As we all know, communication is vital in soccer. As an ex-player, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of clear signals and shouts on the pitch. Players from different countries often find common ground to communicate effectively during matches. Many wonder, “How do soccer players communicate with different languages?” or “What language do they speak on the field?”
The rise of global leagues has only intensified these questions. Add the relationship between players and referees, and there’s a lot to unpack. From my 10-year experience, I concluded the following:
Soccer players communicate using a combination of verbal cues, standardized football terminology, and non-verbal signals. While language can vary, certain terms and gestures are universally recognized in the sport. Additionally, body language, hand gestures, and eye contact play pivotal roles in conveying messages on the field.
Now let’s dive in a little deeper.
Common verbal communication phrases
On the soccer field, words are more than just sounds; they’re essential tools for coordination and strategy. Having been in the thick of the action, I can vouch for the significance of these phrases. Here are some of the most commonly used verbal cues in soccer:
| Phrase/Term | Description |
|---|---|
| “Man On!” | A warning to a teammate that an opponent is approaching them, signaling the need to protect the ball or pass it quickly. |
| “Time!” | An assurance to a teammate that they have space and can take a moment to decide their next move without immediate pressure from an opponent. |
| “Switch!” | A directive to change the direction of play, usually by passing the ball across the field to exploit space on the opposite side. |
| “Drop!” | A call for teammates to move back, typically to defend more deeply or to reorganize. |
| “Push Up!” | The opposite of “Drop,” urging the team to move forward, either to press the opposition or to support an attacking move. |
| “Hold!” | A suggestion to retain possession, often used when waiting for better options or to slow down the pace of the game. |
| “Turn!” | An indication that a player can turn with the ball, usually because there’s no immediate threat from behind. |
| “Shoot!” | A prompt for a player in a good position to attempt a shot on goal. |
| “Right back!” | This call informs the teammate holding the ball that there’s an available player in the expected position. |
| “Overlap!” | Often used by offensive players, this shout signals a movement past a teammate with the ball, hinting at a potential forward pass. It can also indicate an upcoming forward pass for the initial player to pursue. |
| “You’ve got time!” | This phrase tells the player they’re free from immediate opposition pressure and can make decisions without haste. |
| “Turn out!” | This suggests to a player to pivot towards their closest sideline upon receiving the ball, either to utilize open space or connect with an open teammate. |
| “My name’s!” | It’s essential to vocalize one’s intent, especially when aiming for a header, to ensure no teammate tries for the same ball. |
| “In behind!” | This notifies a forward or winger of an impending pass behind the defense. Alternatively, it can request such a pass from a teammate. |
| “Pull it back!” | This directs a player ready to cross to send the ball towards the box’s edge, usually at ground level, for a waiting teammate. |
| “Go alone!” | After passing to an attacker, this suggests they should advance solo towards the goal, indicating they might not have much backup. |
| “Free man!” | This call draws attention to an opposition player who’s currently unguarded and needs to be marked. |
| ” One-two!” | Player wants to perform a give-and-go pass |
For instance, just watch Youri Tielemans yelling, “man on” to his teammate Diego or Bruno Guimares to saying “one-two” to Sando.
While simple, these phrases play a pivotal role in the game’s flow. They provide quick, clear instructions that can differentiate between a missed opportunity and a game-changing moment. As we progress, we’ll explore the subtleties of non-verbal cues and the intricate dance of communication with referees and players from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
And yes, I almost forgot! The power of encouragement. Namely, in team sports like soccer, the psychological aspect is as vital as physical prowess. Encouragement and genuine compliments are crucial in bolstering a player’s confidence.
When teammates acknowledge each other’s efforts with phrases like “great pass” or “well-done,” it reinforces self-belief and empowers players to trust their instincts and take calculated risks.
Such positive reinforcement creates an environment where players feel valued and supported, leading to enhanced performance on the field. However, from experience, these compliments should be authentic, tailored to the situation, and not forced.
Non-verbal communication
In the fast-paced world of soccer, actions often speak louder than words. Non-verbal communication plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination on the field. Players rely on many gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey messages, especially in noisy stadiums where verbal cues can be drowned out.
A pointed finger can direct a pass, a nod can signal agreement to a strategy, and an outstretched arm can call for the ball. Goalkeepers, in particular, use hand signals to organize their defense during set pieces, ensuring everyone is marking an opponent or covering a specific zone.
Eye contact is another crucial element. A shared glance between players can set up intricate plays, allowing them to anticipate each other’s moves without uttering a word. Similarly, the posture and stance of a player can indicate their readiness to receive a pass or make a run.
Furthermore, the intensity and urgency of a player’s run can signal their intent. A sprinting winger, for instance, is a clear sign for midfielders to deliver a long ball.
Here are some common body language communication gestures among players.
| Gesture/Signal | Meaning/Interpretation |
| Raising the arm and then lowering it | Signals the commencement of a set piece or corner. |
| Holding the arm vertically during active play | Indicates to a distant teammate with possession that you’re available for a pass. (Always use the arm farthest from the ball.) |
| Sweeping the arm towards a specific spot | Designates the region where you’d like a teammate to move. |
| Rotating hands around each other | A player’s sign to the coach asking for a replacement due to weariness or injury. |
| Displaying fingers | Used by a goalkeeper or a player setting up a wall to specify the number of players needed in the defensive wall. |
| Gesturing in a particular direction | Suggests the path you’d like a teammate to take. |
| Signaling left or right while approaching a teammate | Indicates the direction you plan to dash after receiving the ball. |
| Highlighting an adversary with a finger | Signifies to a teammate which opponent they should mark. |
| Gesturing towards the space behind defenders | Suggests playing a forward pass. |
| Indicating where you’d like the ball placed | Typically to your feet or slightly ahead. |
| Directing towards a player for a pass | Often a defender guiding a midfielder who might be facing away from the goal. |
| Tapping oneself on the torso | Indicates a desire for the throw-in to be aimed at the chest. |
In essence, while verbal cues are vital, the silent language of non-verbal communication in soccer is equally, if not more, influential in shaping the game’s outcome. It’s this unspoken understanding that often differentiates good teams from great ones.
