Yes, a goalkeeper can absolutely kick a penalty. While their primary role is to prevent goals, goalkeepers are fully eligible to take penalty kicks, especially in certain match situations.
When Can a Goalkeeper Take a Penalty?
The most common scenario where a goalkeeper steps up to take a penalty kick is during a penalty shootout. This occurs when a match, typically in a knockout tournament, ends in a draw after regular time and extra time, and a winner needs to be determined.
According to the official Laws of the Game, any player who was on the field of play at the final whistle of the second half of extra time (or at the end of regular time if no extra time is played) is permitted to take part in the penalty shootout. This explicitly includes the team's goalkeeper.
Rules Governing Goalkeeper Penalty Takers
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that determines the Laws of the Game, outlines the regulations for penalty shootouts. These rules ensure fairness and clarity regarding player eligibility.
- Eligibility: As mentioned, any player on the pitch at the end of the match is eligible. This means a goalkeeper, like any other outfield player, can be designated to take a spot kick.
- Order of Kicks: While teams often assign their best penalty takers among their outfield players first, there is no strict rule preventing a goalkeeper from taking an earlier kick if the coach decides. In lengthy shootouts, where all eligible players have taken a kick, the sequence repeats, and goalkeepers are naturally included.
- No Special Treatment: When taking a penalty, a goalkeeper must adhere to the exact same rules as any other player. They must place the ball on the penalty mark and kick it towards the opponent's goal.
You can find more detailed information on penalty shootouts in the official IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match.
Strategic Insights and Examples
Coaches might choose a goalkeeper to take a penalty for several reasons:
- Goalkeeper's Skill: Some goalkeepers possess excellent striking ability and composure under pressure, making them reliable penalty takers.
- Element of Surprise: An opposing team might not anticipate a goalkeeper taking a penalty, potentially adding psychological pressure.
- Depth in Shootouts: In prolonged shootouts where every eligible player must take a kick, the goalkeeper's turn will inevitably come. Having them prepared and capable is crucial.
Famous examples include goalkeepers like Rogerio Ceni, who was renowned for scoring many penalties and free-kicks throughout his career, or many goalkeepers who have converted crucial penalties in shootout situations to win matches for their teams.
Goalkeeper Roles in Penalty Situations
Here's a quick comparison of a goalkeeper's dual role during penalties:
| Role | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper as Taker | Steps up to the penalty mark to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. This primarily occurs during penalty shootouts to determine the outcome of a match. | Must be an eligible player on the pitch at the final whistle. No special rules apply to their kick. Often, they are strategically placed later in the kicking order unless they are exceptionally skilled takers. |
| Goalkeeper as Stopper | The traditional role of attempting to save the opponent's penalty kick. They stand on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts. | Must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. They can move laterally along the line but are not permitted to move forward off the line until the moment of the kick. At least part of one foot must be on or in line with the goal line when the ball is kicked. |
In conclusion, not only can a goalkeeper kick a penalty, but it is also a recognized and often necessary part of modern football, particularly during penalty shootouts.
