text: how many players in the scoccer game?   each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team; this is usually seven. the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to handle the ball with his hands or arms, but is restricted to doing so within the penalty area in front of his own goal. though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a manager or coach, these positions are not defined or required by the laws.