Soccer Positions – The Complete Guide (2025)

If you’re curious about soccer positions – this is for you.

A fundamental element of this beautiful sport is comprehending the distinct soccer positions on an 11v11 soccer field. Think of it as a chessboard where each piece holds a pivotal position.

In this article, we’ll dissect the 11v11 soccer positions, explaining their numbers, names, roles, and how to become effective playing in different soccer postions. Whether you’re a coach, player, or soccer parent – this is everything you need to know about every position in soccer.

Soccer Positions

Now, let’s delve deeper into gaining a clearer understanding of soccer positions. In the world of 11-soccer / football, these soccer positions can be categorized into four distinct groups:

Goalkeeper (GK): The fearless protector of the net, usually wearing jersey number 1. Their primary role is to stop the opposing team from scoring.
Defenders (2-6): These players (center-backs, full-backs) safeguard the goal and prevent the opponent from advancing. Numbers 2-6 typically represent these positions.
Midfielders (7-11): Midfielders control the game’s tempo. Wearing numbers 7-11, they include wingers (7 and 11) and central midfielders (8, 9, 10). They link defense and attack and are often the creative forces.
Forwards (9-11): These players aim to score goals. Strikers typically wear numbers 9 and 10, while the number 11 is usually assigned to a winger.

Soccer Positions Names

The basic group sets of all soccer positions can be broken down into more specific soccer positions:

Goalkeeper (GK): The Keeper, the Shot-Stopper, the Last Line of Defence
Defenders:
- Centre Back (CB): The Wall, The Stopper, The Central Defender.
- Full Back (LB/RB): The Flanker, The Wingback, The Wide Defender.
- Sweeper: The Cleaner, The Rearguard, The Playmaker from the Back.
Midfielders:
- Central Midfielder (CM): The General, The Distributor, The Maestro.
- Defensive Midfielder (CDM): The Enforcer, The Shield, The Interceptor.
- Attacking Midfielder (CAM): The Playmaker, The Magician, The Assist King.
- Wide Midfielder (LM/RM): The Crosser, The Flanker, The Winger.
- Box-to-Box Midfielder: The Engine, The Workhorse, The Versatile Midfielder.
Forwards:
- Striker (ST): The Finisher, The Goal-Hunter, The Poacher.
- Centre Forward (CF): The Connector, The Link-Up Player, The Forward General.
- Winger (LW/RW): The Speedster, The Dribbler, The Provider.
- Second Striker (SS): The Support Striker, The Shadow Striker, The Attacking Midfielder-Striker Hybrid.

Each of these soccer positions comes with its own set of responsibilities and characteristics. Grasping the distinct roles associated with these soccer positions can assist players in specializing within their chosen roles and making valuable contributions to their team’s triumph.

Soccer Positions By Number

In 11-a-side soccer, positions are frequently linked to specific jersey numbers. Here are the typical jersey numbers for each soccer position by number:

Goalkeeper (GK): Number 1.
Centre Back (CB): Numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Full Back (LB/RB): Numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, or in some cases, numbers 6 and 7.
Sweeper: Number 6, although this position is less common in modern soccer.
Central Midfielder (CM): Numbers 6, 8, and 10, but can also be other numbers in some cases.
Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Number 6, or 8 in some formations.
Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Number 10.
Wide Midfielder (LM/RM): Numbers 7 and 11.
Striker (ST): Number 9.
Centre Forward (CF): Number 9, or sometimes 10.
Second Striker (SS): Number 10 or 11, or another attacking number.

It’s important to bear in mind that the precise jersey numbers associated with 11v11 soccer positions may exhibit minor variations depending on the team, league, or country. Furthermore, contemporary tactics and formations can occasionally result in more flexible numbering systems.

However, the aforementioned list embodies the conventional correlations between jersey numbers and positions in soccer match.

Soccer Positions and Roles

What are the key abilities and qualities that players should possess when operating in each of these 11v11 soccer? Here are the different soccer positions and roles:

Goalkeeper (GK):

Exceptional shot-stopping and reflexes.
Strong positional awareness.
Precise distribution techniques.
Clear and effective communication.
Reliable ball-handling skills.
Fearless in one-on-one situations.

Defenders:

Solid tackling ability.
Excellent man-marking skills.
Sharp positioning to intercept and cut off attacks.
Accurate passing for building from the back.
Strong aerial presence.
Endurance and speed for covering space.

Midfielders:

Creative and accurate passing.
Exceptional ball control.
Vision and game-reading skills.
High work rate on both ends.
Skillful dribbling to beat opponents.
Defensive awareness for regaining possession.

Forwards:

Clinical finishing skills.
Intelligent off-the-ball movement.
Explosive speed for breakaways.
Physical strength to hold off defenders.
Creativity in creating scoring chances.
Effective pressing for regaining possession.