How do soccer players from different countries communicate?
Soccer, often dubbed the “universal language,” transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. Effective communication becomes paramount when players from different countries converge on a team. So, how do these players bridge the language divide?
Even if they speak different languages, all players on the field still share one common language: soccer. They are all proficient in that mother language, nurtured from youth to articulate and comprehend it.
They intuitively recognize when to position for the ball, to sidestep for their fellow defenders and forwards, to spot the decisive pass. It’s a language expressed with every fiber of one’s being and requires no interpretation. It’s like a melody; the words aren’t necessary for understanding.
As an-ex player, I know for a fact that players undergo foundational language training whenever they move to a club where the local language is unfamiliar. For instance, if a player who primarily speaks Spanish joins the Premier League, they enroll in an English class to pick up the basics. Though they might not achieve fluency, they can effectively convey their thoughts. Moreover, being immersed in a country and constantly hearing its language undeniably aids in understanding.
Coaches, much like players, face linguistic challenges when they transition to clubs in foreign countries. However, within a year, both players and managers typically make concerted efforts to grasp the local language, enhancing mutual understanding and communication.
For instance, Mauricio Pochettino, during his tenure at Southampton, had a grasp of English. Yet, he chose to employ a translator for press briefings and interviews. Malky Mackay, the former Cardiff City Manager, relied on a translator to convey his tactical insights and positional strategies to Kim Bo-Kyung.
But one of the most commendable efforts came from the esteemed Pep Guardiola. His dedication to his role at Bayern Munich was evident in his rapid acquisition of German. Guardiola understood the importance of clear communication, especially when conveying intricate tactics or uplifting players during pivotal moments. His commitment to bridging the language gap showcased not only his professionalism but also his deep respect for the club and its players.
Do pro players communicate differently from amateur players?
Short answer: no.
Recently, we came across the retired soccer referee and he literally answered this very question.
“Well, the communication is the same; however, pro players have a much harder time communicating due to crowd noise.
One could assume that vocal cues might give away a player’s next move, but in reality, opposing players often already anticipate these options. The true advantage lies in informing the teammate receiving the ball about unseen threats or opportunities behind him. As a former referee, I’ve observed instances where a player would alert teammate AA with a “man on” call, causing a defender to gravitate towards AA. The ball, however, would then be cleverly passed to teammate BB, bypassing the defender.
Instead of vocal cues, elite professional players, with their superior ball control, often use subtle variations in their passes. They might slightly alter the direction or speed of the pass, ensuring it lands just ahead or slightly behind the recipient. This nuanced delivery makes the intended action seem instinctive to the receiver. To most spectators, it appears as though the ball was merely passed “to” the player, oblivious to the strategic placement. Top-tier coaches emphasize this skill, training players to provide not just the ball, but also the opportunity and insight.
In a similar vein, a player anticipating a pass might position himself in a clear area or strategically between an adversary and an open space. He might also subtly indicate where he intends to collect the ball, ensuring he’s moving away from any potential challenge.”
In conclusion, both professional and amateur soccer players use the same kind of communication.
What about referees?
Referees face unique challenges in multilingual settings. Unlike players, their role demands clear and immediate communication with everyone on the field. In international matches or leagues with diverse player backgrounds, referees often rely on a combination of standardized hand signals and universally understood football terms to convey decisions.
English proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all international referees. Additionally, FIFA often takes into account the native languages of competing teams when assigning referees. For instance, if two South American teams face off, it’s typical for a Spanish-speaking referee to officiate. Given the global nature of football and the diverse backgrounds of players, there’s usually at least one player in a team who shares a language with the referee.
Furthermore, the gestures and signals used by referees are standardized globally. This ensures that players, regardless of their linguistic background, can grasp the referee’s decisions. While they might not always comprehend the detailed rationale behind a decision, the core message is universally understood.
While many top-tier referees make an effort to learn key phrases in multiple languages, especially for managing player behavior or explaining contentious decisions, their primary tool remains non-verbal communication. Gestures, whistle tones, and card displays are universally recognized and transcend language barriers.
Additionally, the respect for the referee’s authority is a global constant in football. Even if players might not understand every word, they recognize the referee’s role and the importance of their decisions.
For instance, I know a guy who had played in France, Italy, and Poland, and he shared some insights. He admitted that he didn’t speak any of the languages when he started playing in these countries. But he quickly realized two things. First, as a player, there’s rarely a need to converse with the referee. And second, football has a universal body language.
He mentioned that directly addressing a referee seldom yields an immediate positive outcome for the team. However, if a player shows genuine disagreement with a decision, it might prompt the referee, mostly subconsciously, to strive for perceived fairness. This could lead to the referee leaning slightly in favor of the dissenting player’s team in close-call situations.
But the language barrier isn’t a hindrance when expressing dissatisfaction. He emphasized that it’s not about the words; it’s about ensuring the referee recognizes your genuine belief in their oversight.
In team sports like soccer, the psychological aspect is as vital as physical prowess. Encouragement and genuine compliments play a pivotal role in bolstering a player’s confidence. When teammates acknowledge each other’s efforts with phrases like “great pass” or “well-done,” it not only reinforces self-belief but also empowers players to trust their instincts and take calculated risks. Such positive reinforcement creates an environment where players feel valued and supported, leading to enhanced performance on the field.
