Soccer is known for its intense action, competitive edge, and often low-scoring matches. But there are some games where the scoreboard kept climbing, creating unforgettable highest scoring soccer games that left fans amazed. In this article, we’ll dive deep into these record-breaking matches and explore how they happened, what they meant, and the impact they had on the world of soccer. From legendary professional games to surprising amateur matchups, let’s look at the highest scoring soccer games in history.
Soccer is typically low-scoring, but a few matches have shattered this norm with staggering scorelines. The highest-scoring soccer game ever was AS Adema’s 149-0 victory over Stade Olympique de l’Emyrne, where an unprecedented number of own goals led to this massive tally. Other matches include Plateau United Feeders’ 79-0 win against Akurba FC and Police Machine FC’s 67-0 defeat of Bubayaro FC, both raising allegations of match-fixing. In more legitimate games, Vanuatu triumphed 46-0 over Micronesia, and Arbroath set a Scottish Cup record with a 36-0 victory against Bon Accord. These games showcase how extreme soccer scores can get in certain competitions.
The Record-Breaking Soccer Matches That Changed History
The world of soccer has seen some extraordinary games where goals poured in from start to finish. These matches are unique not only for their scores but also for the stories behind them. Many of these games broke records, while others sparked controversy. In some cases, these high scores were a result of match fixing incidents, unique situations, or one team’s dominance. Below, we cover the most astonishing, highest scoring soccer games ever recorded.
1. AS Adema 149-0 Stade Olympique de l’Emyrne
The game between AS Adema and Stade Olympique de l’Emyrne in Madagascar holds the record for the highest score in a professional soccer game. The match ended in an incredible 149-0 scoreline. This wasn’t a regular high-scoring game but rather a protest by Stade Olympique de l’Emyrne, who intentionally scored own goals to protest a referee’s decision in a prior match. This led to a shocking score of 149 goals without AS Adema having to do much. The Malagasy league match created history but also drew attention for its strange circumstances. The own goals protest set a world record that remains unbeaten.
2. Plateau United Feeders 79-0 Akurba FC
In Nigerian football history, few games are as notorious as Plateau United Feeders’ 79-0 win over Akurba FC. This extraordinary score was part of a match fixing incident in Nigeria’s lower leagues. Teams were competing for promotion, and several matches showed suspiciously high scores on the same day. Both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine FC (another team involved in a similar scoreline) were later banned by the Nigerian Football Federation due to these irregularities. The incident highlighted the need for stronger oversight in Nigerian soccer.
3. Police Machine FC 67-0 Bubayaro FC
Police Machine FC’s 67-0 victory over Bubayaro FC was another shocking result in Nigeria. This game, similar to the Plateau United match, showed signs of match manipulation as part of an attempt to secure promotion. With such a massive scoreline, it brought widespread attention to the need for transparency and regulation in the Nigerian football history. Following the scandal, the Nigerian Football Federation took action against all involved clubs.
4. Vanuatu 46-0 Micronesia
In the Pacific/Olympic Game Qualifiers, Vanuatu defeated Micronesia with a score of 46-0. This game, held as part of the regional qualifiers, was one of the highest-scoring games in international competitions. Micronesia was new to competitive soccer and faced challenges against experienced teams. The high score highlighted the skill gap and created a memorable moment in the Pacific Olympic Game Qualifiers. Such matches also raise questions about the need for more balanced competition formats in international events.
5. Arbroath 36-0 Bon Accord
In Scottish Cup history, Arbroath’s 36-0 win over Bon Accord stands as one of the highest scores recorded. Played in 1885, this match saw Arbroath crush their opponents, with individual players scoring multiple goals. Interestingly, on the same day, another game between Dundee Harp and Aberdeen Rovers ended with a similarly high score of 35-0. Both matches marked a memorable day in Scottish Cup history and set records that stood for generations.
6. Dundee Harp 35-0 Aberdeen Rovers
Dundee Harp’s 35-0 win over Aberdeen Rovers happened on the same day as the Arbroath vs. Bon Accord match, creating one of the highest-scoring days in soccer history. This Scottish Cup match in 1885 saw Dundee Harp score continuously, overpowering Aberdeen Rovers. The 35 goals scored by Dundee Harp made it an unforgettable match that showcased their dominance. It remains a historic example of one-sided soccer games.
7. Australia 31-0 American Samoa
The FIFA World Cup qualifier between Australia and American Samoa in 2001 saw Australian forward Archie Thompson score a record 13 goals, leading to a 31-0 victory. This game highlighted the vast difference in skill levels between the two teams. Australia dominated from the start, setting a world record for the highest score in a FIFA-recognized match. The game brought international attention to the challenges faced by smaller soccer nations and led to reforms in FIFA’s qualification structure.