These brief explanations of the roles of responsibilities of different soccer positions provide insights into the fundamental skills and attributes essential for each position on the soccer field. Players can utilize this information as a reference to enhance their abilities and excel in their designated roles.

Soccer Positions Explained

Keep in mind that soccer is more than just numbers and names; it’s a game driven by passion, dedication, and perpetual growth. Whether you’re a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, or forward, your role is crucial to your team’s achievements.

Step onto that field with unwavering confidence and be the source of inspiration for your teammates with your optimistic outlook and unyielding resolve.

I trust that this article has provided you with a better grasp of soccer positions and ignited your motivation to become the best player you can be.

In this video I’ll give you all of the soccer positions explained:

11v11 Soccer Positions

If you want to become a complete soccer player, learning to play all 11 soccer positions in a full-sized 11v11 game is essential.

Many players focus only on their favorite role—like striker, midfielder, or defender—but understanding every position on the field will take your skills, awareness, and overall game intelligence to the next level.

Build a Complete Soccer IQ

When you learn different soccer positions, you see the game from multiple perspectives. You begin to understand how the left back supports the left winger, how the center back organizes the defense, or how a goalkeeper communicates to organize the backline. This awareness builds your soccer intelligence because you recognize what every teammate needs to do to help the team succeed.

Improve Your Versatility

Coaches value players who can perform well in multiple soccer positions. If you can step into any role—defender, midfielder, winger, or forward—without missing a beat, you become an undeniable asset. Whether injuries happen, the formation changes, or tactics shift mid-game, a versatile player earns trust, respect, and more playing time.

Master Your Decision-Making

Playing different positions in soccer forces you to think quicker and make better decisions under pressure. A center back needs to anticipate strikers’ movements, while a central midfielder must focus on distributing the ball and controlling the game’s tempo. By stepping into every soccer position, you learn to make fast, smart choices in any role on the field.

Boost Your Technical Skills

Each position in soccer has its unique technical demands:

Defenders focus on strong tackles, clearances, and aerial duels.
Midfielders excel in short passes, ball control, vision, and keeping possession.
Wingers practice dribbling, crossing, and quick sprints to create opportunities.
Strikers work on finishing, composure in front of goal, and making the right runs.
Goalkeepers focus on saves, positioning, distribution, and commanding their box.

By rotating through these soccer positions, you develop well-rounded technical skills that make you effective anywhere on the field

Build Greater Respect for Your Teammates

When you play different soccer positions, you begin to understand the challenges your teammates face during a game. Goalkeepers who make key saves, defenders managing constant pressure, midfielders tirelessly connecting play, and forwards creating chances—all these roles are easier to respect when you’ve walked in their shoes. This respect improves team communication, chemistry, and overall performance

Become a More Valuable Player

Ultimately, learning all soccer positions makes you a smarter, more adaptable, and well-rounded player. You’ll develop soccer IQ, tactical awareness, versatility, and a wide range of technical skills. Coaches love players who can adjust to any game situation—whether that means filling in as a winger, defender, or midfielder—without skipping a beat.

Take the time to play every role—defense, midfield, attack, and even goalkeeper. Mastering all soccer positions will give you an edge, whether you’re competing at the youth level, in local leagues, or aiming to play professionally.

all of the positions in soccer — different soccer positions

All Soccer Positions

One of the best ways to learn all soccer positions is by watching professional players who are experts in their roles. Studying the pros gives you valuable insights into the responsibilities, movements, and skills needed for each position. Here’s exactly how you can do it step by step:

1. Choose the Right Professional Players to Watch
Start by identifying top players for each position. For example:

Goalkeeper: Watch how players like Alisson Becker or Thibaut Courtois organize their defense, make saves, and distribute the ball.
Defender: Study center backs like Virgil van Dijk or fullbacks like João Cancelo to see how they defend, intercept passes, and contribute to the attack.
Midfielder: Look at players like Kevin De Bruyne for attacking midfield or N’Golo Kanté for defensive midfield to understand ball distribution and positioning.
Winger and Forward: Focus on players like Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, or Erling Haaland to learn dribbling, movement, finishing, and creativity in attack.

Make a list of standout players for every position and start watching their matches.

2. Watch Full Matches, Not Just Highlights
Highlights only show the end result of a play—like a goal or a tackle—but full games reveal the details behind each position. Pay attention to the player’s off-the-ball movements, decision-making, positioning, and how they interact with teammates in different situations. Watching full matches teaches you how players influence the game in ways that don’t always stand out in highlight clips.

3. Focus on One Position at a Time
Start with the position you currently play or the one you’re most interested in. While watching professional games, pick one player in that position and track everything they do. Take notes on these key points:

Where they position themselves when attacking, defending, and transitioning.
How they move off the ball to create space or close down opponents.
What decisions they make under pressure (passing, shooting, or clearing the ball).
How they communicate and coordinate with teammates.

