Football never fails to amaze and captivate fans worldwide. Yet, amidst the countless goals scored, trophies lifted, and records shattered, there exist certain extraordinary facts that defy belief. From remarkable feats on the pitch to bizarre occurrences off it, the world of football is replete with stories that push the boundaries of imagination. In this compilation, we present ten astonishing 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.
1. Dundee United have a 100% win record against Barcelona
Dundee United holds the remarkable record of winning every match they’ve played against Barcelona. And they’ve played four times. Despite Barcelona’s global reputation and dominance in European football, Dundee United has managed to emerge victorious in every encounter between the two teams, creating an intriguing anomaly in football history.
2. A national team managed by a foreign coach has never won the World Cup
Surprisingly, no national team led by a foreign coach has ever clinched the prestigious FIFA World Cup title. Despite the increasing globalisation of football and the influx of foreign coaches leading various national teams, this remarkable fact underscores the significance of homegrown leadership in achieving success on the world stage. Maybe this is why the Italian Carlo Ancelotti snubbed the Brazilian football federation, instead signing a new deal with Real Madrid.
3. The Swiss national team is the only team ever to be eliminated from the World Cup without conceding a single goal
Switzerland holds the unique distinction of being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup without conceding a single goal. In 2006, Switzerland topped their group without conceding before crashing out in the next round after a 0-0 draw led to penalties.
4. Since 1982 at least one Bayern player has been in the starting line-up in every World Cup final
Bayern Munich‘s influence extends to the grandest stage of international football, with at least one Bayern player featuring in the starting lineup of every FIFA World Cup final since 1982. This consistent presence reflects the club’s status as a perennial powerhouse and its ability to produce top-tier talent. In 2022, it was Dayot Upamecano and Kingsley Coman who continued the long-standing streak. With Bayern having top talents from Germany, England, France, Portugal, and more, you could expect this tradition to continue for years to come!
5. AC Milan won Serie A by scoring just 36 goals
In 1993/94, AC Milan won the league with just 36 goals scored. They didn’t score three goals once in the entire season. They only conceded 15 goals and they won 1-0 nine times! That year, Udinese and Atalanta both scored just one goal less than Milan, and they were both relegated.
6. Theo Walcott has scored more Champions League goals than R9
Believe it or not, Walcott has scored more CL goals than R9, one of the greatest strikers of all time. Walcott scored 15 times in the competition with Arsenal, R9 only ever managed 14!
7. Liverpool’s 2018/19 team lost 4x more games in the Champions League (4) than in the Premier League (1) that season and yet they won the CL and came runners-up in the PL…
Liverpool’s contrasting performance in the Champions League and Premier League during the 2018/19 season exemplifies the unpredictability of football. Liverpool lost three times in the group stage alone and also faced a heavy defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp, yet they persevered and won the competition. In the league, they only lost once to Manchester City. Due to the dominance of City, they lost out. The Sky Blues won their last 14 games consecutively and pipped Liverpool to the league by a singular point.
Phillip Lahm once went an entire year without committing a foul… he’s a right-back!!!
Philipp Lahm’s exceptional discipline and technical proficiency are epitomised by his remarkable feat of going an entire year without committing a foul, despite playing as a right-back. This extraordinary display of clean and composed defending underscores Lahm’s status as one of football’s all-time greats in his position.
25% of Jack Wilshere’s Premier League goals won the Goal of the Season award
Jack Wilshere’s impressive knack for scoring spectacular goals is highlighted by the fact that a quarter of his Premier League goals have won the prestigious Goal of the Season award. Wilshere won the award in consecutive seasons in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Just thinking about that goal against Norwich is enough to get any football fan excited. If you don’t know, open up YouTube right now! Baller.
No English manager has ever won the Premier League
Despite the rich history and tradition of English football, no English manager has ever lifted the Premier League trophy. This fact serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and barriers faced by English coaches in asserting their dominance at the highest level of domestic football. As it stands, the winners are two Scots, four Italians, a Spaniard, a Portuguese, a Chilean, a Frenchman, and a German legend.
Keep up with all the live football scores and news on the 365Scores website!
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
