Football never fails to surprise and shock fans worldwide. Nevertheless, amidst the countless goals scored, trophies lifted, and records shattered, there exist certain extraordinary facts that defy belief. From extraordinary feats on the pitch to bizarre events off it, the world of football is awash with stories that stretch the boundaries of imagination. In this collection, we present ten more unbelievable football facts that will leave you in awe and disbelief. Prepare to be astounded as we unravel the extraordinary tales that underscore the magic and mystique of the beautiful game.
Kevin de Bruyne has never won a Premier League Player of the Month Award
Despite being possibly the greatest Premier League midfielder of all time, KDB has never won a POTM award. He won’t mind, he’s got his five league titles and Champions League title, as well as being the Premier League Playmaker of the Season on three occasions. Still, it’s hard to believe someone as consistently brilliant as KDB hasn’t won it once.
Didier Drogba only averaged 11 Premier League goals per season
This is no slight on the Ivorian great, but Didier Drogba’s Premier League goal-scoring record may surprise some considering his legendary status. Despite his prowess in big games and crucial goals, Drogba’s average of 11 goals per season reflects his role as a team player who contributed in various aspects beyond scoring. Nonetheless, the streets won’t forget his 2009/10 season in which he scored 29 goals in 32 games. Baller.
Marcelo has never played in the Copa America
Marcelo, the dynamic Brazilian left-back, has notably never featured in the Copa America tournament. Despite being a key fixture in the Brazilian national team setup for many years, Marcelo’s absence from the Copa America squads remains a curious aspect of his international career. The reasons behind this omission vary from injuries, personal choices, or managerial decisions. Regardless of the reasons, Marcelo’s absence from the prestigious South American tournament stands as a unique footnote in his otherwise illustrious career representing Brazil on the international stage.
Inter Milan once won a Champions League knockout match with 14% ball possession!
In 2010, under the tactical mastery of none other than Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan executed one of the most remarkable defensive displays in Champions League history against Barcelona. In the semi-final second leg at Camp Nou, Inter stunned the footballing world by securing a 3-2 aggregate victory despite having just 14% possession. Mourinho’s tactical brilliance was on full display as his side absorbed relentless pressure from Barcelona, showcasing disciplined defending and deadly counter-attacks. Inter’s resilience and efficiency highlighted Mourinho’s pragmatic approach, ultimately leading them to claim a famous victory en route to winning the Champions League that season.
The Brazilian national team’s first-ever game was against Exeter City
In a historic encounter on July 21, 1914, the Brazil national football team played their inaugural match against English club Exeter City at the Fluminense stadium in Rio de Janeiro. As part of Exeter City’s tour of South America, this friendly fixture showcased Brazil’s emerging talent to the footballing world. Despite Exeter City’s status as a third-tier English club and their previous victories in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil surprised their opponents with a 2-0 win. Goals from Oswaldo Gomes and Osman in the first half marked Brazil’s triumphant debut, demonstrating their skill and technique against the favoured English side. This historic clash not only celebrated Brazil’s entry into international football but also highlighted the enduring connection between Exeter City and the birth of Brazilian football.
Tottenham are the only team to ever finish above a Pep Guardiola side (as manager) without winning the league
In very Tottenham fashion, they managed to finish above Pep Guardiola but didn’t quite win the league, the only team to ever do so. It happened in the 2016-17 season when despite Tottenham’s impressive performance, they ultimately fell short of winning the title, finishing in second place behind Chelsea.
Roy Hodgson started his managerial career the same season (1976-77) that a teenage Carlo Ancelotti made his professional debut for Parma.
This is a testament to Hodgson’s longevity as a top manager, only recently stepping down as Crystal Palace manager. While Hodgson embarked on his managerial journey, taking charge of Swedish club Halmstads BK, Ancelotti emerged as a promising talent, making his professional debut for Parma Calcio in Serie C1. This convergence of their respective careers reflects the vast opportunities and trajectories present in football. Hodgson’s transition into management coincided with Ancelotti’s emergence as a talented player, showcasing the interconnectedness and evolution of footballing careers across different roles and levels of the game.
St Johnstone are the only professional team in Britain with a ‘J’ in their name
A good bit of pub quiz trivia here, St. Johnstone Football Club stands as a unique entity in British professional football due to its distinctive name featuring the letter ‘J’. Founded in 1884 in Perth, Scotland, St. Johnstone FC takes its name from the local St. John’s Toun district where it was established. While many British football clubs are named after their respective towns or cities, St. Johnstone’s inclusion of the letter ‘J’ sets it apart from others.
Motherwell are the only non-Spanish winners of the Copa Del Rey. They beat Real Madrid in the final
Possibly the craziest fact of them all, Motherwell’s historic victory in the Copa del Rey, Spain’s premier domestic cup competition, remains a remarkable achievement in football history. This unexpected triumph occurred during the first season of the tournament in 1927, when Motherwell, a Scottish football club, participated as a guest team. Against all odds, Motherwell advanced through the tournament stages to reach the final, where they faced Spanish giants Real Madrid. In a stunning upset, Motherwell emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, securing the prestigious Copa del Rey title.
Three England captains have played for Scunthorpe, currently in the fifth tier of football
Scunthorpe United, currently competing in the fifth tier of English football, boasts the distinction of having had three England captains among its ranks. These players include Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence, and Ian Botham, all of whom donned the captain’s armband for their country during their illustrious careers. Keegan captained England from 1976 to 1982, leading the national team during a transformative period that included appearances in two World Cup tournaments and saw him become one of the country’s most revered football figures. Clemence, renowned for his goalkeeping prowess, served as England’s captain in 1982 during a distinguished international career that spanned from 1972 to 1983. Botham, known primarily as a first-class cricketer, also had a brief stint as England’s captain.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