8. Tahiti 30-0 Cook Islands
In the Pacific region, Tahiti’s 30-0 win over the Cook Islands stands out as one of the most significant victories. This game, played in 1971, is remembered for the lopsided scoreline and the impressive skill displayed by the Tahiti team. It’s a well-known example in the Pacific/Olympic Game Qualifiers of how experience and training can make a difference in soccer. Tahiti’s remarkable score remains one of the region’s highest-scoring games.
9. Villareal 27-0 Navata
In a friendly match, Villareal CF defeated Navata with a score of 27-0. Though not a competitive game, this score showed Villareal’s skill against an amateur team. Such friendly matches occasionally result in high scores due to differences in experience, with Villareal using the game as a warm-up. The result isn’t part of official records but is notable in Villareal’s club history.
10. Preston North End 26-0 Hyde United
In FA Cup history, Preston North End’s 26-0 victory over Hyde United in 1887 remains a legendary game. This match showed Preston’s strength and is one of the highest scores in English FA Cup history. It was a display of exceptional skill, where Hyde United could not match Preston’s level. This game is one of the early examples of overwhelming soccer scores in FA Cup history.
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| Ranking | Teams | Score |
| 1 | AS Adema vs Stade Olympique | 149-0 |
| 2 | Plateau United Feeders vs Akurba | 79-0 |
| 3 | Police Machine FC vs Bubayaro | 67-0 |
| 4 | Vanuatu vs Micronesia | 46-0 |
| 5 | Arbroath vs Bon Accord | 36-0 |
| 6 | Dundee Harp vs Aberdeen Rovers | 35-0 |
| 7 | Australia vs American Samoa | 31-0 |
| 8 | Tahiti vs Cook Islands | 30-0 |
| 9 | Villareal vs Navata | 27-0 |
| 10 | Preston North End vs Hyde United | 26-0 |
Iconic High-Scoring Soccer Games in Recent History
High-scoring games aren’t limited to historical matches; some recent games have also shown remarkable scores. In the Premier League, one standout game was Nottingham Forest’s 1-8 loss to Manchester United, showcasing United’s dominance. Similarly, AC Milan had a famous 5-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, leaving a lasting legacy in European soccer. These games highlight how the excitement of high-scoring matches continues to capture fans’ attention.
Another memorable match is Barcelona’s 8-0 away win in La Liga – an impressive achievement done multiple times in league history. Liverpool’s 8-0 win over Besiktas in the Champions League remains one of the biggest victories in European competitions. These games show the thrill and unpredictability that high-scoring games bring to the sport.
Memorable High-Scoring Games in FA Cup History
The FA Cup has seen some unforgettable high-scoring games throughout its storied history. One of the most famous is Preston North End’s 26-0 victory over Hyde United in 1887. This match remains a milestone in FA Cup history as one of the highest-scoring games in the tournament. In addition to Preston North End’s victory, the FA Cup has witnessed other notable games with double-digit scores, such as Tottenham Hotspur’s 13-2 win over Crewe Alexandra in 1960. These historic scores highlight how the FA Cup has provided a platform for underdog teams to compete against stronger clubs, sometimes leading to memorable mismatches.
While high scores are less common today in professional FA Cup matches, these older games remain part of English soccer history. The legacy of these matches reflects the tournament’s long-standing tradition of competitiveness and unpredictability. Such high scores are rare but serve as reminders of the FA Cup’s unique character and charm.
Unusual Scores in Champions League and Europa League
The Champions League and Europa League are usually known for tight, highly competitive games, but a few matches have resulted in surprising scores. For instance, Liverpool’s 8-0 win against Besiktas in the Champions League still holds the record for the largest win margin in the competition. This game in 2007 showcased Liverpool’s remarkable dominance and offensive prowess. Another memorable game in the Champions League was Real Madrid’s 8-0 victory over Malmo in 2015, where Real Madrid’s attack overwhelmed their opponents.
In the Europa League, Villarreal CF set a record with their 27-0 victory over Navata in a pre-season friendly. Although not an official competitive match, this game demonstrated Villarreal’s skill and set a high standard for the team. These games are rare in top European competitions but add a unique chapter to each league’s history, showing how extraordinary scores can occur even in the world’s top tournaments.
Other Notable High-Scoring Soccer Matches in World History
Around the world, soccer has produced high-scoring games beyond just the well-known leagues. For example, MTK Budapest defeated Magyar AC with an astounding 20-0 scoreline in the Hungarian league, showcasing a major skill gap between the teams. Similarly, Kansas City Chiefs defeated Philadelphia Eagles with a high score in Super Bowl LVII, although in American football, demonstrating that high scores across sports captivate audiences.
Another standout game was Real Madrid’s 11-1 win over Barcelona in La Liga during the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo. Though this match was marred by controversy, it still ranks as one of the highest-scoring games between two rival clubs in European soccer history. Games like these, whether in domestic leagues or international tournaments, continue to fascinate fans with their unexpected high scores.
