Top 10 fastest goals in history of football

These players have etched their names in football history.

Football is a tactical game with teams being set up carefully for matches and often trying to take control over a match instead of going gung-ho from the kick-off itself. Thus, early goals are a rarity.

Premier League’s fastest-ever goal was scored by Shane Long at 10 seconds against Watford in 2019. However, that is nothing when compared to the fastest goals in football history, as presented in this list.

10. Bart van der Veer (3.6 seconds) – LTC vs Oeverzwaluven

In 2014, Bart van der Veer kicked off his last game for Oeverzwaluwen against LTC in the fifth division of Dutch soccer. In under four seconds, he sensationally scored the first goal of the match. The team ultimately lost the game 4-2 away from home but Van der Veer’s incredible goal was a special moment to mark his final game before retirement.

Despite Oeverzwaluwen finishing at the bottom of the league, Van der Veer’s goal became a highlight for the club, as he scored immediately after kick-off, going past the halfway line and expertly beating the LTC goalkeeper. His memorable goal ensured an unforgettable moment in his football career, even though the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations.

9. Richard Wetton (3.56 seconds) – Oakwood vs Lingfield

In the 2017 Peter Bentley Challenge Cup, Lingfield won 6-2 at Oakwood’s home ground, with Richard Wetton playing a crucial role. Wetton recorded an impressive performance, contributing one goal and two assists. His opening goal came just 3.56 seconds into the match via a kick-off, reminiscent of Bart van der Veer’s technique. However, Oakwood swiftly levelled the score at 1-1 after only 40 seconds of play, demonstrating their resilience, before Lingfield went on to dominate.

8. Colin Cowperthwaite (3.55 seconds) – Barrow vs Kettering Town

In 1979, Colin Cowperthwaite, Barrow’s record goal scorer and appearance maker, scored the quickest goal in English football history at 3.55 seconds, helping Barrow to a 4-0 victory over Kettering Town. Five years after Barrow’s relegation from the league in 1977, Cowperthwaite joined the team. During his tenure, he contributed to his club’s two Northern Premier League championship victories.

Also Read: Top seven fastest goals scored in UEFA Euro history

7. Fred (3.17 seconds) – America Mineiro vs Vila Nova

Early in his career, Fred, while playing for America Mineiro, made football history by scoring the quickest goal in Brazilian history in 2003 against Vila Nova. He spotted the Vila Nova goalkeeper out of his goalpost and booted the ball over him from the kick-off in just 3.17 seconds, launching it from just past the halfway line. Despite this lightning-fast strike, the opposition side rallied back and ultimately won the match 5-1.

Following his move to Lyon in 2005, Fred enjoyed a remarkable career. He led the team to three Ligue 1 titles and one Coupe de France triumph. He was successful internationally too, as he lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and the Copa America in 2007. In addition, while playing for Brazilian club Fluminense, he won two league titles.

6. Ricardo Olivera (2.8 seconds) – Rio Negro Capital vs Soriano Interior

In the 1998 Rio Negro Capital versus Soriano Interior match, Ricardo Olivera scored in 2.8 seconds from the centre circle. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and Soriano’s goal late in the second half proved to be insufficient to win it. The Guinness Book of Records recognized Olivera’s goal in 1998 as the fastest goal in football history, surpassing Colin Cowperthwaite’s goal for Barrow against Kettering Town in 1979. Olivera’s career seems to have ended there sadly, as no further statistics were available for the player.

Also Read: Top 10 fastest goals in men’s International football history

5. Marc Burrows (2.56 seconds) – Cowes Sports Reserves vs Eastleigh Reserves

In 2004, Marc Burrows made history for Cowes Sports Reserves in a match against Eastleigh Reserves. After a clever kick-off strategy where his teammate quickly passed him the ball, Burrows unleashed a powerful shot from just past the halfway line at only 2.56 seconds into the game. The Eastleigh goalkeeper was caught off guard and Burrows’ goal set the stage for Cowes Sports Reserves’ eventual 5-3 victory, ensuring their place in the annals of soccer history.

4. Jack Lyons (2.52 seconds) – Rusthall vs Chatham Town

In 2023, Jack Lyons set a record by scoring the fastest-ever goal in the FA Youth Cup. Playing for Rusthall against Chatham Town, Lyons scored an astonishing goal just 2.52 seconds after the kick-off. The goal caught the opposition goalkeeper by surprise, resulting in a 5-2 victory for Rusthall.

Lyons had scored three goals in 16 appearances for Rusthall in the 2023/24 season. However, both Rusthall and Chatham Town have had a disappointing performance in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division, struggling near the bottom of the table with only four wins at the time of writing.

3. Ryan Hall (2.31 seconds) – Croydon FC vs Cockfosters

During a 2024 London Senior Trophy match between Croydon FC and Cockfosters, Ryan Hall netted the opening goal just 2.31 seconds after the game’s start, contributing to Croydon’s ultimate 3-0 victory. Recognizing the Cockfosters goalie’s position away from the post, Hall seized the opportunity to score immediately following the kick-off.

Ryan Hall began his professional football journey at Crystal Palace. In November 2007, he made his debut with Queens Park Rangers under manager Peter Taylor. A year later, he returned to Palace’s first team, featuring in an FA Cup third-round fixture against Watford. Hall has also represented clubs such as Luton Town, MK Dons and Leeds United throughout his career.

2. Vuc Bakic (2.2 seconds) – GSP Polet vs FK Dorcol

In a 2012 Serbian youth match between GSP Polet and FK Dorcol, Vuk Bakic netted a remarkable goal within 2.2 seconds of kick-off, contributing to Polet’s decisive 4-1 victory. Bakic’s extraordinary strike, launched from the centre line remains arguably one of the most impressive goals on record, particularly considering the challenging field conditions visible in the footage.

Despite Bakic’s impressive goal, limited information is available about his subsequent football career. However, he has a YouTube channel with over 13,800 followers, where he has shared videos showcasing his football skills, including a notable free-kick goal during an informal street football match.

1. Gavin Stokes (2.1 seconds) – Maryhill vs Clydebank

In 2017, during a Scottish football match between Maryhill and Clydebank, Gavin Stokes amazed spectators by scoring the quickest goal ever recorded. His shot from the halfway line took only 2.1 seconds to reach the net, contributing to Maryhill’s 3-0 triumph. After his remarkable feat, Stokes played for Dundee United and Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League One.

He also represented Scotland in youth competitions. Tragically, in October 2022, Stokes passed away at the age of 30 after losing control of his vehicle in a car crash in Glasgow.

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