{{More citations needed|date=November 2025}} {{Short description|Type of sports player usually involved in aggressive play}} {{other uses}} {{For|the term "attacker" in computer security|Hacker (computer security)|Adversary (cryptography)|Adversary (online algorithm)}}
In some team sports, an '''attacker''' is a specific type of player, usually involved in aggressive play. Heavy attackers are, usually, placed up front: their goal is to score the most possible points for the team.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Complex Systems in Sport |date=2015 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-138-93264-7 |editor-last=Davids |editor-first=Keith |edition=1st |location=London |editor-last2=Hristovski |editor-first2=Robert |editor-last3=Araujo |editor-first3=Duarte |editor-last4=Balague Serre |editor-first4=Natalia |editor-last5=Button |editor-first5=Chris |editor-last6=Passos |editor-first6=Pedro}}</ref> In association football, attackers are also referred to as forwards or strikers.
== See also == * List of footballers with the most official appearances * List of goalscoring goalkeepers * List of hat-tricks * List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals * List of top international men's association football goal scorers by country
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Football positions