Why We Love a Good Underdog There’s nothing quite like football when David beats Goliath. Whether it’s a last-minute winner or a miracle season, underdog stories fuel our love for the game. They remind us that passion, grit and belief can sometimes outmatch billions in transfer budgets.
1. Leicester City 2015/16 – The Impossible Dream Arguably the greatest underdog tale in Premier League history. Starting the season at 5,000/1 odds to win the title, Leicester defied every expectation. Under Claudio Ranieri, Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kanté inspired a once-in-a-lifetime run that stunned the world. They didn’t just win the league – they dominated it.
2. Wigan Athletic’s 2013 FA Cup Win Managed by Roberto Martínez, Wigan pulled off a shock 1-0 win over Man City in the FA Cup Final thanks to a late header by Ben Watson. Days later, they were relegated from the Premier League, adding bittersweet drama to their fairytale run.
3. Portsmouth’s 2008 FA Cup Triumph In financial freefall behind the scenes, Portsmouth still managed to lift the FA Cup in 2008 under Harry Redknapp. With a squad including Sol Campbell and Nwankwo Kanu, their 1-0 win over Cardiff remains one of the final big wins before the club’s decline.
4. Brentford’s Rise from League One to Premier League Using data analytics and shrewd recruitment, Brentford climbed through the football pyramid. Their 2021 promotion marked the end of a 74-year wait to return to top-flight football. Since then, they’ve held their own and earned wins over top-six clubs.
Fan Reactions & Legacy Each of these stories brought unforgettable joy to their fans and helped shape modern football narratives. From betting coups to goosebump-inducing moments, they’re proof that in football, nothing is impossible.
Underdog stories remind us why we fell in love with football. They’re unpredictable, emotional, and prove that anyone can rise to the top.
