Sports
World’s most dominant teams: Ronaldo’s opponents have never lost a domestic match
They say that winning is a habit for successful clubs, and certain teams have dominated their home country so completely that it is hard to see that run ever coming to an end.
There have been plenty of extended dynasties across Europe’s bigger leagues — such as Bayern Munich‘s run of 11 straight Bundesliga championships between 2013 and 2023, nine-in-a-row title runs for Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, and Juventus‘ hold over Serie A between 2012 and 2020 — but there are some less famous teams who have enjoyed an even greater stranglehold over their domestic rivals.
Historically, Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar won 14 consecutive league titles between 2003 and 2016, a feat matched by the now defunct Skonto Riga in Latvia. Tafea FC from the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu claim to have bettered that with 15 wins on the bounce, but there are doubts over whether that should count as their triumphs were against regional selections rather than within a proper national league structure.
But which teams, who might not be household names across the world, are the all-conquering powerhouses in their own backyards right now?
– World’s weirdest leagues: 8 champions? Points for losing?
– The wild careers of soccer’s greatest journeyman players
– Cristiano Ronaldo goal tracker: Road to 1,000 career goals
FK Arkadag can lay claim to the staggering record of never having dropped a single league point in their history. Since they were founded in April 2023, they have won all 82 league matches and, unsurprisingly, have claimed three consecutive championships in the Yokary Liga.
One factor in this incredible success could be that the club’s founder is Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow — the former president of Turkmenistan. Arkadag means “Protector,” the title Berdimuhamedow adopted while in power from 2007 until 2022, when his son Serdar took over as the former Soviet state’s leader. The $3.3 billion “smart city” of Arkadag was built to Berdimuhamedow Sr.’s specifications in 2022.
This clout allowed FK Arkadag to assemble a dream team of Turkmen talent and, in a nation where no foreigners play, that is a significant advantage. In addition to their league dominance, they have also won all 14 domestic cup ties that they have contested — adding three Turkmenistan Cups, two Super Cups and one Football Federation Cup to their honor roll.
Arkadag did finally lose a match in the 2024-25 AFC Challenge League against Kuwaiti side Al Arabi, ending a 61-game winning streak, but they still went on to lift the trophy in their first season in continental competition.
In this season’s AFC Champions League Two, Arkadag won one, drew four and lost one of their group stage matches. That earned them a round-of-16 meeting over two legs with star-studded Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Even without their star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who at the time was boycotting his team’s matches because of his unhappiness with the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s sovereign investment fund) and the fund’s help for his club in the transfer window, Al Nassr still won 1-0 when they played the first leg in Turkmenistan on Feb. 11.
Ronaldo has now back in action, scoring just 18 minutes into his return in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Al Fateh, and is set to play the second leg against Arkadag in Riyadh on Feb. 18.
For all that he has achieved in his glittering career — five Champions Leagues, five Ballon d’Ors, nearly 1,000 goals — surely even Ronaldo has never come across a club that has never lost a domestic game in its entire existence?
The club known as JDT has won 11 consecutive league titles in Malaysia, establishing a level of dominance never previously seen in the Southeast Asian country. Before JDT’s current run, no Malaysian side had ever won the championship more than three times in a row since its inception in 1982.
Owned by royalty — the Crown Prince of Johor — JDT have superior finances and facilities, allowing the club to attract the best talent in the region and a healthy contingent of foreigners.
Despite their domestic supremacy, JDT remain the second-most-supported club in Malaysia after Premier League giants Manchester United — that might be the one title they can’t win.
The team from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, have notched up 12 straight titles. The club, whose name means “Independence,” has some powerful backers, as it was co-founded by the heir apparent to the president of Tajikistan. Are you noticing a theme here?
Rustam Emomali — the son of Emomali, Tajik leader since 1994 — has also played as a striker and served as team captain for Istiklol. The Lions won the league in 2010 and 2011 with Emomali playing up front. At the age of 24, he then stepped back to become head of the Tajikistan Football Federation.
Ludogorets share the European record of consecutive titles with Lincoln Red Imps (Gibraltar) and Skonto Riga (Latvia), having racked up their 14th straight triumph last season.
Hailing from Bulgaria’s 27th largest settlement, Razgrad, Ludogorets owe their success to the investment of Kiril Domuschiev, a pharmaceuticals entrepreneur who became Bulgaria’s first billionaire. Formerly a small club, the Eagles didn’t look back once they reached the top flight in 2011, immediately winning a league and cup double and beginning an era of dominance.
This season might finally see an end to Ludogorets’ superiority as they sit seven points behind leaders Levski Sofia. But, with the top four then competing in a playoff for the title, don’t write them off just yet.
It is a quirky piece of trivia, and one that causes much consternation, that the most successful team in the Welsh football league system is based in England. Welsh side Llansantffraid FC adopted the much-derided corporate name Total Network Solutions before merging with Oswestry Town in 2003 and deciding to base just over the English border in Oswestry under the name The New Saints (TNS).
