On May 21, 2024, Israel’s SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv made history by setting a world record for the longest ever penalty shootout, with a total of 56 kicks. The teams were competing in a semifinal promotion playoff in the third-tier league, which ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, prompting the shootout.
The intense shootout took place in the city of Dimona in the Negev desert, with Dimona ultimately emerging as the victors with a score of 23-22 after both sides took 28 penalties each. This incredible feat surpassed the previous record of 54 penalty kicks set in March 2022 in England, during a first-round tie in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup between Washington and Bedlington, which ended with a score of 25-24.
The competition where this record-setting shootout took place is open to clubs competing in the Northern League Second Division, which is considered the 10th tier of the football pyramid. The match between SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv will be remembered as a truly remarkable display of skill and determination.