Fans are only just realising why it's called a 'clean sheet' when a goalkeeper doesn't concede a goal

While most football fans will know what a clean sheet is, it is likely only the most devoted soccer aficionado would be able to tell you exactly why a goalkeeper not conceding a goal is referred to as that.

Football is a funny game. With an ever-changing rulebook, a whole host of nicknames and technical terms, and pundits throwing up new sayings and phrases every week, it can be hard to keep up to date with the most popular sport on Earth.

But, if you ever wondered where the term 'clean sheet' comes from, you're in safe hands here as we explain the origins of the phrase.

Getting the basic stuff out of the way first, a clean sheet is when a goalkeeper, or indeed the defence as a whole, manage to go a whole game without conceding a goal.

Simply put, you cannot lose a game of football if you keep a clean sheet, and it's something defensive players crave more than anything. Attackers want goals and assists, defenders and keepers want to stop their opponents scoring at any cost.

As for the source of the clean sheet saying, you have to go back in time to a period before the kinds of tecnhology we have today.

Alisson hasn't been nominated for the top award (Image: Getty)

In the earlier days of the sport, sports reporters used to take notes on the game they were watching using paper to record the scoreline. You see where this is going, right?

If your team did not concede a goal throughout a match, the lovely white sheet of paper they were using was kept clean and empty, and from there the term clean sheet was born.

Now, of course, scorelines, and indeed every minute detail of a football match, are recorded on cameras and computers. But, were it not for the simpler times of old, we would not have the term clean sheet at all.

Various items including a lighter were thrown at Courtois during Real Madrid's fiery clash with Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty)

The phrase may be almost as old as the game itself, but its value is higher than ever, as teams chase crucial points to win titles or stay in their respective division.

Now, use this information and go and impress your mates at the pub with your vast knowledge of the beautiful game.