The 10 worst teams in football history 🤢

In the world of football, where exploits, titles, and memorable achievements are often celebrated, there is also another side to the sport: that of teams who have made history… but for all the wrong reasons.

From national teams to amateur clubs, including entire seasons best forgotten, some squads have left an indelible mark in the game’s archives through disastrous performances, losing streaks, or humiliating defeat records.

This feature thus presents an overview of the worst teams in world football, from small outfits to fallen giants.

American Samoa at the very bottom

The biggest defeat in the history of the French national team took place in 1908, against Denmark (17-1). A heavy score, but far from the world record. That record dates back to 2001 and belongs to American Samoa, who lost 31-0 to Australia.

The laughingstock of the top five leagues

Lecce (13 points in 1993-1994), Tasmania Berlin (10 points in 1965-1966), Derby County (11 points in 2007-2008), Lens (17 points in 1988-1989), and Gijón (13 points in 1997-1998) each hold the record for the lowest points total in a season in one of the five major European leagues. We won’t be congratulating them.

A Ligue 1 season to forget for GF 38

In 2009-2010, Grenoble began its second consecutive season in the top division. The Isère team started the campaign with 11 straight defeats—a national record—and never managed to recover. They finished the season with more losses (25) than points (23).

A terrible drought for San Marino

In October 2020, the microstate ended a run of 40 consecutive defeats by drawing with Liechtenstein (0-0). The Sanmarinese hadn’t won in over 100 matches, their last victory dating back to 2004… once again against Liechtenstein, just for a change!

Ibis Sport Club, the worst club in the world?

The club gave itself this nickname, as you can read on its jersey ("Pior time do mundo"). The reason: endless losing streaks in the 1970s and 1980s, and above all a striking statistic noted in 2008. For its 70 years of existence, the club had scored… 62 goals. Less than one goal per year on average. Needless to say, Ibis features in the Guinness Book of Records. Everyone has their own pride.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.