The research progresses of phosphate sorption and desorption on common soil minerals are reviewed. The sorption characteristics of phosphate on mineral surface are affected by pH, ionic strength, temperature, reaction time, mineral type, and so on. Generally, the amount of phosphate adsorbed on the surface of mineral increases with decreasing pH and is less affected by ionic strength. The sorption kinetics of phosphate on the mineral surface can be divided into rapid sorption and slow sorption processes, and microporous diffusion processes exist on weakly crystalline minerals. Phosphate desorption on mineral surface usually has two stages (initial rapid desorption and subsequent slow desorption), and even re-sorption occurs in the later stage of desorption reaction. In addition, coexistence of anions or metal cations in multiple systems also affects the sorption of phosphate on minerals. Coexisting anions (ligands) affect phosphate sorption through site competition, electrostatic interaction and steric hindrance. The sorption of phosphate on minerals is decreased by the presence of natural organic matter (e.g., humic acid and fulvic acid), especially at low pH. In general, the effects of the fulvic acid are more effective than humic acid in reducing phosphate sorption on minerals. When metal cations coexist, the sorption of phosphate and metal on the mineral surface could be promoted by surface electrostatic effects, formation of ternary complexes, and formation of surface precipitates. Finally, hot spots are proposed for future researches related to the sorption of phosphate on mineral surfaces.