libero en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈlɪbəɹəʊ/ (UK)
- (Southern-England) audio
- /ˈlɪbəɹoʊ/ (US)
- /lɪˈbɛɹoʊ/ (US, nonstandard)
Etymology
From Italian libero (literally “free one”). So called because he has no direct opponent to mark and is therefore free to join in the offensive. The volleyball use is younger.
Meanings
-
A central defender to whom no forward is assigned for marking, forming the last line of defence and often initiating the offensive play.
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser”, Beckenbauer was as elegant as he was dominant, and such was his assurance in possession that he came to master the modern sweeper role, or libero. More so, he is credited with creating it.
2024 January 8, Sachin Nakrani, “Franz Beckenbauer, World Cup-winning captain and manager, dies aged 78”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
- A designated back-row player intended to be used as a ball-control specialist.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| liberos | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
Translations (21)
et libero (volleyball player) · sv libero (football player) · et vabakaitsja (football player) · pl libero (football player) · ru либеро (volleyball player) · pt líbero (volleyball player) · fi libero (volleyball player) · pl libero (volleyball player) · fr libéro (volleyball player) · fr libero (volleyball player) · el λίμπερο (football player) · sv libero (volleyball player) · ca defensa lliure (football player) · nl libero (football player) · de Libero (volleyball player) · de Libero (football player) · el ελεύθερος (football player) · fi libero (football player) · cmn 自由人 (volleyball player) · fr libero (football player) · fr libéro (football player)