Futsal positions

This is the list of futsal positions, with a brief explanation of what the position is and notable futsal players of that position.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper (Spanish portero; Italian portiere; Portuguese goleiro) is the most specialised position in futsal. A goalkeeper's job is mainly defensive: to guard the team's goal from being breached (to not let the other team score). Goalkeeper is the only position defined in the Laws of the Game. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands and arms, however they are restricted to doing so only within their penalty area; for this reason, they must wear jerseys that distinguish them from other outfield players and the referee.

Notable goalkeepers

• Luis Amado
• Jesús Clavería
• Beto
• Santiago Elias
• Sergey Zuev

Defender

The Defender (in Spanish is named cierre, in Italian difensore and in Portuguese fixo) is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from scoring.

Notable defenders

• Kike
• Orol
• Julio
• Schumacher
• Márcio
• Danilo

Winger

The Wing or Winger (in Spanish is named ala, in Italian esterno and in Portuguese ala) is a player constantly moving forward and backward in the sides of the pitch (left-wing and right-wing), between defense and attack. This position is not as offensive as the pivot, yet not as defensive as the defender.

Notable wingers

• Falçao
• Javi Rodríguez
• Ricardinho

Pivot

The Pivot (in Spanish pívot, in Italian pivot and in Portuguese is pivô) is the most advanced player on the pitch (similar to the Centre Forward in association football).

Notable pivots

• Fabrizio Amoroso
• Konstantin Eremenko
• Douglas Pierrotti
• Manoel Tobias
• Ramón Carosini
• Carlos Alberto

Universal

Some players are able to play anywhere in the field.

References

• Alessandro Nuccorini, Calcio a 5 : Principi e sviluppi, Roma, 2002 ISBN 88-8313-070-7