Goalkeeper equipment

Choosing the right size of gloves

A goalkeeper glove is chosen based on the size of the hand, measured in two ways according to manufacturers: the circumference of the hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, or the length from the tip of the middle finger to the crease of the wrist. Sizes generally range from 4 or 5 for children to 10 or 11 for large adult hands. A well-fitted glove leaves a small space at the fingertips, around half a centimetre, so that the latex does not stretch upon impact.

The cut affects this feeling: a negative cut, with seams on the inside, fits tighter, while a roll finger cut wraps around the fingers to maximise the surface area of contact. Nike gloves in the Grip3 range enhance grip in three key areas of the hand, and the Match or Academy models form a durable entry-level option for training.

Finger protection: stay safe

Fingers supports, or finger supports, are rigid reinforcements inserted at the back of the fingers. They prevent the fingers from bending backwards during a powerful shot, which is a real risk for young goalkeepers whose joints are still fragile. Reusch Attrakt gloves with finger support are an example of this. They reduce flexibility slightly, and many experienced goalkeepers do without them, but they provide reassurance during the early seasons or after an injury.

The latex on the palm needs care to last: moistened before the match, rinsed with lukewarm water after use, air-dried and stored palm to palm, without contact with the back of the glove which would dirty it. A soft match latex and a more durable training pair help prolong the life of both.

Padded pants and shorts

On synthetic and hard pitches, dives can burn the skin and bruise the hips and elbows. Goalkeeper pants, like the Uhlsport Standard or Hummel Classic, include padding on the hips and knees, while goalkeeper jerseys, often long-sleeved, have elbow protection. Padded shorts and leggings, such as the Uhlsport Goalkeeper Tights or Reusch Advance, protect the hips under the match shorts.

Compression shorts for adductors, like the McDavid Cross Compression, support the muscles used in stretching and contracting. All these protections can be found in the pants, shorts, and protection pages.

A jersey in a different colour

The laws of the game require the goalkeeper to wear colours that distinguish them from other players and referees, hence the specific jerseys from clubs like OM, Liverpool, or FC Barcelona, as well as national teams like Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. For amateur clubs, complete sets, such as the Joma Zamora, named after legendary Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, or the Hummel hmlCORE, bring together the jersey, shorts, and socks in matching colours.

Retro jerseys also have their place, such as the Denmark goalkeeper jersey from 1992, the year when the team, called in at the last moment, won the European Championship.

All goalkeeper selection

The category is organised by product type:

• Gloves, from training to matches, for adults and children.
• Jerseys, for club, national and teamwear.
• Baselayers, technical and padded undergarments.
• Shorts, with or without hip protection.
• Pants, padded for hard pitches.
• Protective gear, elbow pads, knee pads and compression.
• Complete sets, matching jersey, shorts, and socks.

The rest of the football universe can be found on the pages shoes, teams, printing, tracksuits, juniors, teamwear, equipment, all brought together on the football page.

New arrivals and great deals

The new arrivals showcase the latest models, the promotions feature previous collections at a reduced price, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The good deals, the clearance sales, the sales, and Black Friday all have their football page, throughout Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and French Days.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the goalkeeper wear a different jersey?

The laws of the game require the goalkeeper to wear colours that distinguish them from other players and referees. This leads to specific jerseys, often long-sleeved with elbow protection, and complete sets like the Joma Zamora, named after Ricardo Zamora.

What size goalkeeper gloves should I choose based on age?

Sizes generally range from 4 or 5 for children to 10 or 11 for large adult hands. A well-fitted glove leaves about half a centimetre at the fingertip, so that the latex does not stretch on impact.

Are finger supports useful for a young goalkeeper?

Yes, these rigid reinforcements at the back of the fingers prevent them from bending back during a powerful shot, a real risk for joints that are still fragile. The Reusch Attrakt with finger support is an example. They reduce flexibility slightly, and many experienced goalkeepers do without them.

Do I need padded pants to play on synthetic surfaces?

On synthetic and hard surfaces, dives can burn skin and bruise hips and knees. A goalkeeper pant like the Uhlsport Standard or the Hummel Classic includes padding on the hips and knees, and a padded legging can be worn under the match shorts.

Why is the Denmark goalkeeper jersey from 1992 sought after?

It recalls the year when Denmark, called in at the last minute to participate in the tournament, won the European Championship. This retro jersey is part of the legendary goalkeeper kits.