Enjoying unprecedented investment for the Welsh league and creating the only full-time squad, TNS have won a record 17 Cymru Premier titles. They even claimed to have set a Guinness World Record for consecutive wins in February 2024, briefly engaging in an unlikely feud with Saudi side Al Hilal, before it emerged that one of their victories was via a penalty shootout that rendered their claim ineligible.
Sheriff Tiraspol aren’t actually the reigning champions of Moldova and in some people’s eyes, they aren’t even part of Moldova. However, their name has become synonymous with Moldovan success over the last 20 years.
Hailing from Transnistria, a de facto independent state at the center of a frozen conflict, Sheriff have won 21 league titles in Moldova since 2000-01. They were dethroned last season despite going through the whole campaign unbeaten due to the odd system employed by the Moldovan Liga which involves a final five-team group after the main league stage.
Nevertheless, the Wasps — whose president, Viktor Gushan, is a former KGB officer — remain a force to be reckoned with and became the first Moldovan side to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in 2021-22, when they stunned Real Madrid with a 2-1 win at the Bernabéu.
Plus, as almost everything in Transnistria is owned by the Sheriff group, they are one of few football clubs to boast their own brand of vodka — essential for a cold midweek game in Tiraspol.
Sports
BYU women’s basketball star explains religious reason why team didn’t practice before tourney win
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The BYU Cougars women’s basketball team was on the outside looking into the NCAA Tournament this season despite going 26-12 under head coach Lee Cummard.
The Cougars played well enough to earn an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, where the team was able to knock out the Kansas Jayhawks last week before losing to the Columbia Lions on Wednesday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
BYU Cougars guard Delaney Gibb brings the ball upcourt against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)
BYU drew attention for an interesting and faith-based, decision ahead of their 70-67 win over Kansas. The team didn’t practice because it was a Sunday.
Delaney Gibb, who led the team in scoring, explained it was for religious reasons that the team doesn’t practice on Sundays.
“When you look at it from a perspective of our team and our culture we’ve built and the faith that we have it’s a day that we get to have a different perspective on life,” Gibb said, via the school’s website. “There’s things that are bigger than basketball and Jesus Christ and having faith in Him is something that’s bigger than basketball.”
BYU’s Delaney Gibb speaks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 21, 2025. (Sophia Scheller/Imagn Images)
SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM POSTS ‘JESUS IS KING’ MESSAGE AS WNBA NEGOTIATIONS HEAT UP AHEAD OF CBA DEADLINE
Gibb scored 12 points in the three-point victory. Sydney Benally added 15.
The sophomore’s remarks went viral during the week.
Unfortunately, for the Cougars, BYU lost to the Lions in their next game.
Gibb is likely to return for her junior season. She was named to the All-Big 12 Conference First Team after being named the 2025 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year.
BYU guard Delaney Gibb drives the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
During the 2025-26 season, Gibb averaged a team-leading 18.3 points per game. She also averaged 5.1 rebounds.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, while Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have been contacted by intermediaries regarding a possible move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, according to TEAMtalk. Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal as the winger enters the final year of his contract, while the Saudi Pro League is also ready to move if any opportunity arises. Contract talks with the 25-year Brazil international have stalled for the past few months and sources recently told ESPN that negotiations may not resume until after the 2026 World Cup, though the player has reiterated that he wants to stay.
– Real Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, claims TEAMtalk. Rodri, 29, has reportedly held discussions with City about the possible terms for an exit this summer and, while he continues to be linked with a move to the Bernabeu, Real Madrid won’t “pay over the odds” to bring the Spain international to the club. An offer of €60 million will reportedly be enough to do a deal.
– AS reports that Real Madrid are open to a potential exit for Eduardo Camavinga, with PSG monitoring the midfielder’s situation. The 23-year-old has been with Los Blancos since 2021, but has struggled to make himself a regular starter since joining from Rennes. A switch back to Ligue 1 could reignite his career once again, though Madrid would want to make a profit on the €40 million they paid to sign him five years ago.
– Arsenal are soon expected to make a formal approach to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to Christian Falk. The Gunners have been linked with a €65 million move for the 19-year-old, with an offer expected in the coming weeks. The Cameroon international has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, with seven goals and eight assists to his name, with Bayern Munich also reported be monitoring his progress.
– RB Leipzig are discussing a new contract with €80 million-rated winger Yan Diomande that could include a release clause, amid links with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, says Fabrizio Romano. Diomande, 19, has shot to prominence this season with some fine displays, but Leipzig are keen to let him develop even further.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland explores the future for Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius Junior’s situation at Real Madrid has, in many ways, changed radically over the course of the season — but the bottom line is that his contract is still due to expire in 2027 and there’s been no progress on an extension.
The first half of 2025-26 was perhaps the most turbulent time of Vini’s career at Madrid, losing his place as a guaranteed starter under then coach Xabi Alonso, going three months without scoring, and becoming the public face of dressing room unrest with his reaction at being substituted early in October’s Clásico.
