Goalkeeper kit and equipment

What sets a goalkeeper's kit apart from a field player's

The goalkeeper is the only player required to wear a kit in a specific colour: the Laws of the game state that he must be identifiable from the players of both teams and the referees. He is also the only one who spends the match on the ground, which is why his clothes are designed for falls.

The goalkeeper's jersey is often long-sleeved, with integrated elbow pads: the Erima one, the Pro, combines soft elbow protection with raglan sleeves that allow freedom of movement in the arms. For bottoms, long trousers are permitted for the goalkeeper: the Standard trousers from Uhlsport feature ergonomic padding at the hips and knees, which are the areas that touch the ground first.

Every piece of the goalkeeper's kit

It starts with the top with the Goalkeeper Jerseys, then choose the bottom according to the pitch: Goalkeeper Trousers for winter and synthetic surfaces, padded Goalkeeper Shorts for sunny days. Complete kits are gathered in Goalkeeper Sets, base layers in Goalkeeper Baselayers, and elbow and knee pads, as well as protective under shorts, in Goalkeeper Protectors. Finish off with Goalkeeper Socks, check out the New Arrivals, and for younger players, look at the Kids' Goalkeeper Equipment version.

Padding: where to protect the goalkeeper's body

Every dive makes contact with the ground in the same areas: the hip, elbow, shoulder, and knee. Therefore, padding is placed there, either in the outer garment or in a base layer.

The padded under-shirt from Precision protects the shoulders and elbows under any jersey, with three-quarter sleeves and ventilation under the arms. For the lower body, McDavid focuses on compression: its Cross Compression shorts stabilise the thigh and groin muscles by mimicking the principle of strapping, and its hDc technology wicks away moisture. This way, you can add protection without changing your jersey or shorts.

Assemble your kit according to the pitch and the season

On synthentic, long trousers or padded leggings prevent burns from artificial grass with every dive: it's the safest kit all year round. On natural grass, padded shorts are sufficient in mild weather, and trousers take their place when the pitch hardens or cold sets in.

In winter, add a long-sleeved base layer under the jersey instead of a thick garment that would restrict movement. Alongside the Standard from Uhlsport, the Profi goalkeeper trousers from Jako and the Classic from Hummel complete the choice. Also consider socks, which keep shin guards in place throughout the match.

Equip yourself from head to toe without spending much

A complete goalkeeper kit consists of several pieces: bundle your purchases during peak times. Black Friday and the holiday season kick off the period, followed by winter sales. In spring, the French Days have their page for Goalkeeper Equipment from French Days. The summer sales and the return of training sessions feed the Promotions page, and clearance items can be found in the Clearance section.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment does a young beginner goalkeeper need?

A jersey in a different colour from his teammates, padded shorts or trousers at the hips, and shin guards, which are mandatory for all players. A padded undershirt is a bonus on hard or synthetic surfaces.

How to wash padded goalkeeper equipment?

Turn the pieces inside out, wash them at a low temperature according to the label and without fabric softener, then leave to air dry. A direct heat source like a radiator or tumble dryer can deform the foams.

Can a goalkeeper play in long trousers?

Yes. The Laws of the game allow the goalkeeper to wear tracksuit trousers instead of shorts. Many goalkeepers adopt this in winter or on synthetic pitches to protect their legs with every dive.

Does the goalkeeper's jersey need to be a specific colour?

No specific colour is required. The only rule is to be distinguishable from the players of both teams and the match officials. That’s why goalkeepers often have several jerseys in different colours depending on the opponent.

How to choose a goalkeeper jersey in larger sizes?

Measure your chest circumference and arm length, as long sleeves should cover the wrists without being restrictive. Raglan sleeves, like those on the Pro jersey from Erima, offer more freedom for larger builds.