The main role of the goalkeeper in soccer is to prevent the ball from going into the net. But are goalies also influential at the other end of the field?
In some matches, you might see that a soccer goalie has actually scored a goal! Below, we explain everything you need to know about goalscoring goalies and provide you with a breakdown of the top-scoring goalies in history.
Can a goalkeeper score a goal?
Goalkeepers are allowed to score goals, just like any other player on the field. However, because goalies don’t often leave their own penalty areas, their goalscoring opportunities are limited. We explain the different ways that soccer goalies sometimes get on the scoresheet before introducing you to the top goalscoring keepers of all time.
How can goalies score in soccer? (Four Ways)
Soccer goalkeepers can score in any of the ways that outfield players can. Be it a header, volley, or direct shot; goalkeepers are permitted to score goals just like anyone else. But given that most goalkeepers stay in their areas for the majority of the game, their goalscoring opportunities are limited. So, below are the four likeliest ways that a goalkeeper can score in soccer.
From their own half
There have been many instances in soccer where a goalkeeper has scored from their own half. Whether it’s been a result of a clearance that has evaded the entire opposition, or if a kick from their hands has been backed by the wind, the feat of scoring from your own half is something that many goalkeepers have achieved.
For instance, in March 2021, Varzim’s goalkeeper Ricardo Nunes scored from his own half in a Portuguese league match, as reported by the Guardian. Not only did Nunes score from his own half, he actually scored from his own penalty area, which is a remarkable feat when you consider the distance!
Although it doesn’t happen very often when a goalkeeper scores from their own half, it’s really impressive and is certainly a noteworthy occurrence.
From set plays
In the final minutes of a game, you have probably seen a soccer goalie head up the field to participate in a set play. Whether it’s a corner or free-kick, the presence of the goalkeeper in the opposition box can cause all sorts of problems and often puts defenders off. So, even when a goalie doesn’t score, their presence is a good tactic.
Legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel achieved a great deal in his career, and his goal at a corner for Aston Villa against Everton is something that he will remember long into retirement. Although Villa lost the game 3-2, the great Dane’s last-minute goal will live long in the memory.
From penalties and free kicks
Although they’re known mainly for their abilities with their hands, goalkeepers are also often skilled with their feet. Therefore, some goalkeepers are trusted with taking direct free kicks and penalties on behalf of their team.
For instance, Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored an incredible 131 goals in his career, many of which were directly from free-kicks. If you tune into YouTube and type in his name, you will see the goalkeeper score stunning free-kicks from virtually every angle on the field, something that few other goalies have replicated in soccer history.
Own goals
Although unintentional, another way that soccer goalies sometimes find the net is by scoring own goals. This often happens when the goal rebounds off the frame of the goal and hits the goalkeeper on the way into the net. It can also happen when a goalkeeper mis-controls a back pass, only to find the ball nestling in the goal behind.
Of course, own goals don’t count for the goalkeeper’s team; they count against them. Still, they’re another example of how goalkeepers can score in soccer, so they’re worth pointing out here.
Can goalkeepers score with their hands?
Goalkeepers are not allowed to score goals with their hands. They are the only outfield players permitted to use their hands, but they can only do so in the eighteen-yard-box, which is clearly marked on the field. When the goalkeeper leaves the box, they are not allowed to use their hands.
They’re not allowed to use their hands in their opponent’s penalty area, either, so they have to follow the same rules as the rest of the players on the field when they leave the protection of their own area.
The only exception to this rule is if a goalkeeper accidentally dropped or threw the ball into his or her own net. This would count as an own goal and would technically be a case of a goalkeeper scoring a goal with their hands, albeit in the wrong net.
Ten top-scoring goalies in world soccer
Although you don’t see goalkeepers finding the back of the net every week, you’d be surprised at how often it occurs. There are also many legendary soccer goalies who have an incredible scoring record, with Rogerio Ceni and Jose Luis Chilavert being the two standout goalscoring goalies! Below is a list of the top ten goal-scoring keepers in the world:
| Goalkeeper | Nationality & Years Active | Total Career Goals |
| Rogerio Ceni | Brazil, 1990 – 2015 | 131 |
| Jose Luis Chilavert | Paraguay, 1982 – 2004 | 67 |
| Johnny Vegas Fernandez | Peru, 1997 – 2007 | 45 |
| Dimitar Ivankov | Bulgaria, 1996 – 2012 | 42 |
| Rene Higuita | Colombia, 1985 – 2009 | 41 |
| Marcio | Brazil, 2002 – 2019 | 40 |
| Hans-Jorg Butt | Germany, 1994 – 2012 | 32 |
| Misael Alfaro | El Salvador, 1988 – 2010 | 31 |
| Dragan Pantelic | Yugoslavia, 1971 – 1985 | 26 |
| Fernando Patterson | Costa Rica, 1993 -2012 | 26 |
You will see from the list that many of the top-scoring goalies in world soccer are from the Americas. Maybe we put something in the water over here that causes goalies to rush out of their areas and show the outfield players how it’s done! Either way, the figures posted by some of the above goalies would be much appreciated by many outfield players.
Recap: Goalscoring goalkeepers in soccer
Although the term ‘goalscoring goalkeeper’ sounds a bit strange, it’s the perfect way to describe the likes of Rogerio Ceni and Jose Luis Chilavert!
There’s something magical about a goalie stepping up and scoring a penalty or free-kick, and it’s even more impressive when a goalie nets a last-minute equalizer.
However it happens, a goal scored by a goalkeeper is something to treasure, and it’s often a memory that lives with goalies for the rest of their lives.