Inklingo

How to Say "striker" in Spanish

English → Spanish

delantero

deh-lan-teh-rohdelanˈteɾo

nounA2soccer
Use 'delantero' when specifically referring to a forward or striker in the sport of soccer.
A soccer player in a bright jersey running toward a goal with a ball at their feet.

Examples

El delantero marcó un gol increíble en el último minuto.

The forward scored an incredible goal in the last minute.

Necesitamos fichar a un delantero centro con experiencia.

We need to sign an experienced center forward.

El equipo juega con tres delanteros muy rápidos.

The team plays with three very fast strikers.

People and Gender

When referring to a male player, use 'el delantero'. For a female player, change it to 'la delantera'.

Using 'adelante' instead

Mistake:Él es un buen adelante.

Correction: Él es un buen delantero. 'Adelante' is a direction (forward), while 'delantero' is the person (the forward).

atacante

ah-tah-KAHN-tehataˈkante

nounA2soccer
Use 'atacante' for a soccer player whose main job is scoring, or more generally for any attacking player in a sport.
A soccer player in a bright jersey kicking a ball towards a goal.

Examples

El equipo compró a un atacante brasileño muy rápido.

The team bought a very fast Brazilian forward.

Nuestra mejor atacante está lesionada y no jugará el domingo.

Our best striker (female) is injured and won't play on Sunday.

El entrenador decidió poner a tres atacantes hoy.

The coach decided to put in three forwards today.

Plurals

To talk about more than one, simply add -es: 'los atacantes'.

Atacante vs. Delantero

Mistake:Thinking they are completely different.

Correction: They are often used as synonyms in sports, though 'delantero' is slightly more common for the specific position on the field.

Choosing Between 'Delantero' and 'Atacante'

Learners often wonder if there's a significant difference between these two. For soccer, both are widely understood, but 'delantero' is the more precise term specifically for a soccer forward. 'Atacante' is also correct but can feel slightly more general.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.