footballer [footballers](one who plays football) noun [UK: ˈfʊt.bɔː.lə(r)] [US: ˈfʊt.bɔːr.lər]John is an old footballer. = John è un vecchio calciatore.
forward [forwards](player nearest to the opposing soccer team) noun [UK: ˈfɔː.wəd] [US: ˈfɔːr.wərd]