Football has seen countless moments of brilliance, resilience, and pure madness over the years. However, some feats stand so far above the rest that they almost defy belief. These Unbelievable Records in Football are etched in history—not just for the statistical marvels they represent, but for the emotions and stories they carry. From jaw-dropping goal tallies to surreal red card counts, the beautiful game has it all. Below are the top 10 Unbelievable Records in Football you simply won’t believe actually happened.
Here are the Top 10 Unbelievable Records in Football History
1. Most League Appearances for One Club
Consistency and loyalty are rare virtues in modern football. But one man stood tall for nearly three decades.
Said Altinordu made an Unbelievable Record in Football by clocking 847 league appearances for a single club—Altinordu S.K., a Turkish football team. Between 1929 and 1956, he showcased unwavering loyalty, setting a standard that remains virtually untouchable. In an era where transfers dominate headlines, this Unbelievable Record in Football remains a monument to one-man-club loyalty.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Said Altinordu | 847 appearances | Altinordu S.K. | 1929 – 1956 |
ALSO READ:
2. Most Goals in a Single World Cup
Scoring in a World Cup is hard enough. Doing it 13 times in one edition is simply unreal.
In the 1958 FIFA World Cup, French striker Just Fontaine set one of the most Unbelievable Records in Football by scoring 13 goals in just 6 matches. No player has come close to breaking this Unbelievable Record in Football in a single tournament since. Fontaine’s sharp eye and impeccable timing made him an icon overnight.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Fontaine | 13 goals | France | 1958 |
3. Most Hat-Tricks Ever in Football History
To score three goals in one match is a feat. To do it 141 times? Simply astounding.
German forward Erwin Helmchen may not be a household name today, but his record of 141 hat-tricks is among the most Unbelievable Records in Football. Despite limited data from that era, historians agree his goal-scoring prowess was unmatched. This Unbelievable Record in Football is both a statistical and historical marvel.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erwin Helmchen | 141 hat-tricks | FV Brandenburg Cottbus, PSV Chemnitz, SG Chemnitz Nord, VfB Lübeck | 1923 – 1951 |
4. Longest Distance Goal Ever Scored
Sometimes, all it takes is a powerful boot and a gust of wind.
Goalkeeper Tom King of Newport County stunned the world when he scored from his own goal area. Covering 96.01 metres, it earned a Guinness World Record and a spot among the most Unbelievable Records in Football. The ball soared over everyone, bounced once, and nestled into the net—a true once-in-a-lifetime goal and definitely one of the most Unbelievable Records in Football.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom King | 96.01 metres | Newport County | 19th January 2021 |
5. Most Goals in a Calendar Year
When genius meets consistency, records tumble.
In 2012, Lionel Messi broke Gerd Müller’s longstanding record by scoring 91 goals for club and country in a single calendar year. It’s one of the most Unbelievable Records in Football, highlighting not only Messi’s finesse but his incredible endurance. Every goal came from a different context—La Liga, Champions League, international friendlies—making this Unbelievable Record in Football a complete showcase of versatility.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 91 goals | FC Barcelona | 2012 |
6. Most Goals in a Game
This isn’t a typo—it really happened.
In what was essentially a protest, Madagascar’s SO I’Emyrne scored 149 own goals against AS Adema, creating one of the most bizarre and Unbelievable Records in Football. Their dispute with officials led to the farcical scoreline, but it officially stands in football history. No other scoreline even comes close to this Unbelievable Record in Football.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Adema vs. SO I’Emyrne | AS Adema 149 – 0 SOE | N/A | 31st October 2002 |
7. Most Red Cards in a Game
Aggression spiraled out of control in Argentina.
During an Argentine 5th division match, 36 players and coaching staff were sent off after a mass brawl broke out. Referee Damian Rubino showed every player on both teams a red card, making it one of the most chaotic and Unbelievable Records in Football. Never before had a match descended into such pandemonium, and the record remains unmatched in terms of disciplinary breakdown.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claypole vs Victoriano Arenas | 36 red cards | N/A | 27th February 2011 |
8. Fastest Hat-Trick in Football
Goals in a flash.
In the Premier League, Sadio Mané scored a hat-trick in under 3 minutes against Aston Villa. This feat is widely regarded as one of the most Unbelievable Records in Football. His pace, precision, and awareness that day made defenders look like mere spectators. The clock confirms it: 2 minutes and 56 seconds of pure madness.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sadio Mané | 2 minutes 56 seconds | Southampton FC | 16th May 2015 |
9. Longest Unbeaten Run in Domestic League
Dominance that lasted years.
Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas went 108 matches unbeaten in their domestic league, from 1989 to 1994. This Unbelievable Record in Football stands as the longest undefeated streak in top-flight history. Whether it’s Europe, South America, or Africa, no club has matched this run of dominance. An Unbelievable Record in Football that truly speaks to tactical excellence and player development.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASEC Mimosas | 108 matches | Ivory Coast | 1989 – 1994 |
10. Most Career Goals in Football History
The debate rages on, but the numbers say it all.
While official figures vary due to era and documentation, Josef Bican is credited with 805+ goals, making it among the most Unbelievable Records in Football. A striker in the early-to-mid 20th century, Bican’s scoring consistency across leagues and countries makes his tally even more remarkable. It’s a number that continues to fuel debates, but one that undeniably belongs in this list of Unbelievable Records in Football.
| Record Setter | Record Figure | Team Played For | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josef Bican | 805+ goals | Rapid Vienna, Slavia Prague, and more | 1931–1955 |
FAQ’s
1. What is considered the most unbreakable record among the Unbelievable Records in Football?
One of the most unbreakable Unbelievable Records in Football is Just Fontaine’s 13 goals in a single FIFA World Cup in 1958. No player has come close to this feat in over six decades, making it a standout among the most Unbelievable Records in Football.
2. Has anyone come close to breaking Lionel Messi’s 91 goals in a calendar year?
While several top scorers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski have had prolific years, none have surpassed Messi’s 91 goals in 2012. This remains one of the most iconic Unbelievable Records in Football, showcasing unmatched consistency and brilliance.
3. Why was the 149-0 scoreline between AS Adema and SO I’Emyrne allowed to stand?
The match was a protest by SO I’Emyrne against refereeing decisions in previous games. Despite its controversial nature, it was officially recognized, adding to the list of Unbelievable Records in Football. It’s one of the most bizarre yet certified Unbelievable Records in Football in the sport’s history.
READ MORE:
