In football (soccer), each team has one member designated the goalkeeper, whose role is to directly defend that team's goal. The goalkeeper is the only player permitted to touch the ball with his hands or arms. Each team is required to have a goalkeeper on the field at all times during play – if a goalkeeper is forced to leave the field of play due to either injury or being sent off, another player must assume their role, even if there is no substitute goalkeeper available.

Handling the ball

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Unlike other players, goalkeepers may touch the ball with any part of their body, subject to the following restrictions:

• They may use their hands and arms only within their own penalty area.
• They may not handle the ball if it has been received directly from a throw-in or a kick from a team-mate (the pass back rule).
• They may handle the ball for at most six seconds at a time.
• Once they have released the ball, they may not handle it again until it has been touched by another player.

Attire and equipment

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Goalkeepers must wear clothing that distinguishes them clearly from other players and match officials. Most goalkeepers also wear gloves to protect themselves from injury and allow better handling of the ball. Goalkeepers usually wear the number 1 shirt.

General play

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Although goalkeepers have special privileges under the laws of the game, they are otherwise subject to the same rules as any other player.

They are not required to stay in the penalty area, and may get involved in play anywhere on the pitch. Some goalkeepers have even scored goals, usually by rushing up to the opposite end of the pitch in a desperate bid to snatch a last-minute goal.

Football (soccer) positions | Football (soccer) laws | Nogometni vratar | Doelman (voetbal) | ゴールキーパー (サッカー)