What Is A False Nine In Football?

The False Nine And How It Works

A false nine. A position becoming increasingly less frequent in world football and not in most managers handbook either. Perhaps it is because of how difficult it can be to get right or because there just aren't many players that can play in a false nine. Some notable figures who played in a false nine in recent times have been Lionel Messi and Francesco Totti however, they are ever closer to retiring. The false nine is at risk of disappearing entirely.

The Ideal False Nine Scenario

In it's history, the false nine has typically been used in a 4-3-3 formation. The striker or number 9 as some people refer to it, would then drop in to become more of an attacking midfielder. It is the complete opposite to a traditional number 9, since they are making they are runs away from the goal, not towards it.

In an ideal sense the team would have two fast wingers or forward-thinking midfielders either side of the false nine so when they receive the ball, they are making their runs in behind the defence. Dropping into midfield makes it difficult for the opposition defender to decide if they should mark you tightly and leave space in behind, or drop off and give the false nine time to turn. It can be very effective against certain teams and iconic managers like Pep Guardiola have won many titles because of it.

We really went two full seasons playing with a False 9 and still won the league twice. pic.twitter.com/GFaWhBmTog

— Gold (@Goldco69) September 7, 2025

The Best False Nines In Recent Times

Lionel Messi - Yes Messi did play as a false nine during his time with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, a time when he was arguably the best player in the world. Messi used to collect the ball and run rings around 4 or 5 opponents before putting it in the back of the net. His intelligence to find small pockets of space in midfield and create something out of nothing meant he was a defenders nightmare.

Roberto Firmino - Not quite Messi standard, but Firmino was an unbelievable false nine. In Jurgen Klopp's system, he possessed everything a false nine needed. Having Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah around him was also a bonus as he constantly created chances with his positional play and passing. When Firmino left it was incredibly difficult for Liverpool to replace him.

Francesco Totti - Roma legend Totti had an elite passing game which was perfect for a false nine. He had played in a plethora of positions beforehand such as left wing and attacking midfield, yet Totti proved effective as a false nine. Under Luciano Spalletti, Totti contributed tremendously to Roma's attacking output by dropping in deep and picking out his teammates. It was even joked that Spalletti played a 4-6-0 formation since Totti used to drop so deep into midfield.

When Lionel Messi played as a false 9 for the first time 🔥

pic.twitter.com/kgHs91dwv9

— (Fan) Max Stéph (@maxstephhh) October 17, 2025

It Can Be A Hit And Miss

The false nine has won and lost titles. It can prove incredibly effective against oppositions that are not prepared for the overload in midfield. Having dynamic and clinical wingers next to the false nine can create so many goal-scoring opportunities. It can create havoc for defenders and leave lots of gaps in behind the defensive line. Additionally, it gives teams the freedom to dictate the play and retain possession of the ball by quickly bouncing off of the false nine. This can tire teams out that will be pressing for much of the game.

However, it can be a risky manoeuvre adopting a false nine into formations. It leaves an out and out striker to make any sort of runs in behind the defence. Especially against a better side where it could be harder to retain possession and the team might want to go long. Playing narrow can make the team take too much time on the ball and overcrowd the midfield area. The false nine has to have great awareness of their positioning.

The Future Of The False Nine

Now, it's a tough one to decide. The game is constantly changing, and so are the players that come out of academies. Not many players are now identifying themselves as false nines, and that is evident in how few there are in the present day. It is possible that the position could disappear entirely as the game evolves. Defences press high, and teams more than ever like a striker that can run in behind and exploit high lines. There is even talk that Football Manager could remove the false nine, as players rarely use the role. It will be an interesting one to watch for sure.