- Trivela A technique of kicking the ball with the outside of the foot, usually to curve it.
- TurnoverLoss of ball possession to the opponent.
- UEFA Union of European Football Associations. Organizing body for soccer/football in Europe. Most notably hosts UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Euros, and Euro Nations League
- UltraHardcore and organized group of supporters.
- UltrazHardcore supporters of a football club.
- UndercutA tackle that approaches from below, often dangerous.
- UnderdogA team or player expected to lose.
- UnplayableA ball or pitch condition that makes normal play impossible.
- UpendTo knock or tip someone over.
- USSFUnited States Soccer Federation. It is the official governing body of soccer in the United States and is a full member of FIFA.
- Utility PlayerA player who can play in multiple positions.
- VersatileA player who can play in multiple positions.
- VeteranA player who has a lot of experience.
- Video Assistant Referee Commonly known as VAR, the Video Assistant Referee is used in football when a questionable call needs to be reviewed. VAR utilizes cameras and additional referees to make the correct call and notify the main referee of what decision should be taken.
- VisionA player's ability to see potential passes or plays.
- VO₂ Max VO₂ Max stands for the maximal volume of oxygen your body can absorb. Essentially, it is a measurement of how fit a person is by indicating the efficiency of their aerobic health.
- VolleyStriking the ball before it touches the ground.
- Vuvuzela The vuvuzela is a long, horn-shaped plastic instrument that produces a loud, monotonous sound resembling an elephant's trumpet or a foghorn. It gained international fame during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where stadium fans widely used it. The vuvuzela has its roots in(...)
- WallA line of players set up to block a direct free-kick.
- Water Break A water break is a brief pause in the game to allow players to hydrate, often used in hot and humid conditions.
- Weak FootA player's less dominant foot.
- WhipTo send a ball in with pace and curve.
- WhistleThe tool used by referees to control the game.
- Wing Back The wing-back is a player that sits between the midfield and defensive lines on the outsides. Because he/she is usually without support in the wings, the wing-backs must provide width on the attack, and mark the opposition wide threat on defense. The wing-back can even provide extra pressure(...)
- WingerA player who operates mainly on the flanks.
- Winning MentalityThe mindset of always striving for victory.
- WoodworkRefers to the goalpost or crossbar.
- Work RateThe level of effort and activity a player puts into a game.
- World CupThe premier international soccer tournament contested by national teams.
- X-FactorA player who has a unique quality that can change the course of a match.
- xG xG stands for "Expected Goals" in soccer (football). It is a statistical measure that aims to quantify the quality of a goal-scoring opportunity.
- YardA unit of measurement; the field's lines are measured in yards.
- Yard BoxAnother term for the penalty area.
- YardstickA standard used for comparison, often used as "they are the yardstick for other teams".
- Yellow CardA caution given by the referee to a player as a warning for a foul or unsporting behavior.
- Y-FormationA tactical formation resembling the letter "Y".
- y/o Years old
- ZealGreat enthusiasm or eagerness.
- Zigzag Dribble A dribbling technique where a player moves the ball in a zigzag pattern to evade defenders.
- Zonal DefendingDefending by area rather than marking individual players.
- Zonal MarkingA defensive strategy where players cover areas rather than marking individual opponents.
- Zonal SystemA system of play where players are assigned to cover specific areas.
- Zone Defense A defensive strategy in which players are responsible for specific areas or zones of the field rather than marking individual opponents.
- Zone MarkingA defensive system where players cover areas rather than marking individual opponents.