false nine

American  

[fawls nahyn] / ˈfɔls ˈnaɪn /

Or false 9

noun

false nines plural

1. Soccer. a center forward player who drops back into the midfield to receive the ball, creating space and opportunity for teammates further up the field by drawing the opposing team’s defense out of their positions.

---

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• false nines
  plural

Example Sentences

Foden was deployed as a false nine against Japan but made little impression before Tuchel brought on striker Dominic Solanke in the 59th minute.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

He should not be criticised for failing to shine as a false nine against Japan because it is a role he is unfamiliar with.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Hence why we're seeing this new formation again, with the interchange and false nine.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was trialled as a false nine and did not have a good night but Tuchel has said this window has provided him "more clarity" than questions about his side.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Wirtz, a £116m signing from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, filled a unfamiliar false nine role against Milan with Nunez and Diaz missing and new signing Ekitike not ready to play.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025