1602 GOALKEEPER CAPS GREY PRINCIPE DE GALES

In football, as in many other sports, there have been several changes in playing tactics that, over time, have generated new positions while eliminating others. The goalkeeper is the only position that has remained constant since the creation of the sport's rules.

The earliest evidence of football teams with defined positions comes from Richard Mulcaster in 1581. However, he did not specify goalkeepers. The first specific reference to goalkeeping comes from Cornwall hurling in 1602.

In the original rules, goalkeepers could use their hands up to the halfway line. This was changed in 1912, restricting this possibility to the penalty area, as it is today.