10 Greatest Comeback Victories in Sport History [Ranked]

The beautiful thing about sport, the thing that gets us all hooked, is the emotion. The narratives that can be set up through contest, whether it involves a ball or combat, hook audiences in and can leave them feeling a variety of different ways.

No story hits quite the same as a comeback though. When defeat, or the end of an era, is staring you right in the eyes and all hope seems lost. And then, out of nowhere, victory escapes from the jaws of defeat and no sooner were you accepting your fate are you celebrating against all odds.

There have been some incredible comebacks across all sports, but GIVEMESPORT has named the 10 that stand out above all else.

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10

Rumble in the Jungle

30th October 1974

In a legendary showdown held in Zaire, two titans of the boxing world clashed – Muhammad Ali and the fearsome George Foreman. Foreman, known for his raw power, dominated early by relentlessly hammering Ali against the ropes. But Ali, with unmatched strategy and patience, absorbed the blows and conserved his energy. This cunning approach, later dubbed the “rope-a-dope,” turned the tide.

As Foreman tired, Ali seized his moment. In the ninth round, he sprang into action, unleashing a rapid sequence of punches that floored Foreman. With this stunning comeback, Ali didn’t just win the bout as the underdog – he proved his brilliance and agility once more, reminding everyone why he was a master of both movement and mind in the ring.

9

Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Indians

2016 World Series

In one of baseball’s most dramatic turnarounds, the Chicago Cubs faced a 3-1 deficit against the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series. On the brink of elimination, the Cubs staged an extraordinary comeback, winning three consecutive games to clinch their first championship in 108 years.

The final game, an intense extra-innings thriller, sealed their legendary status and ended a century-long title drought. This victory not only made history because of its nature, but also delivered long-awaited redemption for generations of Cubs fans, forever etching the 2016 team into baseball lore and making it an even more impactful comeback.

8

England vs Australia

2005 Ashes

One of the biggest rivalries in the world of cricket could’ve had two entries on this list. The 1981 Ashes, also known as ‘Botham’s Ashes’ thanks to the heroics of Sir Ian Botham, saw England on the brink of going 2-0 down in the series before turning things around and winning 3-1.

However, the 2005 variant just takes the cake. England hadn’t won the little urn since ’81 and welcomed the best Test team in the world in the summer of 2005 with the odds stacked against them. However, with Kevin Pietersen announcing himself at the top of Test cricket and Andrew Flintoff in imperious form, the hosts turned around a 1-0 series deficit to win 2-1 in the most dramatic of circumstances.

7

Tiger Woods’ Last Green Jacket

2019 Masters

Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most iconic figures, delivered a stunning comeback at the 2019 Masters that will be remembered for generations. After an 11-year drought without a major title and years plagued by severe injuries and personal setbacks, many doubted whether he could ever return to the top of the sport.

Yet, in a display of resilience and composure, Woods defied the odds to claim a one-shot victory at Augusta National. This triumph marked his 15th major championship and silenced critics who had written him off. More than just a win, it was a powerful redemption story that showcased his enduring greatness and secured his place among the greatest sporting comebacks in history.

6

Miracle of Medinah

2012 Ryder Cup

On the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, Europe faced a daunting 10-6 deficit against a dominant U.S. team. With the odds heavily stacked against them, the Europeans strategically placed their top players early in the singles matches to ignite a turnaround. What followed was one of the most unforgettable days in golf history. Europe surged with a series of inspired performances, clawing back match by match.

The defining moment came when Martin Kaymer calmly sank a clutch putt on the 18th hole, ensuring Europe retained the Cup. The scale and drama of the comeback led to its lasting nickname – the “Miracle at Medinah” – a testament to belief, strategy, and sheer resilience under pressure.

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5

Barcelona 6-1 PSG

2016/17 Champions League

Champions League history is full of dramatic turnarounds, but few match the incredible comeback Barcelona pulled off against PSG in 2017. After suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Paris, the Spanish side looked dead and buried. Back at the Camp Nou, early goals from Luis Suarez, an own goal by Layvin Kurzawa, and a Lionel Messi penalty gave them hope. But when Edinson Cavani scored for PSG, Barcelona faced the impossible – needing three more goals to advance.

In a stunning late surge, Neymar scored twice in quick succession before delivering a pinpoint assist for Sergi Roberto, who slid in the winner in stoppage time. The magic of European football was captured, not for the first time in those 90 minutes.

4

Cleveland Cavaliers Win NBA Championship

2016 NBA Finals

Never before in NBA Finals history had a team overturned a 3-1 deficit to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. And despite the great LeBron James and Kyrie Irving being on the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning three games in a row against a Golden State Warriors team who had broken the regular season record for most wins with 73 seemed impossible.

Yet, the Cavs managed to do so to finally clinch their maiden title. Steph Curry and co. couldn’t handle the resilience of James and his teammates, with the ‘King’ making an incredible chase-down block and Irving sinking a crucial three in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter to create history.

3

New England Patriots 34-28 Atlanta Falcons

2017 Superbowl

In the 2017 Super Bowl, the New England Patriots found themselves down 28-3 late in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons – a deficit that seemed impossible to overcome. With just over 17 minutes left, Tom Brady led a relentless comeback, orchestrating a series of drives that chipped away at the 25-point gap.

The Patriots tied the game in the final moments of regulation, forcing the first-ever overtime in Super Bowl history. Seizing momentum, New England won the coin toss and drove down the field, capping the comeback with a game-winning touchdown. It remains the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history and a defining moment in Brady’s already legendary career.

2

AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool

2005 Champions League final

One of the most unforgettable football matches ever took place in Istanbul in 2005, etching itself into Liverpool’s history. Facing AC Milan in the Champions League final, the Reds found themselves 3-0 down at half-time, with goals from Paolo Maldini and Hernan Crespo seemingly sealing their fate. Yet what followed was a stunning display of determination led by inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.

In just eight minutes during the second half, Liverpool scored three times to pull level, sparking disbelief around the world. The match went to penalties, where goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek made crucial saves to seal the win. Liverpool lifted their fifth European title that night in dramatic fashion – a comeback that remains legendary in football history.

1

Bayern Munich 1-2 Manchester United

1999 Champions League final

‘And Solskjaer has won it.’ The 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona delivered one of football’s most dramatic finishes. Manchester United, aiming to complete a historic treble, trailed Bayern Munich 1-0 after an early goal from Mario Basler. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked like the German side had done enough. But United had other plans.

Substitute Teddy Sheringham pounced to level the score, and just moments later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stabbed home a flick-on from Sheringham to complete a stunning turnaround. In the blink of an eye, United had gone from heartbreak to glory, sealing the treble in unforgettable fashion and writing one of the most iconic chapters in Champions League history.

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All statistics courtesy of Opta – accurate as of 27/06/2025