Are goals from throw-ins allowed?

Can You Score from a Throw-In? Here’s the Rule

It’s a common moment in football: a player lines up a long throw-in, aiming deep into the box. The ball sails over defenders, dips toward the goal—and finds the net. But instead of a celebration, confusion follows. Why? Because you cannot score directly from a throw-in.

According to the official Laws of the Game, if a player throws the ball directly into the opponent’s goal, it doesn’t count. Instead, the referee awards a goal kick to the defending team. Similarly, if the throw-in accidentally sails into the thrower’s own goal, it’s not an own goal—it results in a corner kick for the opposition.

This rule exists to maintain fairness and keep the game flowing logically. Unlike free kicks or corner kicks, which can lead directly to goals, throw-ins are considered a method of restarting play after the ball has gone out of bounds. They’re meant to return possession, not serve as a scoring opportunity in one motion.

That said, clever teams often use throw-ins strategically. A well-timed long throw or a quick set-piece routine can create chaos in the box and lead to a goal—but only after another player touches the ball. Think of it as a setup, not a shot.

So while you won’t see a highlight-reel goal scored straight from a throw-in (at least not one that counts), the play remains a valuable tool in tight matches. It’s all about what happens after the throw.