Best season starts in football history: The greatest 13-game runs ever
Throughout football history, some teams have started their seasons at an almost unstoppable pace, sweeping aside opponents in every competition. Whether it was sheer dominance, tactical brilliance, or attacking flair, these clubs produced unforgettable runs that set the tone for their campaigns. From Newcastle’s magical 1990s start to Bayern Munich’s current perfection, here are the best season starts ever after 13 games in all competitions.
10. Newcastle United – 1995/96 (12 Wins)
Under Kevin Keegan’s charismatic leadership, Newcastle United took the Premier League by storm in the mid-1990s. Their attacking football, led by Les Ferdinand and David Ginola, earned them 12 wins in their first 13 matches and a goal difference of +30. St James’ Park became a fortress, and the Magpies looked destined for Premier League glory. Although they would eventually be overtaken by Manchester United, this thrilling start remains one of the most iconic in English football history.
9. FC Bayern Munich – 2020/21 (12 Wins)
Fresh off their treble-winning 2019/20 season, Bayern Munich continued their unstoppable momentum under Hansi Flick. The Bavarians opened the new campaign with 12 wins from 13 games and a +30 goal difference, playing with the same intensity that had brought them European glory. Robert Lewandowski was in world-class form, supported by Müller and Gnabry in attack. While the season brought challenges later, this blistering opening underlined Bayern’s global dominance.
8. FC Bayern Munich – 2015/16 (12 Wins)
Under Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich were a tactical masterpiece in 2015/16. The German giants stormed through their opening fixtures with 12 victories from 13 games and a +34 goal difference, showcasing their signature possession football and relentless pressing. Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski were unstoppable in front of goal, and the team’s precision left opponents hopelessly chasing shadows. This start epitomized Guardiola’s pursuit of perfection in every phase of play.
Read also: The Highest-Paid Players at RB Leipzig in 2025/26
7. Bayer Leverkusen – 2023/24 (12 Wins)
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen stunned Europe with a record-breaking opening to the 2023/24 season. They went unbeaten in their first 13 games, winning 12 and registering a +36 goal difference. Alonso’s fluid system, with Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface shining, made Leverkusen one of the most exciting sides in world football. Their confidence, creativity, and consistency made this start one of the most remarkable in Bundesliga history.
6. Manchester City – 2017/18 (12 Wins)
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City revolution began to take full shape in 2017/18. City started their campaign with 12 wins in 13 games and a +36 goal difference, playing football that was as beautiful as it was devastating. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Sergio Agüero formed the heartbeat of a side that dominated every opponent. This phenomenal start set the tone for their historic 100-point Premier League season—the first ever achieved in English top-flight history.
5. Paris Saint-Germain – 2017/18 (12 Wins)
PSG’s 2017/18 season began in spectacular fashion, with 12 wins from 13 matches and a +36 goal difference. The newly assembled attacking trio of Neymar, Mbappé, and Cavani terrorized defences with their pace and creativity. Under Unai Emery, PSG combined artistry with ruthless efficiency, playing a brand of football that captivated fans across the world. It was a sign that the Parisian club had entered a new era of dominance, both domestically and in Europe.
4. Real Madrid – 1928/29 (12 Wins)
Nearly a century ago, Real Madrid laid the foundation for their future greatness with an astonishing start to the 1928/29 season. They won 12 of their first 13 games and achieved a +38 goal difference—an extraordinary feat for the era. Madrid’s attacking superiority and technical excellence set them apart from the rest of Spanish football. This early show of dominance foreshadowed the winning mentality that would make them one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Read also: Golden boy web 2025: The most valuable nominees ranked
3. Paris Saint-Germain – 2018/19 (12 Wins)
PSG reached new heights in the early stages of the 2018/19 campaign under Thomas Tuchel. They produced 12 wins in their first 13 games and recorded an incredible +39 goal difference, overwhelming opponents week after week. Neymar and Mbappé were at their absolute best, playing with flair, speed, and precision that few teams could contain. This stunning run remains one of the most dominant openings to a season in modern European football.
2. AC Milan – 1992/93 (13 Wins)
In the early 1990s, Fabio Capello’s AC Milan were the benchmark for European excellence. The Rossoneri won all 13 of their first matches in the 1992/93 season, boasting a +32 goal difference built on tactical discipline and attacking precision. With legends like Marco van Basten, Franco Baresi, and Paolo Maldini leading the side, Milan combined artistry with efficiency. Their perfect start symbolized an era in which Milan ruled European football with authority.
1. FC Bayern Munich – 2025/26 (13 Wins)
The current Bayern Munich side has achieved perfection in the opening phase of the 2025/26 season. With 13 wins out of 13 and a +38 goal difference, they’ve set a new benchmark for dominance across Europe’s top leagues. Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern have found the perfect balance between attack and defence, with stars like Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane driving the charge. This historic start not only tops the list but could mark the dawn of a new golden era for the Bavarians.
Read also: The salary list of Al Nassr: Ranking of all players by annual salary (2025)
Read also: Winners and Losers from the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix
