In life, nothing captures the imagination of sports fans quite like comebacks in sports. When the odds are stacked against a team or an athlete, when defeat seems inevitable, and all hope appears lost—those are the moments when the true spirit of competition shines brightest.
Comebacks in sports isn’t just about scoring points; it’s about resilience, determination, and defying expectations. It’s about that drive to keep pushing forward, even when the scoreboard, the clock, and the crowd say it’s over.
The greatest comebacks in sports leave fans breathless and unite spectators from all backgrounds in a shared sense of awe.
Throughout history, we’ve witnessed some truly legendary comebacks that have not only changed the course of a game but also etched unforgettable chapters into sports history. Whether it’s a last-second goal, a remarkable rally, or a surge that shocks everyone watching, these moments remind us why we watch, cheer, and love sports.
Greatest Comebacks in Sports History
Here at Sports Buddy, we’ve ranked the top 10 greatest comebacks in sports history. From nail-biting finishes in championship matches to underdog stories that have defied the odds, each of these comebacks is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
10. Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians – 2016 World Series
One of the greatest comebacks in sports history was when the Chicago Cubs were facing 3-1 deficit in the 2016 World Series, inching closer to a 108-year championship drought. However, the Cubs fought back, winning Games 5 and 6 to force a deciding Game 7.
In a game filled with high drama including a rain delay before extra innings, the Cubs finally prevailed 8-7, breaking one of the longest curses in sports history.
9. Boston Celtics (vs. Los Angeles Lakers) – 2008 NBA Finals Game 4
Down by 24 points in the third quarter against the Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals, Celtics launched a dramatic comeback, led by Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
They won the game 97-91; tying the record for the biggest comeback in sports in NBA Finals history and ultimately securing the NBA title. However, this achievement is not without its challenges, because the pressure mounted significantly during that period. Although it seemed improbable, Celtics managed to defy the odds.
8. Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers – 1993 NFL Playoffs
The Buffalo Bills, were down 35-3 early in the third quarter of their 1993 AFC Wild Card game and had to turned to backup quarterback Frank Reich. He orchestrated a stunning 32-point comeback; the Bills won 41-38 in overtime.
This marked the largest sports comeback in NFL playoff history and an iconic moment known simply as “The Comeback”. Although many doubted their chances, the Bills proved resilient.
7. Boston Red Sox (vs. New York Yankees) – 2004 ALCS
The Red Sox found themselves down 3-0 in the 2004 ALCS against their archrivals: the Yankees. They, however, made history by winning four straight games to take the series, becoming the first team in MLB history to make a comeback in sports from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series.
This incredible feat led to Red Sox ending their 86-year championship drought in the World Series, lifting the “Curse of the Bambino.” Although many doubted their chances, they persevered.
6. Newcastle United (vs. Arsenal) – 2011 English Premier League
In February 2011, Newcastle United was down 4-0 at halftime against Arsenal. They scored four goals in the second half to level the match at 4-4, capping off a sensational comeback.
This remains one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports in Premier League history. Although the odds were against them, they persevered, because they believed in their potential.
5. Barcelona comeback vs PSG – 2017 Champions League Knock Out Stage
One of the greatest comebacks in sports happened on march 8, 2017. FC Barcelona came back from a 4–0 deficit from the first leg, beating Paris Saint-Germain 6–1 at the Camp Nou in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash.
Barcelona won the aggregate score of 6–5 to progress to the quarterfinals and the revival has become known as La Remontada (The Comeback). It was a thrilling performance by Barcelona who needed at least 5–0 to advance on away goals and did just that.
Lionel Messi’s early free kick began the game before Luis Suárez added to the score in the second half.
Layvin Kurzawa then scored an own goal to further close the gap, and Neymar scored twice, including a free kick and a penalty, to level to 5–5 on aggregate.
However, as the game dwindled down time, Sergi Roberto put one in the last minute to secure the victory, making it the largest comeback in UEFA Champions League history.
As is often the case with Champions League matches, this is one of the best matches in history; a stunning turnaround that stunned PSG and football fans all over the world.
4. Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz – 1994 NBA Playoffs
In Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Playoffs’ first round, the Denver Nuggets were trailing behind the Utah Jazz by 12 points with just over three minutes remaining. In a furious comeback, Denver embarked on a 16-4 run, thus forcing the game into overtime; ultimately, they secured victory.
The Nuggets became the first eighth-seed team to defeat a top-seed team in a best-of-five series. This achievement cemented their place in NBA playoff history, however, it also raised questions about the competitive balance of the league.
3. Liverpool vs. AC Milan – 2005 UEFA Champions League Final
One of the biggest comebacks in sports took place in Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final after Liverpool seemed lost when they trailed 3-0 at halftime. However, Liverpool staged a stunning comeback scoring three goals within six minutes in the second half.
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek then sealed the victory in a penalty shootout bringing Liverpool their fifth Champions League title in unforgettable fashion.
2. New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – Super Bowl LI (2017)
The New England Patriots found themselves in almost hopeless situation, trailing Atlanta Falcons 28-3 in third quarter of Super Bowl LI.
However, with Tom Brady leading charge, Patriots scored 25 unanswered points, tying game in final minutes and forcing first overtime in Super Bowl history. They won 34-28, marking largest comeback in Super Bowl history and cementing Brady’s legendary status.
1. Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich – 1999 UEFA Champions League Final
The greatest comebacks in sports history was one of the most iconic moments in football. Manchester United trailed Bayern Munich 1-0 as the Champions League final entered stoppage time.
In an unbelievable twist, United scored two goals in the final seconds: first by Teddy Sheringham and then by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, snatching a 2-1 victory.
This miraculous comeback completed United’s treble-winning season; solidifying their place in European football history. However, many fans still remember the tension of that moment because it was unforgettable.
