noun
Used in sports contexts for a player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
彼はサッカーのディフェンダーとして活躍している。
He is active as a soccer defender.
フォワード is an attacking player, while ディフェンダー is a defensive player.
ゴールキーパー is a specialized defender who guards the goal directly.
Loanword from English 'defender'.