In the world of football, going unbeaten is a remarkable achievement that highlights a team’s consistency, resilience, and dominance. Throughout the history of European football, several clubs have managed to string together impressive unbeaten runs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
This article delves into the most notable unbeaten streaks in European football history, showcasing the teams that defied the odds and achieved greatness. From Milan’s legendary squad in the early 1990s to Celtic’s enduring record from over a century ago, we explore the stories behind these extraordinary feats and celebrate the teams that set the standard for invincibility.
List made by sholynationsport.com
10. Milan (1991-92) – 42 matches
Milan boasted some truly wonderful sides across the 1990s, but few matched their sensational 1991/92 team. After suffering defeat to Bari in May 1991, the Rossoneri embarked on a streak of 42 games without tasting defeat. Milan went the entirety of the 1991/92 league season unbeaten, clinching the Scudetto and only losing to Juventus in April 1992 in the Coppa Italia semi-final. With stars like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, and the Dutch trio of Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, and Marco van Basten, defeats were rare.
9. Ajax (1995-96) – 42 matches
Ajax’s streak began at the end of the 1994/95 season, a campaign in which they lost only once in the KNVB Cup. This sensational side, featuring Edwin van der Sar, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, and Patrick Kluivert, achieved Champions League glory. Their unbeaten run ended in January 1996 with a 1-0 league defeat to Willem II. Ajax still won the Eredivisie comfortably and reached another Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Juventus.
8. Juventus (2011-12) – 43 matches
Juventus’ unbeaten streak began under Antonio Conte, who sparked a revolution in Turin. After finishing seventh the previous season, Juve went unbeaten in Serie A during the 2011/12 campaign, claiming their first title since the 2006 Calciopoli scandal. Their streak ended with a 2-0 loss to Napoli in the Coppa Italia final.
7. Rangers (1992-93) – 44 matches
Rangers’ 44-game unbeaten run spanned the 1992/93 season, ending in March with a defeat to Celtic. The Gers won a treble, including the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup, with Ally McCoist leading the charge. They also went unbeaten in the Champions League group stage.
6. Dinamo Zagreb (2014-15) – 45 matches
Dinamo Zagreb’s 45-match unbeaten run began during the 2014/15 season and continued into the next. They won the league and cup double, with their first defeat of the 2015/16 season coming against Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.
5. Rijeka (2016-17) – 45 matches
Rijeka matched Dinamo Zagreb’s record of 45 games unbeaten across two seasons. Despite a loss to Lokomotiva in the league, they won the Croatian Cup final against Dinamo, securing a brilliant double.
4. Benfica (1963-65) – 48 matches
Led by Eusebio, Benfica’s unbeaten run spanned two seasons, reaching 48 matches. They won three trophies during this period, including two Portuguese first division titles and one Taca de Portugal, adding to their legacy as two-time European champions.
3. Bayer Leverkusen (2023-24) – 51 matches
Xabi Alonso’s side not only ended Bayern’s reign of terror in the Bundesliga, they did so by becoming the first side to finish a season unbeaten in the competition en route to their first ever Meisterschale.
They managed an incredible 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions fuelled by late goals and a never-say-die attitude, which included reaching the Europa League final.
However, that’s where their incredible run finished, with a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the final keeping them waiting for their first piece of European silverware since 1988.
2. Union Saint-Gilloise (1933-35) – 60 matches
Union Saint-Gilloise’s pre-Second World War streak saw them go 60 games unbeaten, winning three first division titles. Their run, featuring 44 wins and 16 draws, ended on 3 February 1935.
1. Celtic (1915-1917) – 62 matches
Celtic holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in European football history, with a 62-game streak spanning domestic games. Including charity cup matches, their record extends to 66 matches.
Notable Invincible Seasons Worldwide
Leverkusen added their name to a lengthy list of clubs to have gone unbeaten in a domestic league season, joining Arsenal (2003/04), Porto (2010/11 and 2012/13), and Rangers (2020/21).
In Africa, Al Ahly are the kings of invincibility, with seven unbeaten league seasons. Johor D.T. of Malaysia achieved back-to-back unbeaten seasons in 2022 and 2023. In South America, Penarol of Uruguay has seven unbeaten campaigns, six of which came between 1949 and 1975.
