safe on the field.

Goalkeeper Pants

Goalkeeper pants can help prevent avoidable injuries. These specialized pants are designed to provide extra padding and protection to your hips, thighs, and knees, which are all areas that are prone to injury when diving and sliding to make saves.

When choosing goalkeeper pants, look for pants that fit well and are made from high-quality materials. Some pants have built-in padding, while others have pockets where you can insert removable padding.

Make sure the padding is thick enough to provide adequate protection, but not so thick that it restricts your movement.

Mouth Guard

While not required, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your teeth and mouth from injury during a game. Mouth guards are especially important for goalkeepers, who are at a higher risk of getting hit in the face with the ball or colliding with other players.

If you are a goalie, you may want to value protection over ‘looking cool’.

Wearing a Soft Helmet in Soccer

Soccer goalies sometimes wear soft helmets, also known as goalkeeper helmets, to protect their heads from injuries caused by collisions with other players or the ball.

These helmets are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of concussions or other head injuries. They are made of lightweight and durable materials such as foam and plastic, which provide both comfort and protection.

Additionally, some goalies wear helmets with face guards to protect their facial features from getting hit by the soccer ball.

They may look silly but they work!

Regulations and Standards for Goalie Equipment

FIFA Equipment Regulations

When it comes to soccer goalie equipment, FIFA has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety and fairness of the game.

According to FIFA regulations, goalies are required to wear a shirt that is distinguishable from the rest of the team (and their opponents), as well as shorts, socks, and shin guards.

In addition, goalies must wear gloves, which must be of a “reasonable size” and made of a material that is not dangerous to other players.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! In summary, a goalie should wear the following:

• Goalie Gloves
• Shin Guards
• Soccer Cleats
• Jersey (must be different from the team and opponent colors)
• Pants (recommended)
• Mouth guard (recommended)

Goalies take some wild hits over the course of a game. In most cases, they are just unavoidable. For this reason, it’s important to protect yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions