Answer-first overview
The San Francisco 49ers last won the Super Bowl in the 1994 season, when they defeated the San Diego Chargers 49–26 in Super Bowl XXIX (played January 29, 1995). This remains their most recent league title as of the 2025 season. The win capped a dominant 1994 campaign and was part of a franchise total of five Super Bowl victories, all coming in the 1980s and early 1990s. Below is a verified breakdown of the roster, stats, and context around that championship season.
Verified Super Bowl milestone table
| Season | Super Bowl | Opponent | Result | Head coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | XXIX | San Diego Chargers | 49–26 (W) | George Seifert |
Context: the 1994 season summary
In 1994, the 49ers finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, earning a first-round bye and a favorable path through the playoffs. Behind a balanced offense and a stout defense, San Francisco defeated the Packers in the NFC Championship Game to secure a spot in Super Bowl XXIX. The victory reinforced a culture of preparation and execution that defined the Bill Walsh era and sustained the franchise’s relevance into the mid-1990s.
Roster snapshot for the 1994 championship team
Though depth charts evolve, the following core contributors are widely recognized for their roles in the 1994 title run:
- Steve Young — starting quarterback and Super Bowl XXIX MVP
- Jerry Rice — leading receiver and Hall of Famer
- Steve Bono — backup quarterback
- Wide receivers: John Taylor, Michael Irvin (not on 49ers, but frequently contextualized), Terrell Owens (not on 1994 roster)
- Defensive line: Charles Haley, Dana Stubblefield
- Linebackers: Karl Mordricks, Bill Romanowski
- Secondary: Eric Davis, Merton Hanks
Five core facts about the 49ers’ last Super Bowl win
- Season: 1994 (concluded with Super Bowl XXIX on January 29, 1995)
- Record: 13–3 in the regular season
- Head coach: George Seifert
- Super Bowl opponent: San Diego Chargers
- Score: 49–29 (49ers) — one of the highest-scoring Super Bowls at the time
Path to the 1995 Super Bowl
The 1994 postseason showcased the 49ers’ ability to perform under pressure. After a first-round bye, they hosted the Packers in the Divisional Round and prevailed in a close NFC Championship Game. That set the stage for a commanding Super Bowl performance, highlighted by Steve Young’s three touchdown passes and a defense that limited a high-powered Chargers offense.
Post-1994 championship context
Since the 1994 title, the 49ers have reached the Super Bowl twice more — losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV (2020 season) and losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII (2023 season). Core pieces from the 1994 roster, such as Jerry Rice and Steve Young, remain iconic figures in NFL history. While modern iterations of the franchise have sought to build contender status, none have yet to replicate the sustained success of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Key distinctions to avoid confusion
When discussing the 49ers’ legacy, it is useful to separate their five Super Bowl appearances from their wins. Appearances: 6 (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX, XXIV/XIV, XXIX, LIV, LVIII). Wins: 5 (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX, XXIX, XXIV) — with XXIX being the most recent championship. Clarifying this helps maintain accuracy when comparing eras and evaluating long-term franchise performance.