Since January, and the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa, it’s been a very different story. Arbeloa has talked up Vinicius at every opportunity and he’s been rewarded on the pitch, with the forward nearing career-best form with back-to-back, decisive braces last month against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
But still, the clock is ticking on that contract extension. ESPN reported that a renewal was near impossible with Alonso in charge, but that is no longer an issue. Vinicius loves playing for Madrid and the club would like him to stay; the remaining issue is the gap between Vinicius’ wage demands and what the club are willing to offer.
Madrid would do anything to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027, so the situation has to be resolved, one way or the other, this summer. ESPN has reported that a move to Saudi Arabia would not appeal to Vinicius, leaving PSG or the Premier League as the only realistic remaining options.
But at this stage, given his improved form, and Madrid’s desire to keep him and avoid the nightmare scenario of a free transfer, the most likely scenario feels like the club going the extra mile to offer a deal structured with enough variables and bonuses to reach the kind of total package Vinicius and his camp would be happy with.
OTHER RUMORS
1:51
Hutchison doubtful about Arne Slot’s Liverpool future
Don Hutchison believes Arne Slot won’t be Liverpool manager at the start of next season following their FA Cup exit to Manchester City.
– Liverpool could sign Al Hilal forward Marcus Leonardo, 22, to replace Mohamed Salah this summer. (GMS)
– Manchester United are among the clubs keen to sign Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, 24. (Football Insider)
– Spain forward Dani Olmo is not planning on leaving Barcelona this summer, amid links with a move to the Saudi Pro League. (Fabrizio Romano)
– AC Milan are pushing to sign midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent when he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer, ahead of Premier League competition. (Calciomercato)
– Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli is closing in on a contract renewal with Juventus until 2030. (Tuttosport)
– Liverpool are keen on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as part of a summer rebuild. (Ekrem Konur)
– Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all showing interest in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, amid his lack of game time for the Blues. (Ekrem Konur)
– Harry Wilson is on Tottenham’s shortlist of transfer options this summer, as he looks set to become a free agent at the end of his contract at Fulham. (Ekrem Konur)
– Antonio Rudiger is progressing in talks to extend his contract at Real Madrid, as he nears the final 12 months of his deal with Los Blancos. (Nicolo Schira)
– Barcelona and PSG are both interested in 16-year-old Mali wonderkid Aboubacar Maiga, who plays for Academy Africa Foot, as an option for the future. (Sport)
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham spoke of a dream come true as his team played its first ever game at Nu Stadium on Saturday — a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.
The Englishman, who helped to found the club in 2018 after six years with LA Galaxy and another six getting Miami up and running, has overseen the side’s meteoric rise to MLS champions and the home of Lionel Messi.
“When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team,” Beckham said ahead of the draw against Austin.
“Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home.
“We are champions of the MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true.”
With the club having made its MLS debut in 2020, Miami has become home to some of LaLiga’s biggest stars of the last 15 years — Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez and Messi have all played for Beckham’s team, where Javier Mascherano has been the head coach since Nov. 2024.
Following Messi’s arrival in 2023, Miami won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and claimed their first MLS title in 2025, with the Argentine winning the league’s MVP award in both seasons.
Up until now, though, the team has had to play their home games in Fort Lauderdale, about 25 miles north of Miami.
– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026
– With Messi goal, Inter Miami open new stadium with dream moment
– Lionel Messi scores as Miami opens long-awaited new stadium
Messi and Beckham were far from the only celebrities involved with Saturday’s game. Actor Matthew McConaughey, who is part of Austin FC’s ownership group, even wrote an open letter to Beckham to congratulate him on his nearly two-decade relationship with the league.
“As Austin visits Miami today for a little shindig on your new pitch, I want to first shout out a sincere ‘thank you’ — you didn’t create soccer over here in the US, but you damn sure supercharged it,” the actor wrote.
“When you came to the Galaxy you gave MLS fresh legitimacy, you turned games into events, and essentially changed MLS from a proving ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU.”
Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press was used in this report.
BYU women’s basketball star explains religious reason why team didn’t practice before tourney win
Better Cotton Initiative boosts regenerative focus, updates standard
Dan Levy shares update on Catherine O’Hara starrer ‘Schitt’s Creek’ sequel
-
Sports1 week agoUSMNT handed reality check by Doku, Belgium ahead of World Cup
-
Sports1 week ago2026 NCAA men’s hockey tournament: Schedule, results
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Trump signals p
-
Uncategorized7 days ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Further tariff
-
Entertainment3 days agoJoe Jonas shares candid glimpse into parenthood with Sophie Turner
-
Tech3 days agoOur Favorite iPad Is $50 Off
-
Entertainment1 week agoThe Avett Brothers’ bassist explains why he wrote a book about John Quincy Adams
-
Sports1 week agoMan City show why they are worthy WSL title winners as tired United wilt