No other player on the team can handle the ball on the field when the ball is in play. A goalkeeper (GK) within the penalty box can touch or hold the ball with their hands/arms. In Fifa tournaments, the number 1 must be the goalkeeper. This position is often referred to as a goalie or ‘keeper.

There are many variations of this, some a lot more different than others Soccer Numbering Systems: Positions #1 Goalkeeper – Keeper – Stopper (GK) It wasn’t until the 1950s that it became normal to have 3+ defenders in a backline.Ī standard 4-4-2 shape.

In the early 1900s, most defenses consisted of 2 players. The formations of that era are in stark contrast to what we see today – almost opposite in ways. The first time that numbers were used in European soccer was in 1928, when Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman decided to structure the formation of his team using squad numbers. When Soccer players started wearing numbers Every young player wants to emulate their hero. Generally, the standard-bearers for significant squad numbers are 1, 10, 7, and 9.Įven in kids’ games, players rush for these numbers when the uniforms are being divided. The same can be said for different numbers in other franchises. It’s a great honor to wear the number 7 shirt for Manchester United. Throughout their revered history, the number 7 has been brandished by some of the team’s most loved figures:Ĭristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, George Best. Some franchises have a deep association with specific numbers. Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the famous #7 for Manchester United | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Soccer position numbers 433