Can a throw-in be an own goal?

Can a Throw-In Result in an Own Goal?

It might sound bizarre, but yes—there have been moments when a player tossed the ball inbounds only to see it somehow end up in their own net. But here’s the catch: even if the ball sneaks past the goalkeeper directly from a throw-in, it doesn’t count as an own goal.

According to the official Laws of the Game, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball enters the opposing team’s net, the restart is a goal kick. But if it accidentally crosses the throwing team’s own goal line, the referees award a corner kick to the opposition instead.

This rule exists to maintain fairness and flow in the game. Like other restart methods—such as goal kicks, corner kicks, and free kicks—scoring directly (for either team) isn’t allowed from a throw-in. The logic is simple: these are controlled restarts, not open play opportunities meant to end in an immediate goal.

Interestingly, this regulation also applies to indirect free kicks, where a goal must come from a second touch. Even with a powerful or errant throw-in, the outcome is pre-determined by the rules. So, while the ball might bounce off a player, the wind, or even gravity in an unexpected way, the result remains the same—no own goal is awarded.

So, can a throw-in be an own goal? Technically, no. The game’s laws ensure that such edge cases don’t disrupt the structure of play. Instead, the match continues with a corner kick, giving the opposing side a fair chance to attack from open play. It’s one of those subtle details that keeps football balanced—and occasionally, a little surprising.