FOOTGlossary › Goal difference
Definition
Goal difference
Goals scored minus goals conceded — a season-long strength measure and league tiebreaker.
Why it matters
GD tracks true team strength better than points over a season (points compress near the table's edges), which is why standings on our match pages show it alongside points.
GD vs ratings
Our model uses results-based ratings rather than raw GD, but the two agree often; big gaps between a team's points and its GD usually correct over the season.
FAQ
What does +12 mean?
The team has scored twelve more goals than it conceded.
Is GD used to separate teams?
In most leagues it is the first tiebreaker after points, ahead of head-to-head or goals scored depending on the competition.