When can a player be considered to be in an offside position?

A player is considered to be in an offside position when they are closest to the opponent's goal line than any defenders at the moment the ball is played to them by a teammate. This definition is fundamental to understanding the offside rule in soccer. The rule is meant to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by positioning themselves too close to the opponent's goal when the ball is played.

For a player to be offside, they must be in that position at the precise moment the ball is played. This means that their position can change based on the movements of both the ball and the other players on the field.

While being beyond the last defender or closest to the goal line may seem relevant, the key factor is the relationship to the ball's movement and the last defender. The offside rule also considers the context of active play, meaning that a player cannot be considered offside if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in, even if they are in the specified position. Thus, the offside position is specifically tied to timing in relation to the ball being passed.