Sports

The most epic comebacks in sports

Explore the most astonishing and memorable sports comebacks in history. Discover iconic moments where teams and athletes defied the odds, from football to basketball and baseball. Relive unexpected victories and dramatic turnarounds that have captivated fans worldwide. This collection celebrates resilience, determination, and the unbreakable spirit in sports.

660100% verified
  1. 1

    Barcelona's comeback against PSG (6-1)

    33 Global Votes
    • FC Barcelona made history in the Champions League

      (+2)

    This match is an iconic example of a sporting comeback, where Barcelona overcame a 4-0 deficit in the first leg to win 6-1 in the second leg of the 2017 Champions League round of 16. The epic victory was sealed in the final minutes, becoming a historic milestone.

  2. 2

    The Miracle of Istanbul

    33 Global Votes
    • A feat worthy of a bestseller

      (+1)

    This 2004-05 UEFA Champions League final is a perfect example of an epic comeback, where Liverpool, trailing 3-0 at halftime, managed to draw 3-3 and win on penalties against AC Milan. The incredible feat of overcoming such a large deficit in the second half makes it one of the most memorable achievements in sport.

  3. 3

    Real Madrid vs Manchester City (3-1)

    33 Global Votes
    • Heroic comeback against Manchester City

      (+2)

    This comeback is a perfect example of resilience and determination in sport, as Real Madrid managed to overturn a deficit in the final minutes of the match, forcing extra time and securing their place in the Champions League final.

  4. 4

    The Boston Red Sox's comeback from 0-3 to 4-3 against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS

    33 Global Votes
    • Epic comeback from 0-3 in the ALCS

      (+2)

    This series is an iconic example of a comeback in sports, where the Boston Red Sox overcame a 0-3 deficit to win the American League Championship Series against their archrivals, the New York Yankees. The victory capped a four-game winning streak, a feat that broke an 86-year championship drought for the Red Sox.

  5. 5

    Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors (NBA 2016)

    33 Global Votes
    • Cleveland turned around a 3-1 series

      (+2)

    This 2016 NBA Finals series is a perfect example of an epic comeback, as the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to win the championship. The victory culminated a historic sporting feat and enshrined LeBron James' legacy.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Spain vs Italy (Euro 2008)

    33 Global Votes

    This match represents an iconic comeback for Spain, as it broke a long-standing curse of quarterfinal exits from major tournaments. The penalty shootout victory against Italy not only meant progress in the tournament, but also marked the beginning of a golden era for Spanish football.

  8. 7

    Deportivo 4-0 Milan (Champions League 2004)

    33 Global Votes
    • Incredible comeback

      (+2)

    This was a historic comeback in the UEFA Champions League, where Deportivo de La Coruña overcame a 4-1 first-leg defeat to win 4-0 at home and advance to the semifinals. The feat is considered one of the most epic in sport.

  9. 8

    Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich (1999 Champions League)

    33 Global Votes
    • United's dramatic title

      (+3)

    The 1999 Champions League match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich is remembered for its dramatic ending, where Manchester United scored two goals in injury time to win the game, making it one of the most unexpected and thrilling comebacks in football history.

  10. 9

    Tiger Woods

    33 Global Votes
    • He dominated the sport between 1996 and 2008

      (+4)

    Tiger Woods' victory at the 2019 Masters represents one of the most inspiring comebacks in the history of the sport, achieved after a decade of injuries and a long period away from elite competition.

  11. 10

    Rafa Nadal comes back from two sets down against Medvedev in Australia to become the greatest in history.

    33 Global Votes
    • He achieved his 21st Major

      (+3)

    This comeback is a milestone in tennis history, where Nadal overcame a two-set deficit against Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 Australian Open final. The victory not only gave him his 21st Grand Slam title, but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest.

  12. 11

    Michael Phelps beats Cavic at the Beijing Games

    33 Global Votes
    • Michael Phelps' epic victory

      (+2)

    Michael Phelps' victory over Milorad Čavić by one-hundredth of a second in the 100m butterfly at Beijing 2008 is an iconic example of a sporting comeback. This epic feat was achieved in the dying moments, demonstrating incredible determination and skill to overcome a direct rival at a crucial moment.

  13. 12

    3-1 comeback in the 2016 World Series

    33 Global Votes
    • Historic moment in baseball history

      (+2)

    This comeback is iconic because the Cubs were losing the series 3-1 against the Cleveland Indians, but managed to win the last three games to secure the championship.

  14. 13

    Novak Djokovic

    33 Global Votes
    • He manages to win after losing the first set

      (+4)

    Novak Djokovic staged one of the most epic comebacks in sport, winning the 2021 Roland Garros final after being down two sets against Stefanos Tsitsipas. This victory demonstrated his incredible resilience and ability to compete at the highest level under pressure.

  15. 14

    Liverpool vs Barcelona (4-0)

    33 Global Votes
    • Liverpool came from three down to secure a place in the UEFA final

      (+1)

    This was a historic comeback in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, where Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit to win 4-0 at Anfield, demonstrating incredible resilience and an exceptional performance in a crucial match.

  16. 15

    Fernando Alonso achieves his first Formula 1 victory

    33 Global Votes
    • Gave Spain its first F1 victory

      (+2)

    Fernando Alonso's first Formula 1 victory, achieved at the 2003 Hungarian GP, marked a historic milestone for Spanish motorsport and demonstrated his incredible talent and ability to overcome challenges.

  17. 16

    Spain wins the 2006 Basketball World Cup

    33 Global Votes
    • First official FIBA basketball title

      (+4)

    The Spanish basketball team won its first world title in 2006, overcoming adversity such as Pau Gasol's injury in the semifinals and demonstrating a remarkable comeback and defensive prowess in the final against Greece.

  18. 17

    Real Madrid vs PSG (Round of 16 2022)

    33 Global Votes
    • Unforgettable comeback against PSG

      (+2)

    This comeback is a perfect example of Real Madrid's ability to turn around adverse Champions League ties, achieving the feat after trailing in the first leg.

  19. 18

    Mireia Belmonte García

    33 Global Votes
    • Best Spanish swimmer of all time

      (+4)

    Mireia Belmonte is a Spanish swimmer who has won multiple Olympic and world gold medals, notable for her epic comebacks in events such as the 200-meter butterfly, where she even held the world record.

  20. 19

    Miguel Indurain

    33 Global Votes
    • Outstanding cyclist

      (+4)

    Miguel Induráin staged one of the most epic mountain comebacks of the 1995 Tour de France, regaining the lead at La Plagne after nearly losing it.

  21. 20

    Federer's comeback in the 2008 Wimbledon final

    33 Global Votes
    • Neutralization of two match balls

      (+3)

    Despite being two sets down against Nadal, Roger Federer staged a stunning comeback, forcing the match into a fifth set and neutralizing two match points. This display of resilience and skill in adverse circumstances underscores the epic nature of the match.