The Impact of High-Scoring Matches on Teams and Fans
High-scoring matches have a unique impact on both teams and fans. For teams, these games can boost morale or, in the case of a heavy loss, serve as a catalyst for change. Victories with large margins often reflect a well-coordinated attack, a confident playing style, and the ability to capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses. On the other hand, being on the losing side of a high-scoring game can highlight areas that require improvement and sometimes lead to coaching or tactical changes.
For fans, high-scoring games are thrilling and memorable. They keep spectators on the edge of their seats and often create unforgettable moments. Some fans appreciate the excitement of a high score, while others feel that such games can diminish the competitiveness of the sport. Whether fans view them as a spectacle or a deviation from traditional soccer, high-scoring matches remain a big part of soccer’s appeal.
Why High-Scoring Matches Are Rare in Professional Soccer
High-scoring matches are rare in professional soccer due to the emphasis on balanced team structures, strong defenses, and tactical planning. Professional teams generally focus on maintaining solid defenses and creating well-timed offensive opportunities, which limits excessive scoring. Coaches and players work extensively on strategies to prevent opponents from scoring, which often results in low or moderate scores in professional games.
Moreover, high-scoring games are often a result of mismatched teams, such as a highly skilled team playing against a weaker one, which is more common in amateur and local leagues. In professional settings like the Champions League or Premier League, the level of competition is much closer, making it less likely for teams to score excessively. This balance in skill and strategy makes high-scoring games rare but significant when they do occur.
How Match Fixing Incidents Have Led to High-Scoring Games
Match fixing incidents have played a role in some of the highest-scoring games in soccer history. In Nigeria, for example, both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine FC were involved in games with incredibly high scores—79-0 and 67-0, respectively—due to alleged match-fixing. These scores were part of attempts to secure promotion through manipulated results. The Nigerian Football Federation took swift action, banning both clubs and others involved in similar practices. These match fixing incidents not only disrupt the integrity of the game but also create results that are unnatural and unfair.
Similar incidents have been reported worldwide, often tarnishing the reputation of clubs and players. Match fixing remains a major issue, with governing bodies implementing strict policies to prevent it. In cases where matches are suspected of being fixed, investigations are launched to preserve the sport’s integrity. Although high-scoring games can be thrilling, those resulting from manipulation do little for the sport’s reputation and are quickly condemned by soccer authorities.
The Role of Skill Disparities in High-Scoring Games
Skill disparities are a significant factor in high-scoring games. When a highly skilled team competes against a much weaker opponent, it can lead to lopsided scorelines. This often happens in international tournaments or early rounds of knockout competitions, where professional teams face amateur or semi-professional teams. For instance, Australia’s 31-0 win over American Samoa in a FIFA World Cup qualifier reflected the difference in training, resources, and experience.
At the domestic level, similar scorelines are seen when top clubs face amateur teams, as was the case with Villareal CF’s 27-0 victory over Navata. These matches highlight the challenges of balancing competition in knockout tournaments and serve as reminders that skill gaps in soccer can create unforgettable, albeit uneven, results.
Famous Players in High-Scoring Games
Some famous players have left their mark on high-scoring games. Australian forward Archie Thompson is a notable example, scoring a record 13 goals in Australia’s 31-0 victory over American Samoa. Thompson’s performance not only set a world record but also made him a celebrated figure in Australian soccer. His record-breaking effort demonstrated the impact a single player can have in a match, especially against a weaker opponent.
In European competitions, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have contributed to memorable high-scoring games, often leading their teams to victory. These players have the ability to change a game’s dynamics and score multiple goals in one match, creating unforgettable moments. High-scoring games often bring out the best in talented players, allowing them to display their skills and make history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while soccer is known for its tight defenses and low-scoring nature, certain matches have made history with incredible scorelines. Games like AS Adema’s 149-0 victory and Vanuatu’s 46-0 triumph against Micronesia stand out as remarkable outliers in the sport. These matches not only highlight the rare occurrences of high-scoring games but also remind us of the unpredictability and drama soccer can bring. Whether due to skill, circumstance, or controversy, these games will always be remembered in the sport’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-scoring game in Premier League history?
The highest-scoring Premier League game was Portsmouth’s 7-4 win over Reading.
What is the highest aggregate score in soccer history?
The AS Adema 149-0 win holds the world record for the highest score in a single game.
Who holds the world record for most goals scored in a single game?
The record for most goals by a player in one game is held by Australian forward Archie Thompson, with 13 goals.
What is the highest score in men’s soccer history?
AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne was an association football match played on 31 October 2002 between two teams in Toamasina, Madagascar.
“Amelia Morris, a seasoned sports enthusiast and writer, brings her passion for all things athletic to the forefront as an author on SportivePulse. With years of blogging experience under her belt, Amelia expertly crafts engaging content that delves into the world of sports, sharing in-depth analysis, compelling stories, and captivating insights. Her dedication to delivering top-notch sports coverage makes her a standout contributor on our platform.