In the world of football, there are always favorites, the teams with the star-studded lineups and deep pockets, expected to lift trophies and dominate leagues. But every now and then, a team comes along that defies the odds, outplays expectations, and captures the hearts of fans around the world. These are the underdogs, the teams that make history not because of their status, but because of their incredible journey and resilience. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic underdog stories in football history, where determination, teamwork, and passion triumphed over all odds.
One of the most unforgettable underdog stories in modern football came in the 2015-2016 Premier League season when Leicester City stunned the footballing world by winning the title. Predicted by most to fight relegation, Leicester defied expectations, finishing at the top of England’s elite league. Under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, Leicester played a brand of football that was simple yet incredibly effective. With the pace of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy’s clinical finishing, the Foxes took down bigger, more financially powerful clubs week after week. Their remarkable rise to the top became one of football’s greatest fairy tales, proving that with the right blend of talent, belief, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.
Similarly, the 2004 Greek national team’s victory at the UEFA European Championship was another triumph of the underdog spirit. Managed by German coach Otto Rehhagel, Greece entered the tournament as heavy outsiders, with little history of international success. Yet, they played with unmatched determination, discipline, and defensive solidity, knocking out the likes of France, the defending champions, and Portugal, the host nation, on their way to securing their first major international trophy. The Greek side’s victory was a testament to the power of tactical organization and the belief that teamwork can triumph over individual brilliance.
In the world of club football, another remarkable underdog story took place in the 2000s, when FC Porto, under the management of José Mourinho, won the UEFA Champions League. Porto had always been a strong team in Portugal, but few expected them to go all the way in Europe’s premier competition. Mourinho’s tactical brilliance and the team’s collective spirit, led by stars like Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, saw them defeat the best teams on the continent. Porto’s triumph in the 2003-2004 Champions League not only shocked Europe, but also solidified Mourinho’s reputation as one of the best young managers of his generation.
On the global stage, the 2018 World Cup offered another underdog story in the form of Croatia. While the Croatian national team had some talented players, they were not considered among the favorites for the tournament. Yet, under the leadership of Zlatko Dalić, Croatia produced a series of brilliant performances, eventually reaching the World Cup final. Players like Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mario Mandžukić delivered stellar performances that propelled Croatia all the way to the final, where they narrowly lost to France. Despite the defeat, Croatia’s run was nothing short of historic, as they became the smallest nation to ever reach a World Cup final, and Modrić went on to win the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
Going back in time, one of the most iconic underdog moments came in the 1980s when Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Brian Clough, conquered Europe. Forest had only recently been promoted to the top division of English football when they embarked on a remarkable European Cup run in 1979. In what can only be described as one of the greatest achievements in club football, Forest defeated the likes of Malmö FF and then-powerhouses such as Liverpool and Hamburg to lift the prestigious European Cup. This achievement was even more extraordinary considering Forest had never before participated in the competition, and Clough’s management made them an unstoppable force in European football.
In the same vein, the 1992 Denmark national team’s victory at the UEFA European Championship remains a fairy tale that football fans will never forget. Denmark weren’t initially even supposed to compete in the tournament, as they had failed to qualify. However, they were invited to take the place of war-torn Yugoslavia, and with their backs against the wall, the Danish Dynamite squad delivered a series of brilliant performances, including a shocking victory over reigning champions the Netherlands in the semifinals. They went on to defeat reigning champions the Netherlands in a penalty shootout before besting Germany in the final to lift their first major international trophy.
Across South America, there’s another example of an underdog story with Chile’s triumph in the 2015 Copa América. While the nation had consistently been competitive, they had not yet been able to break the barrier and win South America’s top prize. Led by manager Jorge Sampaoli, Chile played with relentless intensity, attacking flair, and a commitment to teamwork that saw them overcome footballing giants like Argentina and Brazil. Their victory in the final, after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Argentina, marked a historic achievement for the country and cemented their status as a rising footballing power.
These stories are a powerful reminder that football is not just about star players, money, and big names—sometimes it’s about the heart, spirit, and determination of a team that comes together against all odds. Whether it’s a club lifting a long-awaited trophy or a national team achieving an unlikely victory, these underdog stories inspire fans around the world and remind us that in football, anything is possible. The magic of the game lies not only in the expected but also in the incredible moments when the underdogs rise to the occasion and make history.
Translated from: تعاقدات كادت تهز العالم.. أهم صفقات التي فشلت في الميركاتو الشتوي.
