Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line last touched by an attacking player. The ball can be played from anywhere in the goal area and opponents must be outside the penalty area.

The full rule

A goal kick restarts play after the ball crosses the goal line having last been touched by an attacker. Since 2019, the ball is in play as soon as it is kicked — it no longer needs to leave the penalty area before a teammate can touch it. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. The goalkeeper most commonly takes goal kicks but any player can. A goal can be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.

Key points

✓Ball is in play as soon as it is kicked — no need to leave the area
✓Opponents must be outside the penalty area until ball is in play
✓Any player can take a goal kick, not just the goalkeeper
✓Cannot score directly into own goal from a goal kick
✓Ball can be played short to a teammate inside the penalty area

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Teammate receives goal kick inside the penalty area

No foul

The goalkeeper plays a short goal kick to a defender who is standing inside the penalty area.

Correct call: Legal. Since 2019 the ball is in play immediately and can be received inside the area.

Common mistake: Awarding a retake because the ball did not leave the penalty area. The old rule was changed in 2019.

Scenario 2

Opponent inside area when goal kick is taken

Foul

An opposing attacker remains inside the penalty area when a goal kick is taken and the ball reaches them.

Correct call: Goal kick retaken. Opponents must be outside the area until the ball is in play.

Common mistake: Allowing play to continue because the attacker did not deliberately encroach. Intent does not matter — position does.