Football—also known as soccer in some regions—is the world’s most beloved sport, followed by billions across continents. With a rich history that spans more than a century, the game has produced legendary players, jaw-dropping moments, and incredible records. Some of these achievements are so monumental that they’ve earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
1. Lionel Messi: Most Goals for a Single Club
In December 2020, Lionel Messi set a monumental Guinness World Record for the most goals scored for a single club—Barcelona FC. He surpassed the legendary Pelé, who had scored 643 goals for Santos FC.
-
Record: 672 goals
-
Club: FC Barcelona
-
Years Active: 2004–2021
This record is not only impressive in number but also showcases Messi's loyalty, consistency, and footballing genius over nearly two decades.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Most International Goals Scored
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, holds the record for the most international goals scored in men’s football.
-
Record: 128 goals (as of June 2025)
-
National Team: Portugal
-
Years Active: 2003–present
Ronaldo broke Iran’s Ali Daei record of 109 international goals and continues to extend his tally with each match. His ability to deliver consistently on the world stage has secured his place in the footballing hall of fame.
3. Fastest Hat-trick in Football
The fastest hat-trick in professional football was scored by Sadio Mané of Senegal, during his time at Southampton FC in the English Premier League.
-
Record: 2 minutes 56 seconds
-
Match: Southampton vs. Aston Villa (2015)
-
Competition: English Premier League
This record remains one of the most exciting moments in Premier League history and showcases the sheer unpredictability of football.
4. Most Goals Scored in a Calendar Year
Once again, Lionel Messi holds the Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a calendar year.
-
Record: 91 goals
-
Year: 2012
-
Breakdown: 79 goals for Barcelona, 12 for Argentina
Messi shattered the previous record of 85 goals set by Gerd Müller in 1972. This phenomenal feat highlighted Messi’s unstoppable form and confirmed his place among football’s elite.
5. Longest Unbeaten Run by a Club
Italian giants AC Milan held the record for the longest unbeaten run in top-flight football until Steaua Bucharest (Romania) surpassed them.
-
Record: 104 unbeaten matches (1986–1989)
-
Team: Steaua Bucharest
-
Competition: Romanian First League
This unbeaten run is a testament to the team's dominance and cohesion during a golden era of Romanian football.
6. Oldest Goalscorer in a Professional Match
Football isn’t just for the young. Japanese legend Kazuyoshi Miura, nicknamed "King Kazu," became the oldest goalscorer in a professional match.
-
Age: 50 years, 14 days
-
Date: March 12, 2017
-
Team: Yokohama FC
-
Competition: J-League (Japan)
His longevity and passion for the game have made him a global icon and inspiration to aspiring footballers.
7. Longest Goal Scored
In 2013, Asmir Begović, a goalkeeper for Stoke City in the Premier League, scored the longest goal ever recorded in football.
-
Distance: 91.9 meters (301 feet 6 inches)
-
Time: 13 seconds into the match
-
Opponent: Southampton FC
This unusual and wind-assisted goal was verified by Guinness World Records and is one of the rarest achievements in football.
8. Most Goals in a Single World Cup Tournament
Just Fontaine of France holds the record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA World Cup.
-
Goals: 13
-
Year: 1958 FIFA World Cup (Sweden)
Despite playing only one World Cup, Fontaine’s explosive scoring power remains unmatched.
9. Fastest Red Card in Football
The fastest red card ever issued in football was to Lee Todd just 2 seconds after the game started.
-
Reason: He said "F*** me, that was loud" after the referee's whistle
-
Date: October 2000
-
Team: Cross Farm Park Celtic
Though humorous, it stands as an official Guinness World Record and a cautionary tale!
10. Most Attended Football Match
The most attended football match in history was held in the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil.
-
Attendance: 199,854 spectators
-
Match: Brazil vs. Uruguay
-
Event: 1950 FIFA World Cup Final
This staggering figure remains unmatched and highlights the unifying power of the sport.
11. Most Football Matches Played
Peter Shilton, the legendary English goalkeeper, holds the Guinness World Record for most professional football matches played.
-
Matches: 1,390
-
Clubs: Leicester City, Stoke City, Southampton, and others
-
Years Active: 1966–1997
His career spanned three decades, emphasizing his durability and skill.
12. Fastest Goal Scored in Football
Nawaf Al-Abed of Saudi Arabia scored a goal 2.4 seconds into a match in 2009, one of the fastest goals recorded in professional football.
However, this record is often debated due to verification challenges, but Guinness lists the fastest goal in an international match as:
-
Hakan Şükür (Turkey) – 11 seconds vs. South Korea (2002 FIFA World Cup)
13. Most Goals in a Single Match (Individual Player)
The record for most goals scored by a player in a single match is held by Stephan Stanis:
-
Goals: 16 goals
-
Team: Racing Club de Lens
-
Year: 1942
Though played during wartime, this record has stood for decades.
14. Most Goals in a Single Club Season
Dixie Dean set the English record for most goals in a single league season:
-
Goals: 60
-
Team: Everton
-
Season: 1927–28
This record still stands in the English top flight and remains untouched for nearly 100 years.
15. Longest Penalty Shootout
The longest penalty shootout in professional football occurred in 2005 in the Namibian Cup.
-
Shootout Score: KK Palace 17–16 Civics
-
Total Penalties Taken: 48
This match tested nerves, stamina, and mental focus—highlighting football's unpredictable drama.
16. Youngest Professional Footballer
Mauricio Baldivieso made his professional debut at the tender age of 12.
-
Team: Club Aurora (Bolivia)
-
Date: July 19, 2009
Managed by his father, this record highlights extraordinary youth talent in football.
17. Highest Scoring Match
The highest-scoring professional football match was:
-
Score: AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne
-
Country: Madagascar
-
Date: October 31, 2002
SO l’Emyrne scored own goals in protest against refereeing decisions. While controversial, it stands in Guinness history.
Conclusion
Football is not just a sport; it's a spectacle filled with history, passion, and unthinkable achievements. The Guinness World Records in football capture the magic and unpredictability of the game, celebrating both individual brilliance and collective feats.
These records not only inspire current players but also ignite the dreams of future generations. From Messi’s brilliance and Ronaldo’s consistency to the wildest goals and longest matches, football continues to surprise us every day.
0 Comments