Football Basics
What Is a Clean Sheet in Football?
A clean sheet means a team finishes a match without conceding a goal.
The meaning
If a team wins 2–0, its goalkeeper and defence have kept a clean sheet. A 0–0 draw also gives both teams a clean sheet.
Why it matters
Clean sheets are commonly used when discussing defensive performances and goalkeeper records. They can also be relevant in fantasy football scoring systems.
It is a team statistic
A clean sheet is usually credited to the team, even though defenders and goalkeepers may receive individual recognition for contributing to it.
Example
If Team A beats Team B 1–0, Team A keeps a clean sheet because it did not concede. If Team B scores once, Team A no longer has a clean sheet.