What must a player do to be considered offside?

To determine if a player is in an offside position, the crucial factor is their positioning relative to the ball and the opponents at the moment the ball is played to them. The correct answer specifies that a player must be closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played. This definition aligns with the Laws of the Game, which state that a player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the ball is played.

Understanding this concept is essential because it highlights the importance of timing and positioning in soccer. A player can only be judged for offside at the precise moment the ball is kicked to them, and their relative position to the last defender and the ball determines whether they are in an advantageous or disadvantageous position in relation to offside rules.

The other options focus on scenarios that do not accurately reflect the offside rule: simply being the last defender or positioned behind the ball does not address the specific conditions needed for an offside call, nor does being engaged in active play override the offside condition based on position. The emphasis remains on the critical moment of the ball being played and the