Soccer positions and numbers
Soccer positions in an 11v11 formation are numbered 1-11 by tradition: 1 goalkeeper, 2 right back, 3 left back, 4 and 5 center backs, 6 defensive midfielder, 8 central midfielder, 10 attacking midfielder, 7 right winger, 11 left winger, and 9 striker.
Numbers and roles
| # | Position | Short |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goalkeeper | GK |
| 2 | Right Back | RB |
| 3 | Left Back | LB |
| 4 | Center Back | CB |
| 5 | Center Back / Sweeper | CB |
| 6 | Defensive Midfielder | CDM |
| 7 | Right Winger | RW |
| 8 | Central Midfielder | CM |
| 9 | Striker | ST |
| 10 | Attacking Midfielder | CAM |
| 11 | Left Winger | LW |
Frequently asked questions
What are the 11 soccer positions?+
The 11 traditional soccer positions are: goalkeeper (1), right back (2), left back (3), two center backs (4 and 5), defensive midfielder (6), central midfielder (8), attacking midfielder (10), right winger (7), left winger (11), and striker (9).
What position is the number 10 in soccer?+
The number 10 is the attacking midfielder, the creative playmaker who links midfield and attack.
What position wears number 6?+
Number 6 is the defensive midfielder, the deepest central midfielder who shields the back four.
What position is the number 9?+
Number 9 is the striker or center forward, the primary goal-scorer.
Do youth teams use position numbers strictly?+
Not usually. Position numbers are traditional but modern rosters use jersey numbers freely; the roles remain the same.
What are the small-sided position roles?+
In 7v7 and 9v9, positions collapse into defenders, midfielders, forwards, and a goalkeeper (from 9v9 up). Specialization comes later.