The goalkeeper in soccer, also known as the goalie, protects their team’s goal from opponents who are trying to score by moving the ball over the goal line. Goalkeepers are unique among soccer players because they can use their hands, as well as their bodies, to stop the ball from entering the goal.

A goalkeeper - often referred to as a goalie or keeper - is the last line of defense on a soccer field. Teams require goalies to do everything possible to prevent the opponent from scoring. It’s undoubtedly the most unique position in all of soccer, with leagues holding them to a different ruleset than outfield players.

In sports like soccer (football) and hockey, goalie is an informal name for the goalkeeper, the player positioned in front of the goal whose job is to prevent the ball or puck from entering it (or crossing the goal line).

In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as the goalie) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring.