The Longest Unbeaten Runs in Football of the 21st Century

Football is a sport defined by its unpredictability. Even the best teams in the world can fall to an underdog on any given day. That is why putting together a long stretch of games without defeat is such a remarkable achievement. The longest unbeaten runs in football are about more than just winning trophies — they showcase consistency, mentality, resilience, and the ability to overcome pressure week after week.

When Arsenal completed their famous unbeaten Premier League campaign in 2003/04, they earned the nickname “The Invincibles.” Yet, as legendary as that run was, it does not even crack the top 30 of the longest unbeaten streaks this century. Across continents, from Africa to Asia, Europe to South America, some teams have gone years without losing a domestic league match. In this article, we rank the top 10 longest unbeaten runs in football in the 21st century — starting from 10th place and working our way to number one.

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10. Pyunik – 59 Games (Armenia, 2002–2004)

Armenian football may not be as globally recognized as Europe’s major leagues, but FC Pyunik carved out an extraordinary record in the early 2000s. Between 2002 and 2004, Pyunik went 59 consecutive league matches without defeat.

Their dominance was built around a mixture of homegrown talent and foreign imports, with three different managers maintaining the team’s consistency throughout the run. Eventually, their streak came to an end against Zibmru, but by then, Pyunik had already established themselves as the undisputed kings of Armenia.

Key Fact: Pyunik’s 59-game unbeaten run remains one of the longest unbeaten runs in football history from a smaller European league.

9. Al-Hilal Omdurman – 60 Games (Sudan, 2016–2018)

Africa has seen several clubs dominate their domestic leagues, but none more so than Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan. From 2016 to 2018, they put together a remarkable 60-match unbeaten streak in league play.

Al-Hilal are no strangers to dominance; they had already posted another 57-game run earlier in the decade. However, their 60-game stretch cemented them as one of Africa’s most consistent teams. Playing in a league where travel, conditions, and competition can be unpredictable, Al-Hilal’s achievement speaks volumes about their strength.

Key Fact: Al-Hilal Omdurman holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in football on the African continent in the 21st century.

8. Levadia – 61 Games (Estonia, 2008–2009)

Between 2008 and 2009, Estonian side Levadia went on a near-perfect domestic run, avoiding defeat for 61 matches. What made this feat even more impressive was that they nearly went an entire season unbeaten, only suffering their first loss in the penultimate game of the campaign.

Though Estonia’s top flight is not considered among Europe’s strongest, maintaining focus and motivation across multiple seasons without slipping up is still remarkable.

Key Fact: Levadia’s run of 61 matches remains the highest in Baltic football and one of the longest unbeaten runs in football from smaller UEFA nations.

7. Sheriff Tiraspol – 63 Games (Moldova, 2006–2008)

Moldovan giants Sheriff Tiraspol are best known internationally for stunning Real Madrid in the 2021/22 Champions League group stage. Long before that, however, they established themselves as an unbeatable force domestically. Between 2006 and 2008, they went 63 league games unbeaten.

Sheriff’s domestic dominance was absolute during this period. They won multiple consecutive titles and had squads strong enough to brush aside nearly every Moldovan rival with ease. Their streak finally ended in 2008 at the hands of Zimbru.

Key Fact: Sheriff Tiraspol’s 63-game run remains one of the longest unbeaten runs in football by any club in Eastern Europe.

6. Al Ahly – 71 Games (Egypt, 2004–2007)

Al Ahly are often described as the most successful football club in the world in terms of total trophies. Their dominance in Egypt and Africa is legendary, and their 71-game unbeaten streak between 2004 and 2007 proves it.

With world-class African talents in their ranks, Al Ahly simply crushed domestic opposition for nearly three years. Even though Egyptian football is competitive, Al Ahly’s financial power, large fanbase, and quality players gave them an unshakable edge.

Key Fact: Al Ahly’s 71-match unbeaten run is the second longest in African football this century and one of the most iconic longest unbeaten runs in football worldwide.

5. Lincoln Red Imps – 88 Games (Gibraltar, 2009–2014)

The Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar may not be a household name globally, but their achievement is mind-blowing. Between 2009 and 2014, they went 88 league matches without losing, a streak that lasted almost five years.

This period coincided with Lincoln’s absolute dominance of the Gibraltar Premier Division, which they won 14 times in a row. Their 1,959-day unbeaten run is still considered the longest chronological league run in European football during the 21st century.

Key Fact: Despite being from one of Europe’s smallest leagues, Lincoln Red Imps hold the record for the longest unbeaten run in football in Europe this century.

4. Celtic – 56 Games (Scotland, 2016–2017)

Although not as long as others in terms of numbers, Celtic’s 56-game unbeaten run in 2016–17 under Brendan Rodgers holds special significance. They faced strong domestic rivals in Rangers and Aberdeen but simply blew everyone away, completing an unbeaten domestic treble in the process.

With Scott Brown leading the side and young stars like Moussa Dembélé and Kieran Tierney emerging, Celtic achieved a level of dominance rarely seen in modern football.

Key Fact: Celtic’s unbeaten treble season remains one of the most famous longest unbeaten runs in football from a top European league.

3. FC Porto – 58 Games (Portugal, 2020–2022)

Portugal’s FC Porto have a proud history, and unbeaten runs are nothing new for them. They achieved 53 and 55-game streaks earlier in the century, but their best came between 2020 and 2022, when they went 58 league games without defeat.

Led by Sérgio Conceição, Porto showcased a mixture of defensive solidity and attacking flair, overcoming strong competition from Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. The run helped Porto secure another domestic title and reaffirm their position as one of Europe’s most consistent sides.

Key Fact: Porto’s 58-match streak is the longest unbeaten run in football in Portuguese history.

2. Bayer Leverkusen – 52 Games (Germany, 2023–2024)

The most recent addition to the list, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen captured the footballing world’s imagination during the 2023/24 season. Not only did they go unbeaten in the Bundesliga to win their first-ever German title, but they also lifted the DFB-Pokal, completing a domestic double.

Leverkusen’s unbeaten run reached 52 games before Atalanta ended their hopes of a perfect treble in the Europa League final. Still, their achievement ranks among the best in modern European football.

Key Fact: Bayer Leverkusen’s 52-game streak is the longest unbeaten run in football in German history.

1. Lincoln Red Imps – 88 Games (Gibraltar, 2009–2014)

At the very top of the list is the Lincoln Red Imps once again, whose astonishing 88-game unbeaten run remains unmatched in the 21st century. Their achievement might not have come in one of the most prestigious leagues, but the sheer length of time without defeat — nearly five years — is staggering.

While their domestic dominance was unmatched, Lincoln Red Imps also gained global recognition in 2016 when they famously beat Celtic in a Champions League qualifier. Their unbeaten streak, however, remains their crowning achievement.

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Key Fact: Lincoln Red Imps’ run of 88 matches is officially recognized as the longest unbeaten run in football in the 21st century.

Full Table of Longest Unbeaten Runs in the 21st Century

Rank	Team	Country	Games	Duration
1	Lincoln Red Imps	Gibraltar	88	2009–2014
2	Al Ahly	Egypt	71	2004–2007
3	Sheriff Tiraspol	Moldova	63	2006–2008
4	Levadia	Estonia	61	2008–2009
5	Al-Hilal Omdurman	Sudan	60	2016–2018
6	Pyunik	Armenia	59	2002–2004
7	FC Porto	Portugal	58	2020–2022
8	Celtic	Scotland	56	2016–2017
9	Bayer Leverkusen	Germany	52	2023–2024
10	Zamalek/Stade Malien	Egypt/Mali	52	2002–2004, 2019–2021

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