Repeat this for each position until you’ve studied all the key roles—goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

4. Watch Soccer Position Tutorials or Analysis Videos
In addition to live matches, watch position-specific analysis videos or tutorials that explain a pro’s play in detail. These videos break down positioning, decision-making, and technical execution step-by-step, making it easier to understand what makes players like De Bruyne or Van Dijk so effective.

5. Pause and Replay to Analyze Key Moments
To fully understand soccer positions, take your time to pause and replay key moments in the game. Ask yourself questions like:

“Where was the defender positioned to make that block?”
“How did the midfielder spot that pass and find space?”
“Why did the forward make that run, and how did it lead to a scoring opportunity?”

Breaking these moments down helps you connect what the player did to the outcome on the field.

6. Take Notes and Apply What You Learn in Training
Write down patterns, habits, and skills you notice while watching pros. Then apply what you learn during your own training sessions. If you’re studying wingers, practice dribbling, crossing, and off-the-ball runs. If you’re focused on defenders, work on your positioning, clearances, and tackling. The goal is to translate what you observe into your own game.

7. Learn to Play Multiple Positions Over Time
Once you’ve studied each position, spend time playing in those roles during training sessions, scrimmages, or pickup games. Experiencing firsthand what you’ve observed deepens your understanding and improves your versatility.

By studying professional players in detail, you’re essentially learning from the best in the world. Watching how they move, think, and perform at each position will give you the tools to develop a complete soccer IQ and become an even better player on the field.

which position should i play in soccer — learn soccer positions

Common Questions

Here are some common questions related to soccer positions:

What are the abbreviations for soccer positions?

In soccer, abbreviations are often used to identify each position on the field. For goalkeepers, the abbreviation is GK. Defenders include CB (center back), LB (left back), RB (right back), and WB (wing back) for players who defend and attack on the flanks. In the midfield, CM stands for central midfielder, CDM is for defensive midfielder, CAM refers to attacking midfielder, and LM/RM are left and right midfielders. Wingers are labeled as LW (left winger) or RW (right winger). For attackers, ST (striker) and CF (center forward) are the most common terms. These abbreviations help players, coaches, and fans understand roles quickly, especially when discussing tactics and formations.

What are the hardest soccer positions?

Some soccer positions are harder because they require a mix of physical, technical, and mental strength. Goalkeeper is often considered one of the hardest positions because it demands split-second reactions, strong leadership, and constant focus for the entire match. Central midfielders also face immense difficulty as they must control the tempo of the game, contribute defensively and offensively, and cover a lot of ground. Defenders, particularly center backs, deal with physical battles and high-pressure situations as they aim to stop goal-scoring opportunities. The complexity and expectations of these roles make them some of the most demanding positions on the field.

What are the easiest soccer positions?

No soccer position is “easy,” but certain roles can be simpler to learn and play, especially for beginners. Wingers or wide midfielders are often seen as more approachable since they focus heavily on attacking and providing crosses rather than needing to control the full game. Fullbacks can also be seen as easier compared to central positions because their main tasks involve defending the flanks and supporting wingers, without requiring as much decision-making or physical pressure. While these positions still require skill, athleticism, and effort, their simpler responsibilities can make them less overwhelming for new or developing players.

What are the most important soccer positions?

Every position is vital, but certain soccer positions often carry more influence in a game. The goalkeeper is crucial as they are the last line of defense and can single-handedly save a team from conceding goals. Central midfielders are also among the most important because they connect the team’s defense to the attack, dictating the game’s rhythm and providing balance. Strikers are key for scoring goals, as they can win games through individual brilliance and composure in front of goal. These positions stand out because their performance directly impacts a team’s chances of success.

What are the most physical soccer positions?

The most physical soccer positions are those that demand a lot of strength, endurance, and physical battles. Center backs face intense physical challenges as they go head-to-head with strong, aggressive attackers, battling for headers and defending set pieces. Defensive midfielders also endure constant physical demands, covering large areas, winning tackles, and breaking up play. Additionally, strikers must hold off defenders, make powerful runs, and outmuscle opponents in scoring positions. These roles require players to be not only fit but also physically resilient to handle repeated duels and high-intensity moments throughout the match.

How do you know what soccer position is best for you?

Finding the best soccer position for you depends on your strengths, weaknesses, and natural abilities. If you’re quick and good at dribbling, you might excel as a winger or forward. If you’re strong defensively, have good positioning, and enjoy physical battles, you could play as a defender or holding midfielder. Players with great vision, ball control, and stamina are often a good fit for central midfield roles. If you have sharp reflexes and love being the team’s last line of defense, goalkeeper may be your position. The best way to discover where you fit is to try multiple roles, ask your coach for feedback, and observe where you feel most comfortable and effective on the field.

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About Coach Dylan

I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.

But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.

Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.

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Soccer Positions – The Complete Guide (2025)