Like any sport, football has its fair share of surprises, but some matches are more unpredictable than others. These games not only left the audience flabbergasted but also resulted in huge losses to bookmakers across the globe. From miraculous comebacks to underdog victories out of Serie A, these matches have turned the football world upside down. In this list, we are going to look at five unforgettable football games that made bookmakers log off the bookies. Let’s get started!
Leicester City’s Title-Winning Season (2015-2016)
The dramatic events of the 2015-2016 Premier League season are well-known and remembered in football betting history. The 5000/1 underdog Leicester City used their astonishing comeback from near-relegation to secure the championship title. For bookmakers, this win was not simply a shocking event but a huge financial loss.
Very few supporters bet on Leicester, and most only did so for leisure, anticipating the team to struggle. A number of people began to dream when the squad’s performance started getting better. One gambler placed a £20 bet, which resulted in a staggering £100,000. Reports suggest that by the end of the season, the bookmakers lost upwards of GBP 25 million, thanks to Leicester’s unanticipated performance. This is one of the largest losses sustained in betting history.
Liverpool vs. AC Milan – Champions League Final (2005)
Liverpool scoring three goals in the final fifteen minutes of the match was truly remarkable, considering the state of things during halftime. AC Milan had a commanding three-goal lead that left Liverpool fans heartbroken and bettors ecstatic. During the first half of the match, everyone was confident AC Milan would be walking away with the win. Bettors quickly wagered against Liverpool, assuming the prospects for victory were dim from where they stood.
The ending of the match and the performances from both sides were astonishing. Liverpool won 3-0, leaving the match on even terms. The match was truly a combination of extreme triumph on Liverpool’s end and shocking despair for AC Milan and the bookmakers. Many people who chose to bet on Liverpool at halftime made some serious money, with payouts being reported as high as 350-1. To this day, this match will go down in history as one of the most extraordinary comebacks in the realm of football.
Germany 7-1 Brazil – World Cup 2014
The 2014 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and Germany is unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Brazil, the host country and five-time world champions, were the obvious favorites. There was the most money on a Brazil win, but almost no one expected Germany to win by such a landslide.
Then, after that, there was pure and utter chaos. Germany scored five times within the first 29 minutes and then won 7-1. The shocking margin of victory caused bookmakers to lose massively. One bettor even claimed to have put €200 on Germany winning by six goals, which allowed him to take home a whopping €20,000. Not only did this match destroy Brazil’s reputation, but it also turned into a disaster for sportsbooks since they had to pay out so many people.
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich – Champions League Final (1999)
The final match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League is known for having one of the most astonishing and dramatic finishes to any football game. Bayern Munich claimed to dominate the proceedings of the match and were leading 1-0 until the final 90th minute. Many who used sports betting services were already in celebration and anticipating Bayern’s victory.
Remarkably, United managed to score two goals during the injury time of the game, resulting in a win of 2-1 over their rivals. United fans who placed late bets were fortunate since this was a match where, previously, United’s chances of winning were considered very low. A particular fan who placed a £50 bet at 80/1 on United’s victory made a whopping £4,000 from the match. The game became one of the most legendary moments in United’s history and one of the most regrettable moments for bookmakers globally.
Greece’s Euro 2004 Victory
Greece’s chances of winning the Euro 2004 tournament commenced at 150/1; as such, they were considered heavy underdogs. Experts did not expect them to go past the group stage, let alone succeed later on. As the tournament progressed, Greece managed to defeat multiple top-tier teams within Europe, such as France, the Czech Republic, and Portugal.
During the finals, Greece faced Portugal, where they were expected to perform better. Greece managed to take the win 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Angelos Charisteas through a header. With all the bets placed against Greece, bookmakers managed to face immense losses. One of the Greek fans who placed €500 on Greece winning the tournament had his pockets filled, walking away with €75,000. Greece continues to remain one of the most surprising ‘winners’ in football.
Betting Shocks We’ll Never Forget
We wouldn’t trade for anything reminiscent of the shocking matches above because they remind us why we love football in the first place. The emotions, drama, and excitement of the game are unmatched and captivating to both fans and gamblers. But for bookmakers, these occurrences serve as a stern reminder that even the surest bets can be catastrophic. From Leicester’s fairy tale season to Liverpool’s miracle in Istanbul, these games will live on eternally as the paragon of the reason why football is the undisputed champion of sports. And for bettors, these events serve as examples that sometimes, trusting the impossible truly yields dividends!
