What happens if a player throws the ball into their own goal?

What Happens When a Player Throws the Ball Into Their Own Goal?

It’s a rare but fascinating moment in football: a player takes a throw-in and accidentally—or very deliberately—hurls the ball directly into their own net. So, what happens next?

According to the Laws of the Game, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. That means even if the ball flies perfectly into the opponent’s goal without touching another player, it doesn’t count. The same rule applies in reverse—if a player throws the ball straight into their own goal, no goal is awarded.

Instead, the referee awards a corner kick to the opposing team. Why? Because the ball must be touched by another player before it can legally result in a goal, regardless of which net it ends up in. So, if no one else makes contact and the ball crosses the goal line directly from the throw-in, it’s treated as if the defending team last touched it—hence the corner.

This rule prevents absurd or unfair outcomes and maintains the flow of fair play. While it’s almost unheard of for a player to intentionally throw the ball into their own net, mistakes happen—especially under pressure or in windy conditions. Still, there’s no need to panic. The consequence isn’t a self-inflicted goal; it’s just a restart for the other side.

It’s a small but crucial detail that underscores how thoughtfully the rules of football are designed. So next time you see a wild throw-in veer toward a goal, remember: no direct scores, own or otherwise. Just a corner kick, and play moves on.