Are You a Hardcore Fan of Spanish La Liga Football? Must-Know Soccer Terms

Are you an avid fan of Spanish football? Then for you, Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona is certainly the most highly anticipated rivalry match-up of any La Liga season. These two teams are as different as day and night, and so are their fans. But there is ONE thing that links them all…Spanish!

Thus, if you are a hardcore fan of the Spanish La Liga, then we are here to equip you with the most useful Spanish terminologies, words, phrases, and vocabulary that will assist you to keep your ear on the call and eye on the ball.

Want to know what those Spanish referees are actually saying? Keep reading and find out.

The Top Soccer Related Spanish Terms:

Classic game – El Clásico

In Spanish, fans refer to this as the most important match-up of the season as el clásico. For instance, el clásico de La Liga would be aderby between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Reason? Because Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona is the ‘classic’ match-up fans long to see every season.

One more common expression commentators will say to describe a match-up is El espectáculo, which translates as “The show.”

The Fans – Los Fanaticos

Yes, we are mentioning you, the mighty spectator and true fan. You are an important part of the game – a cheerleader to your favourite team.

For those of you who wear their team jersey with pride, scream out “GOOAAALLLL” each time your favourite player kicks in a winning score, or even paint your face to match your team’s colors – this phrase is just for you:

I am a superfan of this team! – ¡Estoy un súper fanático de este equipo!

Referee – Árbitro

They are the ones who wear black and white and calls all the shots?

That is right, the referees

But have you ever thought about what language referees speak during major tournaments that host international players and spectators? English, Spanish, German, Italian…?

The answer is actually very simple.

Usually, referees will speak the official language of the country where the tournament is played.

Entonces, los árbitros de La Liga hablan español. Thus, the refs of La Liga speak Spanish.

To Hit a Header – Dar Un Cabezazo

One of the most unique shots played in all of soccer is when a player hits the ball with the top of their head rather than their foot. In Spanish, you can use the term dar un cabezazo to declare this impressive play.

For instance:

El jugador dio un cabezazo y metió el gol. The player did a header and scored the goal.

The Players – Los Jugadore

Now get ready, it is time to let the players on the field. But first, learn about their positions in Spanish:

·       Defender – Defensa

·       Striker/ Forward – Delantero

·       Center-Forward – Delantero central

·       Mid-Field Player – Centrocampista

·       Goalkeeper – Golero/goleador

You all know the players by name like Messi, Ramos, Oblak. Now you can call out the positions they play in.

Actions of the Game – Acciones del Partido

If you are like most spectators (espectadores), you live for every kick, pass, push, shove, foul, and score.

This is why you never want to miss out on this next Spanish sports list. Spanish Soccer terms you can shout the next moment your opposition makes a move:

·       A Kick – Una patada

·       Handball – ¡Mano!

·       Foul – Falta

·       Red Card – Tarjeta roja

·       Yellow Card – Tarjeta amarilla

·       Corner Kick – Córner

·       Goal – ¡Goooooolllll!

Be it’s a handball, corner kick, or goal, you will be able to call everything.

To Score a Goal – Metar Un Gol

Certainly, the point of fútbol is to score un gol and eventually win the game. And you already know all the fans will be screaming out GOOOOOLLLL when their team scores a winning kick! But what about if a game ends in a tie?

El partido de fútbol terminó en empate, 2-2. The game of soccer ended in a tie.

No worries, there is a rematch too.

Now that you have come to know the Spanish phrases for soccer you can surely enjoy your seat at the stadium for Spanish La Liga.