Soccer

Ten more CRAZY football facts that you won’t believe are true!

Photo of Nicky Nicky17/11/2024 - 08:18 am
Football Lore - Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane celebrate France's World Cup win
(FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Football is a sport that never ceases to amaze us with its rich history, astonishing records, and remarkable stories. While many fans are familiar with iconic moments and legendary players, there are countless lesser-known facts that are just as incredible. In this article, we delve into ten unbelievable football facts that will leave you astounded and deepen your appreciation for the beautiful game.

1. Ryan Giggs Has More Premier League Titles Than Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City combined

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs boasts an incredible 13 Premier League titles—the most by any player in history. Astonishingly, this means Giggs alone has more Premier League winners’ medals than Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City who between them have secured the title twelve times since the league’s inception in 1992. This fact highlights not only Giggs’ longevity and consistency but also the dominance of Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

2. Pelé Is the Only Player to Win Three Football World Cups

Brazilian icon Pelé stands alone as the only footballer to have won the FIFA World Cup three times, achieving this historic feat in 1958, 1962, and 1970. His unparalleled success on football’s biggest stage cements his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. No other player has matched this record, underscoring Pelé’s unique place in football history.

Pele is a football icon
(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

3. The Fastest Goal in World Cup History Was Scored in 10.8 Seconds

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Turkey’s Hakan Şükür etched his name into the record books by scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history. In the third-place playoff against South Korea, Şükür found the net just 10.8 seconds after kickoff. This lightning-fast goal remains unmatched in the tournament’s storied history.

4. Lev Yashin: The Only Goalkeeper to Win the Ballon d’Or

In 1963, Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, known as the “Black Spider” for his acrobatic saves and all-black attire, became the first and only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or. Renowned for revolutionizing the goalkeeping position with his aggressive style and leadership, Yashin’s achievement highlights the rarity of goalkeepers being recognized among football’s elite.

5. Aston Villa Won the European Cup with Only English Players

In 1982, Aston Villa clinched the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) with a squad composed entirely of English players. They are the only team to have won the competition with all players eligible for the same national team. This remarkable feat reflects a bygone era before the globalization of club football.

6. Sir Alex Ferguson Was Once Sacked Before Joining Manchester United

Before becoming the most successful manager in English football history with Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson was sacked by Scottish club St. Mirren in 1978. Interestingly, this is the only time Ferguson was ever dismissed from a managerial position. His subsequent achievements are a testament to his resilience and exceptional managerial skills.

7. The Longest Penalty Shootout Ended 17-16 After 48 Kicks

In 2005, a Namibian Cup match between KK Palace and Civics resulted in the longest-recorded penalty shootout in football history. After a marathon of 48 penalty kicks, KK Palace emerged victorious with a 17-16 scoreline. The shootout showcased incredible endurance and nerve from both sets of players.

8. Brazil Is the Only Country to Play in Every World Cup

Since the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, Brazil is the only nation to have participated in every single tournament. Their consistent qualification and exceptional performances have solidified Brazil’s reputation as a football powerhouse, with a record five World Cup titles to their name.

Brazil are famous for football
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

9. The Highest-Scoring Professional Match Ended 149-0

In 2002, Madagascar’s AS Adema defeated SO l’Emyrne 149-0 in a match where the losing team intentionally scored own goals in protest against a refereeing decision. This match set the record for the highest scoreline in professional football and remains one of the sport’s most bizarre and controversial moments.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimović Has Won League Titles in Four Countries but Not the Champions League

Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović has won domestic league titles in the Netherlands (Ajax), Italy (Inter Milan and AC Milan), Spain (Barcelona), and France (Paris Saint-Germain). Despite his success and prolific goal-scoring record, he has never won the UEFA Champions League—a notable gap in an otherwise illustrious career.

Football Legend - Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky17/11/2024 - 08:18 am