What is a fullback in soccer and what is their role in a match?

What is a fullback in soccer and what is their role in a match?

Lenah Ann
updated at September 16, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Like most sports that utilize balls, soccer has various positions that players must play in for better team performance. On the field, players have their own responsibilities, including defending, creating chances, and attacking. However, over the past decade, the role of a fullback has evolved enormously. So, what is a fullback in soccer, and what is their role in a match?

What is a fullback in soccer
A general view of a soccer pitch. Photo: Iupengyu (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Fullbacks are crucial to winning matches since they set the pace for attacking and determine who gets the ball when and where. In addition to marking opponents and preventing straight attacks, modern fullbacks offer attacking threats and must possess robust skill sets with or without the ball.

What is a fullback in soccer?

In simple terms, the definition of a fullback in soccer is a wide defender who plays on either side of the back four with the primary aim of defending their quadrant. They line up defensively to start the game at the outer edge of the pitch near the touchlines.

What is the role of a fullback in soccer?

They have several incredibly multi-faceted roles and probably the most demanding position to master on the pitch. So, what does a fullback do in soccer?

Defend wide areas

Their primary focus is to defend their quadrant since it is the most dangerous area that can create chances for the opponents, and thus, it is essential for them to lock the section down by being responsible and making safe choices.

Win one-on-one advances from the opponents

They must win one-on-one battles with the opposing wingers and establish solid attacks through the created chances after winning possession.

What does a right fullback do in soccer?
Ruben Dias (L) with Yvandro Sanches (R) in action during the Group J UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers match between Portugal and Luxembourg at Estadio Algarve on 11 September 2023 in Faro, Portugal. Photo: Gualter Fatia
Source: Getty Images

Cover crosses from both flanks

Since the wings are the most fruitful regions to create chances, fullbacks are required to stem the supply of crosses by preventing direct crosses

Contribute to build-up play

Mostly, they see much of the ball and are thus critical links between the goalkeeper, centre-backs, midfielders, and strikers. By keeping the ball moving and maintaining possession, they make short passes and thus contribute to build-up play.

Attack in tandem with the wingers

In coordination with the wingers, they create the best-attacking force by understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses and complimenting them to create the most slick and offensive work.

Supply crosses

They are required to have an incredible vision so as to deliver precise chance-creating crosses to the strikers.

What is a right fullback in soccer?

They are players who play as wide defenders on the right wing of the back four with the primary role of defending their quadrant. They line up defensively to start the game at the outer right edge of the pitch near the right touchlines.

Definition of a fullback in soccer
Malo Gusto (L) during the 2025 EURO Under 21 qualifying match between Slovenia and France at Stadion Bonifika on 11 September 2023 in Koper, Slovenia. Photo: Sportidia
Source: Getty Images

What does a right fullback do in soccer?

The right backs are tasked with tracking and supplying the ball to their wingers during build-up play. They offer attacking tandems to the wingers from the right and are always on alert to rush back to support the centre-backs during counterattacks.

What is a left fullback in soccer?

A player who plays as a wide defender on the left wing of the back four with a primary aim of defending their quadrant. They are lined up defensively to start the game at the outer left edge of the pitch near the left touchlines.

What position is a fullback in soccer?

A fullback position is at the back of the quadrant near the touchlines. Players in the position are tasked with preventing the opposition from creating scoring opportunities and supporting offensive players.

Who are the best fullbacks of all time?

Over the years, several right and left backs have given some of the most incredible performances in the soccer franchise. According to various online sources, here is a list of the greatest fullbacks of all time.

  • Cafu
  • Phillip Lahm
  • Carlos Alberto
  • Lilian Thuram
  • Roberto Carlos
  • Djalma Santos
  • Dani Alves
  • Javier Zanetti
  • Paolo Maldini
  • Giacinto Facchetti

Can a defender replace a goalkeeper?

Definition of a fullback in soccer
Diago Dalot of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 3 September 2023 in London, England. Photo: Michael Steele
Source: Getty Images

According to the International Football Association Board, IFAB, any player can temporarily replace a goalkeeper if the referee is aware beforehand.

What does F mean in soccer?

It represents forwards, the main attacking force in a soccer match. These athletes are found in front of the midfielders closest to the opponent’s goals and are tasked with creating chances with their runs, shoots, and passes.

What does SS mean in soccer?

It stands for the second striker. These legends are usually situated behind the centre forwards and are used for setting up scoring opportunities for attackers.

Understanding what a fullback in soccer is and determining their roles has always been vital for most coaches. Over the past few years, however, the position has become increasingly popular to play since athletes get the opportunity to try absolutely everything while they are in possession of the ball.

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Since invention, sports have been an essential part of human history and have played a massive role in society by bringing together people from different races, religions, nationalities, and cultures. Click on the link for more details about sports with balls and how many there are.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.