AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud debuted as goalkeeper in Saturday’s match against Genoa on Sunday. The 37-year-old took over for starter Mike Maignan, who received a red card amidst the stoppage time chaos.
Giroud and his goalpost made saves during the appearance (watch). “Giroud living out every outfield player’s goalkeeping fantasy: arranging a wall at a free kick and pretending he knows what he’s doing,” snarked one fan. The AC Milan online store lauded Giroud by selling a one-off number 9 goalkeeper kit for limited time.
Despite coming on as a second-half substitute, the Frenchman made the Serie A team of the week for his performance as goalkeeper. “Loved it, got a bruise. But it’s fine,” said Giroud upon entering France’s national team training the following day.
With Olivier Giroud covering the goalposts this weekend, let’s look at which other famous outfielders also suited up as goalie.
Harry Kane
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane experienced a moment of goalkeeper responsibilities. On a hat-trick, he took over the between the sticks against Ludogorets in the Europe League 2014. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well on the defensive end as Kane fumbled the direct kick as it went into goal. Unfortunate howler, mate.
Kyle Walker
Manchester City’s right-back Kyle Walker rose to the goalkeeping occasion when first-choice and second-choice goalkeeper Ederson and Claudio Bravo left the game. With all substitutions used, Walker threw on the gloves and got between the sticks. He helped City see out a 1-1 draw with a great save to boot.
John Terry
Five-time Premier League champion John Terry inherited the goalkeeping duties when leading keepers Petr Čech and Carlo Cudicini went off with head injuries. The center-back stepped up to secure a 1-nil lead. Clean sheet completed.
Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand appeared in goal during an FA Cup semi-final match in 2006. Filling in for the injured Edwin van der Sar, the Manchester center-back took his best dive at saving Sulley Muntari’s penalty kick. Portsmouth won the FA Cup that year.
Mia Hamm
“I learned a long time ago that there is something worse than missing the goal, and that’s not pulling the trigger,” US great Mia Hamm once said. Yet, briefly, she would be on the other end, between the sticks for Team USA against Denmark in the 1995 World Cup. Fortunately, the GOAT kept a clean sheet.
Photos: Twitter/Football__Tweet
