Football facts that are hard to believe

The world of football has managed to produce a number of interesting facts throughout its history, with some a little harder to believe, especially given the modern era.

Here are just 10 facts that will blow the mind of those that are unaware they actually happened.

1. Mark Hughes played for Wales and Bayern Munich in the same day

Playing two matches of football can be unheard of, as many complain if they have to play two matches within one week. However, Mark Hughes had to play twice in what would be a rather long day that involved plenty of travel as well. First he would head to Prague and play for Wales against Czechoslovakia in a European Championship 1988 qualifying match that they need to win. He had only just signed for Bayern Munich and manager Uli Hoeness wanted him for the cup game against Borussia Monchengladbach in the evening. “I had dinner with Uli Hoeness who asked me what time the Wales match was,” he said. “I told him it was around midday and he said: ‘That’s OK then, you can play in the evening as well.’” Hoeness watched the game and then flew Hughes to the Bayern game in which he played the second half and helped Bayern to win. “We actually flew over the ground and missed the first half, but I got there at the start of the second half.”

2. Alvin Martin once scored a hat-trick against three different goalkeepers

Alvin Martin managed to score a hat-trick for West Ham United whilst playing against Newcastle in 1986. However, this was no ordinary hat-trick as the defender achieved it by scoring past three different goalkeepers. His first goal came against Martin Thomas, who was an actual ‘keeper but was forced off with an injury. Martin then scored against defender Chris Hedworth, who also injured himself meaning Peter Beardsley was next. The Hammers won 8-1. Getting odds on something like that to happen again, whether it be the scoreline of the fact that a hat-trick like that was scored, would take some doing, although that will not stop players from using casinos not on Gamstop to try and get the best odds available.

3. Every World Cup final between 1982 and 2014 had a player represent Bayern Munich

Nice bit of pub trivia here, as every World Cup final to have taken place between 1982 and 2014 has featured a player to represent Bayern Munich. Germany appeared in the 1982, ’86, ’90, ’02 and 2014 finals, while players such as Jorginho (Brazil in ’94), Bixente Lizarazu (France in ’98), Willy Sagnol (France ’06) and Arjen Robben (Netherlands ’10) have starred. The 2018 World Cup was the first not to feature a player, although both Ivan Persic and Benjamin Pavard both joined shortly after the event.

4. László Kubala is the only player to play for three countries (as recognised by FIFA)

Kubala managed to represent Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Spain during his playing days, as he was born to parents of Czech origin in Budapest. Alfredo Di Stefano managed to play for three nations as well – Argentina, Spain and Colombia – however the latter was not recognised by FIFA at the time in the 1950s.

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for six clubs that have won the Champions League, but he has never actually won the trophy himself

If your of the opinion that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a little too much and over the top by pronouncing himself in the third person, then this fact will likely appease you. The striker has been at Ajax, Barcelona, Inter, Juventus, Milan and Manchester United throughout his career, however he has yet to taste individual success when winning the UEFA Champions League.