Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in association football (soccer) in the row nearest to the opposing team's goal, who are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals. This very advanced position and its limited defensive responsibilities mean strikers normally score more goals than other players; accordingly, strikers are often among the best-known and most expensive players in their teams.

Modern team formations usually include one to three forwards; two is most common. Coaches typically field one striker who plays in an advanced position, and another attacking forward who plays somewhat deeper and assists in making goals as well as scoring.

The former is often a tall striker, typically known as a target man, who is used to win long balls or receive passes and "hold up" the ball as team-mates advance, to help team-mates score by providing a pass ('through ball' into the box), or to score himself; the latter variation usually requiring quicker pace. Less frequently, some strikers operate on the wings of the field and work their way goalward.

The first striker: advanced forwards or target men

The centre forward, or an "out-and-out" striker, is normally the principal goal-scorer of a football team. Centre forwards act predominantly as "targets" or the focal point of an attack; it is the duty of the midfield to supply and to assist them to score.

Some centre forwards are goal poachers who tend to stay forward at all times and work in and around the penalty area to snatch goals, and are sometimes referred to proverbially as a "fox in the box". These strikers are known for their positional sense, excellent reflexes and finishing ability.

Other forwards may rely on their pace to latch on balls from outside the six-yard area, playing 'over the shoulder' of the last defender and trying to beat the offside trap.

Some forwards rely on their technical skills to create their own goalscoring opportunities, displaying excellent close control and dribbling ability to pierce through opposition defences.

Another group of centre forwards are known as "target men" and are usually of above-average height, with good heading ability. They hold the ball up and bring other players into the game, using their body strength to shield the ball while turning to score, and often scoring with the head from crosses. A target man might be asked to play without a strike partner, as a lone forward. Due to their aerial ability, these players are also often called upon to assist the defence when the opposition have a corner, or a free-kick in an advanced position.

A top striker may have the attributes to perform more than one of these roles.

The second striker: deeper lying attackers