Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, learning some football vocabulary can help you talk about current events in an authentic way.
Let’s look at some key football vocabulary you’ll need to know to follow and talk about the matches like a pro.
Meet the players
Imagine you’re watching your team on TV. It’s finally time for your favourite team to come onto the pitch (the field). The players are wearing their team kit (football uniform), boots (special football shoes with grips on the bottom) and their shin pads (worn under socks to protect players’ legs from injury) under their knee-high socks.
Each player has their own role.
- The goalkeeper: the only player allowed to use their hands. Their main job is to stop the ball from entering the goal. They wear gloves to help them have good grip.
- Defenders: these players help the goalkeeper stop the opposing team from scoring. There are different types of defenders:
- Centre-backs: positioned in the centre of the defence.
- Fullbacks: positioned on the left and right sides of the defence.
- Midfielders: these players are the link between the defence and the attack. They often control the game’s pace and distribute the ball to their teammates.
- Wingers: these are midfielders who play near the sidelines. They often run down the field to send the ball across into the opponent’s penalty area (the scoring area close to the goal).
- Strikers: the main goal scorers. Their job is to put the ball into the opponent’s net.
Key moments in a football match
As the match progresses, there are several key moments to know about:
- The first half and second half: A football match is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. The first half starts the game, and the second half continues after a short 15-minute break.
- Half time: This is the break between the first and second halves, usually lasting 15 minutes. Players rest and make a strategy for the rest of the game.
- Extra time: If the match ends in a draw (both teams score the same number of points, e.g. 1-1, 2-2), two 15-minute periods are added to the match to decide the winner.
- A corner: This is awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line (not into the goal) after being last touched by a defender. The attacking team gets a chance to kick the ball from the corner of the field.
- A goal kick: This is when the goalkeeper kicks the ball to start play, after the ball has been kicked out of bounds (off the pitch) behind the goal.
- A penalty shootout: If a knockout game is still tied (e.g. 0-0, 1-1) after extra time, a series of penalty kicks determines the winner. Each team alternates shots from the penalty spot.
- A red/yellow card: These are given by the referee (the person who monitors the play to see if all rules are met) to discipline players. A yellow card is a warning, while a red card means the player must leave the pitch immediately.
- Out of play: This happens when the ball crosses the touchline (the side boundary) or goal line. Play stops, and the ball is returned to the field by a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick.
Football is more than just a game; it’s a global language that connects people around the world. Learning this language will not only help you understand the UEFA European Championship and discuss it with friends and family, but also allow you to enjoy future football matches. Learn English through football and enjoy UEFA 2024!
Share any other football vocabulary you know below.
Ready for more sports vocabulary? Check out our blog on “English Vocabulary About Six Nations Rugby” and get familiar with the key terms. Read it here!
Activity
Write the correct word/s to complete the sentences.
- A _____ is when both teams finish the match with the same score.
- A _____ is given by the referee to a player that does something which means they need to leave the pitch immediately.
- _____ are the main goal scorers in a game.
- The _____ is the player whose job it is to stop the ball going into the goal.
- The _____ of the match is played after the first half, and a 15-minute break.
- The clothes players wear is called a team _____.
Answers
- draw
- red card
- Strikers
- goalkeeper
- second half
- kit
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.