Can a Goalkeeper Score From Their Own Penalty Area?

A goalkeeper scoring from their own penalty area sounds like a video game, but under the Laws of the Game it is perfectly legal — and it has happened in top-level football. So can a goalkeeper score from their own box? Yes, and here's how.

TL;DR: Yes. A keeper may kick the ball from anywhere on the pitch, and a goal from that kick against the opposition counts normally.

The Rule That Makes It Legal

The key is simple: a goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside their own penalty area, but they're free to kick it from anywhere. Law 16 states a goal can be scored directly from a goal kick — but only against the opposing team, never as an own goal. So a keeper's drop kick or goal kick that sails the length of the pitch can legitimately cross the line.

The One Catch: No Own Goals

• A keeper can score in the opponent's goal from their own box.
• A keeper cannot score an own goal directly from a goal kick — that would restart with a corner.

Famous Examples From Real Matches

The most famous case is Asmir Begović. In November 2013, the Stoke City keeper scored for his own team 13 seconds into a match against Southampton when a huge goal kick caught the wind and bounced over the rival keeper. It still holds a Guinness World Record for the longest goal ever scored. Tim Howard did the same for Everton against Bolton in January 2012.

Why It's So Rare

Scoring from your own box needs wind, distance, and an opposition keeper caught off their line. It also requires a keeper willing to hoof rather than play short. Modern keepers are expected to build from the back, making long-range goals even rarer — and Begović's strike all the more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a goalkeeper score an own goal from a goal kick?

No. A goal kick only scores against the opposing team; if it enters the keeper's own goal, play restarts with a corner.