Football’s wildest truths that sound totally fake
A recent roundup of unlikely football records has reignited debate among supporters, after Goal shared a collection of statistics that appear unbelievable at first glance.
According to Goal, the examples range from individual controversies to club milestones, each one verified by historical records and competition data.
The list moves across eras and competitions, drawing attention to moments that blur the line between trivia and sporting legacy.
Bizarre comparisons
One of the most talked about claims dates back to 2014, when footballers were statistically more likely to be bitten by Luis Suarez than by a shark. The comparison reflects a year overshadowed by the striker’s disciplinary cases on the pitch.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2016 campaign also stands out. During that calendar year, he collected more trophies than he suffered defeats, highlighting silverware won with Real Madrid and Portugal.
Another early achiever was Kaka. Before reaching the age of 26, he had already secured the Ballon d’Or, the UEFA Champions League, the World Cup and a domestic league crown.
Unusual distinctions
The compilation further notes that Neymar received La Liga’s Player of the Month award before Lionel Messi ever did, despite Messi’s long spell as Barcelona’s central figure.
Jose Mourinho produced one of the most remarkable managerial streaks in modern football. He avoided defeat at home in league competition for nine consecutive years, doing so with four different clubs in four separate leagues.
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Lionel Messi has also carved out a unique place in awards history, becoming the only player to win the Ballon d’Or across three different decades.
Historic club feats
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo are credited with scoring in every single minute of a standard football match over the course of their careers, from the opening minute to the 90th.
Chelsea’s domestic record carries an ironic twist. The club has experienced relegation from the top division more times than it has lifted the Premier League trophy.
Nottingham Forest’s European success remains one of the game’s great surprises. The club claimed back to back European Cup titles in 1979 and 1980, giving them more Champions League triumphs than Manchester City, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur combined, according to Goal.
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Sources: Goal
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