'goalkeeper' originates from the combination of 'goal' and 'keeper', where 'goal' refers to the target area in sports and 'keeper' means someone who guards or protects.

'goalkeeper' evolved from the Middle English word 'gol' and 'kepen', eventually becoming the modern English word 'goalkeeper'.

Initially, it meant 'someone who keeps the goal', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.