How Goalies Perceive the World: A Unique Perspective on Reality

A fascinating study suggests that goalies perceive the world differently than the rest of us. Specifically, they process information differently. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals that soccer goalies, as well as goalkeepers in other sports, possess an exceptional ability to process simultaneous visual and auditory stimuli and respond with lightning speed. The scientists from Ireland conducted an experiment involving 60 volunteers, including professional goalies, outfielders, and non-players. As reported by IFL Science, the goalies outperformed the other two groups by accurately determining the number of light flashes despite the distraction of audible beeps.

“While many football (soccer) players and fans worldwide will be familiar with the idea that goalkeepers are just ‘different’ from the rest of us, this study may actually be the first time that we have proven scientific evidence to back up this claim,” says lead investigator David McGovern of Dublin City University in a statement. During a game, goalies must not only react to visual cues from the shooter, but also to the sound of the ball coming off the shooter’s foot, all in a split second. They also need to filter out distractions from the crowd.

“Goalkeepers, unlike other football players, face the challenge of making rapid decisions based on limited or incomplete sensory information,” explains Michael Quinn, a former goalie in the Irish Premiership who now studies behavioral science at University College Dublin, in an interview with the Guardian. The researchers, however, are uncertain whether these traits can be taught or are inherent, as they ponder whether a natural ability drives individuals to become goalies. (Read more discoveries stories.)