What is Expected Goals (xG) in football?

Expected Goals (xG) measures the quality of a chance by calculating the likelihood it will be scored, using data from nearly one million historical shots. The scale runs from 0 (impossible to score) to 1 (certain goal).

What is the difference between a shot on target and shot off target?

A shot on target is a deliberate attempt to score that would go into the goal if not saved or blocked. A shot off target misses the goal entirely. Shots hitting the frame count as off target unless they go in.

What types of football stats are covered in this guide?

This guide covers 90+ official Opta football statistics across 9 categories: Goals & Shots (xG, shooting accuracy), Passing & Assists (key passes, xA), Ball Control & Movement (dribbles, carries), Defending (tackles, interceptions), Set Pieces (corners, free-kicks), Duels & Physical contests, Fouls & Discipline, Sequences & Possession, plus miscellaneous stats.

What is the difference between progressive passes and regular passes?

Progressive passes are completed passes in the attacking two-thirds that move the ball at least 25% closer to the goal, measuring forward progression and attacking intent. Regular passes include all attempted deliveries between teammates, regardless of direction or advancement towards goal.

📊

Football Stats Explained

Your complete guide to understanding football statistics. Learn Expected Goals (xG), passing metrics, defensive stats and more with official Opta definitions.

Official Opta Definitions

90+ Football Stats

Beginner to Advanced

🎯Quick Navigation

Search Football Stats

Frequently Asked Questions

All football statistics definitions are sourced from official Opta documentation. For the complete technical specifications, visit Opta Football Stats Definitions and Stats Perform Opta Event Definitions.

Ready to Apply Your Football Stats Knowledge?

Now that you understand football statistics, explore real player and team data across 100+ leagues worldwide using these same metrics.

📊Explore Player Stats 🏆View Team Stats ⚽Live Football Data

Football Stats Explained

🎯Quick Navigation

GoalbasicGoals & Shots

Goal

Shot On TargetbasicGoals & Shots

Shot On Target

Shot Off TargetbasicGoals & Shots

Shot Off Target

Blocked ShotintermediateGoals & Shots

Blocked Shot

Shot ConversionintermediateGoals & Shots

Shot Conversion

Shooting AccuracyintermediateGoals & Shots

Shooting Accuracy

Big ChancesintermediateGoals & Shots

Big Chances

Big Chance MissedintermediateGoals & Shots

Big Chance Missed

Expected Goals (xG)advancedGoals & Shots

Expected Goals (xG)

Goal/Shot LocationintermediateGoals & Shots

Goal/Shot Location

Body Part for Goals/ShotsbasicGoals & Shots

Body Part for Goals/Shots

Pattern of PlayintermediateGoals & Shots

Pattern of Play

Goal AssistbasicPassing & Assists

Goal Assist

Fantasy AssistadvancedPassing & Assists

Fantasy Assist

Second AssistintermediatePassing & Assists

Second Assist

Key PassintermediatePassing & Assists

Key Pass

Chance CreatedintermediatePassing & Assists

Chance Created

PassbasicPassing & Assists

Pass

Pass CompletionbasicPassing & Assists

Pass Completion

Progressive PassintermediatePassing & Assists

Progressive Pass

CrossintermediatePassing & Assists

Cross

Expected Assists (xA)advancedPassing & Assists

Expected Assists (xA)

Through BallintermediatePassing & Assists

Through Ball

Chipped PassintermediatePassing & Assists

Chipped Pass

Headed PassintermediatePassing & Assists

Headed Pass

LaunchintermediatePassing & Assists

Launch

Flick-onintermediatePassing & Assists

Flick-on

Pull-backintermediatePassing & Assists

Pull-back

Lay-offintermediatePassing & Assists

Lay-off

Tap PassbasicPassing & Assists

Tap Pass

SequencesadvancedSequences & Possession

Sequences

PossessionsintermediateSequences & Possession

Possessions

Build-up AttacksadvancedSequences & Possession

Build-up Attacks

Direct AttacksadvancedSequences & Possession

Direct Attacks

Open-Play Sequence InvolvementintermediateSequences & Possession

Open-Play Sequence Involvement

Shot-Ending Sequence InvolvementintermediateSequences & Possession

Shot-Ending Sequence Involvement

TouchesbasicBall Control & Movement

Touches

Touch/Unsuccessful TouchbasicBall Control & Movement

Touch/Unsuccessful Touch

Dribble/Take-onintermediateBall Control & Movement

Dribble/Take-on