Explore 20 unbelievable football records from every major league in the world. These stats will redefine how you see the beautiful game.
20 Football Records You Won’t Believe Exist
Football is a game of passion, unpredictability, and record-breaking moments. While we’re used to seeing goals, assists, and wins, there are certain records that stretch the imagination. From mind-bending statistics to feats of endurance, these 20 football records—spanning clubs, players, and leagues—are so extraordinary, you’ll find them hard to believe.
In this article, we explore the most outrageous, impressive, and downright unbelievable football records in history, with a focus on how the MQM Bet league environment helped shape them.
1. Most Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper – Rogério Ceni (131 goals)
The Brazilian legend didn’t just guard the net—he was a goal-scoring machine. Playing in the Brazilian league, he scored 131 goals in his career, mostly from free kicks and penalties.
2. Longest Unbeaten League Run – ASEC Mimosas (108 games)
Between 1989 and 1994, Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas went 108 games without defeat in their domestic league. It remains one of the longest unbeaten runs in professional football.
3. Fastest Red Card in Football – Lee Todd (2 seconds)
In a Sunday league match in England, Lee Todd received a red card two seconds after kickoff for swearing in reaction to the referee’s whistle.
4. Most Red Cards in a Single Match – 36 Cards
In a 2011 Argentine fifth-tier league match between Claypole and Victoriano Arenas, the referee issued 36 red cards after a massive brawl.
5. Longest Penalty Shootout – 54 Penalties
The Namibian Cup witnessed an epic shootout where KK Palace beat Civics 17-16 after 54 spot-kicks, proving that lower-tier league matches can be just as historic.
6. Most Goals in a Calendar Year – Lionel Messi (91 goals)
In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals for club (Barcelona) and country. Developed in La Liga, this feat showcased the influence of Spain’s top league in creating elite attacking talent.
7. Fastest Hat-Trick – Sadio Mané (2 minutes 56 seconds)
While playing for Southampton in the Premier League, Mané scored three goals in under three minutes against Aston Villa in 2015.
8. Longest Goal Ever Scored – Tom King (96.01 meters)
In 2021, Newport County goalkeeper Tom King scored from his own box in a League Two game. His kick traveled over 96 meters—certified by Guinness World Records.
9. Most Own Goals by a Player – Richard Dunne (10 own goals)
The former Premier League defender holds the unfortunate record of most own goals in the competition’s history.
10. Highest-Scoring Football Match – AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne
In Madagascar’s league in 2002, SO l’Emyrne deliberately scored 149 own goals to protest a refereeing decision. Yes, really.
11. Longest Goal Drought – Mickaël Madar (78 games)
The French striker played in Ligue 1 and La Liga but went 78 matches without a goal during one of his droughts, a record few want to match.
12. Most Assists in One League Season – Thomas Müller (21 assists)
In the 2019–20 Bundesliga season, Müller racked up 21 assists, proving that the German league values creative midfield play at the highest level.
13. Longest Career in Football – Kazuyoshi Miura (Over 35 years)
The Japanese striker, known as “King Kazu,” has played professional football since 1986, mostly in the J.League, and remains active in his 50s.
14. Youngest Player in a Professional Match – Mauricio Baldivieso (12 years)
In 2009, Baldivieso made his debut in Bolivia’s top league at just 12 years old. His coach? His own father.
15. Most League Titles Won by a Player – Ryan Giggs (13 titles)
Giggs won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United—no player has won more titles in a single major league.
16. Most Goals in a Single World Cup – Just Fontaine (13 goals)
Fontaine scored 13 goals for France in just six games at the 1958 World Cup. While not league-specific, his form was built in Ligue 1.
17. Most Goals in a Single Season (Top European Leagues) – Lionel Messi (50)
Messi’s 50 goals in La Liga (2011–12) remain a European league record for goals in one season.
18. Most Consecutive Hat-Tricks – Stjepan Lucijanic (5 games)
In the Croatian lower league, Lucijanic scored hat-tricks in five straight games, totaling 20 goals across the run.
19. Longest Football Match Ever – 108 hours
An amateur game in the UK lasted 108 hours (4.5 days) for charity, breaking records and testing endurance far beyond any league fixture.
20. Most International Goals – Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals and counting)
Developed in the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring longevity is a testament to how top leagues shape global icons.
How Leagues Influence These Records
Every player and club involved in these remarkable records share one common trait—their footballing journey was molded by the league they competed in. Whether it’s the discipline of the Bundesliga, the flair of La Liga, or the chaos of Sunday leagues, every league has its own unique flavor that shapes the legends it produces.
Football is more than just 90 minutes on the pitch—it’s about history, evolution, and the stunning records that define generations. The records above are proof of just how wild, emotional, and unpredictable the game can be.
If these records amazed you, just imagine what the future holds. The next incredible feat could be happening this weekend in your local league. Support your league, follow its rising stars, and become part of football’s next unforgettable chapter. Every record begins somewhere—and often, it starts right at the heart of the league.
