When you think of football, you might picture packed stadiums and star players. But there's a version of the beautiful game that combines incredible athleticism, strategic brilliance, and an inspiring display of human spirit: Amputee Football. This isn't just a sport; it's a testament to the power of determination, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide.

Just recently, the sport made global headlines when Polish player Marcin Oleksy won the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year in 2023. His incredible bicycle kick wasn't just a moment of brilliance for amputee football, but a historic milestone, proving that skill knows no limits and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's greatest athletes.

How It's Played: The Basics

Amputee football is a dynamic disabled sport played by two teams of seven players each: six outfield players and one goalkeeper.

• Outfield players have lower extremity amputations and use Loftstrand (forearm) crutches, playing without their prostheses. Their agility and balance on crutches are truly astounding!
• Goalkeepers have an upper extremity amputation.

The Rules That Make It Unique

While the objective is the same – score more goals than your opponent – amputee football has some distinct rules that add to its unique flair:

• Crutches are Part of the Play (with a twist!): Outfield players use crutches for mobility, but if the ball intentionally touches a player's crutch, it's considered a handball and penalized accordingly.
• No Offside Rule: Forget about offside traps! The absence of an offside rule means faster-paced action and more goal-scoring opportunities, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
• The Residual Limb: Players are forbidden from using their residual limb to control, kick, or advance the ball. This ensures fair play and highlights the incredible skill required to maneuver the ball with one leg.
• Smaller Pitch, Intense Action: The game is typically played on a smaller field, around 60m x 40m, with smaller goals. This compact size ensures constant action and makes every pass and shot critical.
• Match Duration: Matches consist of two intense 25-minute halves, with a 10-minute break in between.

The Global Stage

The sport boasts a strong international presence, with national teams competing in thrilling tournaments. The current reigning world champion is Turkey, who lifted the trophy in the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup.