Highest Score in Football Game: 149-0 Record Explained

By Sarah Miller · May 22, 2027

The highest recorded score in a football game is 149-0, achieved in a 2002 Malagasy Pro League match between AS Adema and Stade Olympique de L'Emyrne in Madagascar. This result stands as the most lopsided professional football match in history, recognized by Guinness World Records.

Understanding the Highest Score in Football History

The record for the highest score in a football (soccer) game belongs to a match played on October 31, 2002, in Antananarivo, Madagascar. AS Adema defeated Stade Olympique de L'Emyrne (SOE) 149-0 in what became known as one of the most bizarre events in sports history. This was not due to superior skill, but rather a protest tactic by SOE players.

Why Did the Score Reach 149-0?

The extreme scoreline was the result of a deliberate protest by SOE players. Disputing refereeing decisions in previous matches and league management, SOE decided to sabotage their own performance. Instead of competing normally, they repeatedly scored own goals as an act of defiance.

Players intentionally kicked the ball into their own net from kickoff.
No defensive effort was made throughout the match.
The referee allowed play to continue, as there was no rule violation.
The event was officially sanctioned, making the result valid.

Historical Context of High-Scoring Football Matches

While 149-0 is the highest official score, other high-scoring games have occurred under different circumstances, including colonial-era matches, youth games, or matches involving amateur teams.

Famous High-Scoring Games Before 2002

Prior to the Madagascar incident, some notable high scores included:

Arbroath 36–0 Bon Accord (1885): A Scottish Cup match often cited as one of the first extreme scorelines.
Portugal 10–0 South Korea (1966 World Cup): The largest margin of victory in World Cup history.
Australia 31–0 American Samoa (2001): A FIFA-sanctioned international qualifier with legitimate competitive intent.

Official vs. Unofficial High Scores

It's important to distinguish between officially recognized matches and informal or exhibition games. Only matches sanctioned by national or international football associations are considered valid for records.

Criteria for Valid Football Matches

Sanctioned by a FIFA-affiliated association
Played under standard Laws of the Game
Refereed by certified officials
Includes full match documentation

Match	Date	Competition	Score	Location
AS Adema vs SOE	October 31, 2002	Malagasy Pro League	149–0	Antananarivo, Madagascar
Arbroath vs Bon Accord	September 12, 1885	Scottish Cup	36–0	Arbroath, Scotland
Australia vs American Samoa	April 11, 2001	World Cup Qualifier	31–0	North Sydney, Australia
Portugal vs South Korea	July 17, 1966	FIFA World Cup	10–0	Liverpool, England
New Zealand vs Fiji	June 11, 1982	OFC Nations Cup	13–0	Auckland, New Zealand

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while several high-scoring matches exist, the 149-0 result is an outlier driven by protest rather than competition. In contrast, matches like Australia’s 31–0 win over American Samoa reflect genuine disparities in team strength at the international level. The 1885 Arbroath match remains historically significant as the first widely reported extreme score.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Score in Football

What is the highest score ever in a professional football match?

The highest score in a professional football match is 149–0, recorded in a 2002 Malagasy Pro League game between AS Adema and Stade Olympique de L'Emyrne. This result was due to a protest where SOE players deliberately scored own goals.

Is the 149-0 football score real or a myth?

Yes, the 149–0 score is real and officially recognized. It occurred on October 31, 2002, in Madagascar and is documented by FIFA and Guinness World Records as the highest score in a sanctioned football match.

Has any team ever scored 100 goals in a single football game before?

No team has ever scored 100 goals in a football game through normal gameplay. The only instance of a triple-digit score is the 149–0 result in Madagascar, which resulted from a protest involving deliberate own goals, not competitive scoring.

What is the highest score in international football history?

The highest score in an official international football match is 31–0, when Australia defeated American Samoa on April 11, 2001, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier. This remains the largest margin of victory in international football.

Why did SOE players score so many own goals?

SOE players scored 149 own goals as a form of protest against perceived unfair refereeing and league mismanagement. Their intention was to draw attention to corruption and poor officiating, not to compete in the match.