Who score the fastest goal in football history​?

Football is a highly tactical sport, where teams often focus on controlling the game rather than going all out from the first minutes. Therefore, early goals are rare. However, in the Premier League, Shane Long made his mark with the fastest goal, in just 10 seconds, against Watford in 2019. However, this goal is still not the fastest record in football history. Let’s explore with Kingsoccertips.com to see who score the fastest goal in football history the article below!

Who scored the fastest goal in football history?

10. Bart van der Veer (3.6 seconds)

In 2014, Bart van der Veer played his final game for Oeverzwaluwen against LTC in the Dutch fifth division. In a remarkable moment, he scored the opening goal less than four seconds after the match started. Although Oeverzwaluwen lost 2-4 away, this spectacular goal became a memorable highlight in his farewell match.

Although the team finished bottom of the table and did not meet expectations, Van der Veer’s goal brought pride to Oeverzwaluwen. He took a shot from the middle of the pitch right after the opening whistle, completely catching LTC’s goalkeeper by surprise. That moment was not only etched in Van der Veer’s career but also became a special memory for fans.

9. Richard Wetton (3.56 seconds)

In the 2017 Peter Bentley Challenge Cup, Lingfield produced a convincing performance in a 6-2 home win over Oakwood. Richard Wetton was the standout performer, contributing a goal and two classy assists. In particular, he opened the scoring after just 3.56 seconds with an impressive strike from the halfway line, reminiscent of the technique of Bart van der Veer, who was renowned for his lightning-quick goals.

Although Oakwood quickly responded and levelled the score at 1-1 after just 40 seconds, Lingfield reasserted their superiority by taking complete control of the game. With Wetton’s consistent form and brilliance, the home side cruised to a comfortable victory, confirming their strength in the tournament. This was certainly a memorable game, not only for Wetton personally but for the Lingfield team as a whole.

8. Colin Cowperthwaite (3.55 seconds)

In 1979, Colin Cowperthwaite set an impressive record in English football history by scoring the fastest goal in the league, just 3.55 seconds after the game had started. The goal helped Barrow to a convincing 4-0 win over Kettering Town, a memorable victory in which Cowperthwaite played a key role.

Cowperthwaite joined Barrow after the club were relegated from the league in 1977 and quickly became a key figure in the team. During his time at Barrow, he helped the club win two Northern League titles, playing a major role in the club’s recovery and success in the following years. Cowperthwaite’s record for the fastest goal remains a historic landmark in English football, a testament to his talent and ability.

7. Fred (3.17 seconds)

In 2003, early in his career, Fred set a historic record by scoring the fastest goal in Brazilian football history in a match between America Mineiro and Vila Nova. Spotting the Vila Nova goalkeeper off his line, Fred fired the ball past him from the penalty spot in just 3.17 seconds, sending the ball into the net just beyond the halfway line. Despite this quick goal, the home team America Mineiro lost the match 1-5, as the opposition counterattacked strongly.

After moving to Lyon in 2005, Fred continued to enjoy success. He won three Ligue 1 titles and a Coupe de France with the team. On the international stage, Fred stood out when he won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2007 Copa America with the Brazilian team. Also in his career, while playing for Fluminense, he won two more tournament championships, affirming his talent and influence.

6. Ricardo Olivera (2.8 seconds)

In a match between Rio Negro Capital and Soriano Interior in 1998, Ricardo Olivera wrote a special chapter in football history by scoring the fastest goal in just 2.8 seconds from the centre circle. The goal quickly became a major headline and was recorded as one of the fastest goals of all time. However, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Soriano equalising late in the second half but failing to secure the win.

Olivera’s goal was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest goal in football history, surpassing the previous record of Colin Cowperthwaite, who scored in 3.55 seconds in 1979. Despite this, Olivera’s career did not continue to make a strong impression, and there is little information or statistics about him after that historic event. This makes his goal a special and unique moment in football history, although Olivera’s career did not last long.

5. Marc Burrows (2.56 seconds)

In 2004, Marc Burrows made history in a match between Cowes Sports Reserves and Eastleigh Reserves. Just 2.56 seconds into the match, Burrows unleashed a powerful shot from the halfway line, taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s clever tactics. His teammate passed the ball quickly, and despite being closely marked by the Eastleigh goalkeeper, Burrows scored to open the scoring for his team.

Burrows’ goal was not only a memorable moment, but also a major factor in Cowes Sports Reserves’ 5-3 victory. The strike put the team in the annals of football and confirmed Burrows’ tactical intelligence and keen observation. This fastest goal has earned him a place in the list of players who have created magical moments on the pitch.

4. Jack Lyons (2.52 seconds)

In 2023, Jack Lyons scored the fastest goal in FA Youth Cup history while playing for Rusthall against Chatham Town. Just 2.52 seconds into the game, Lyons scored a spectacular strike from the halfway line, leaving the Chatham Town goalkeeper no time to react. The goal put Rusthall ahead and contributed to their side’s 5-2 win. The strike quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.

Despite his impressive goal, the 2023/24 season has not been all smooth sailing for Rusthall and Chatham Town in the Southern Counties East League. Both teams are struggling near the bottom of the table, with just four wins to date. While Lyons has scored three goals in 16 appearances for Rusthall, the team have yet to improve their overall record. Despite this, Lyons’ record for the fastest goal in FA Youth Cup history made him a household name, making his mark on the scene.

3. Ryan Hall (2.31 seconds)

In the 2024 London Senior Trophy match between Croydon FC and Cockfosters, Ryan Hall scored the opening goal after just 2.31 seconds, making his goal one of the fastest in the history of the competition. Noticing that the Cockfosters goalkeeper was not near the post, Hall quickly took advantage of the opportunity to score shortly after the opening whistle, giving Croydon the lead and a 3-0 win.

Ryan Hall began his professional football career at Crystal Palace, where he came through the youth ranks. In November 2007, he made his debut for Queens Park Rangers under manager Peter Taylor. Hall then returned to the Palace first team and featured in the FA Cup third round tie against Watford in 2008. Throughout his career, Hall played for prominent clubs such as Luton Town, MK Dons and Leeds United, making his mark in various competitions.

2. Vuc Bakic (2.2 seconds)

In a 2012 Serbian youth match between GSP Polet and FK Dorcol, Vuk Bakic scored a remarkable goal just 2.2 seconds into the match, helping Polet to a 4-1 win. Bakic’s strike from the halfway line is still considered one of the most impressive goals in youth football history, especially given the challenging playing conditions. The strike left fans and football pundits in awe of his quickness and accuracy.

Despite Bakic’s impressive goal, information about his professional football career is still quite limited. However, he has built a YouTube channel with over 13,800 subscribers, where he shares videos of his football skills. One of the featured videos is an impressive free kick in an informal street soccer match, showcasing Bakic’s creativity and technique outside of official matches.

1. Gavin Stokes (2.1 seconds)

In 2017, during a match between Maryhill and Clydebank in Scotland, Gavin Stokes created an unforgettable moment by scoring the fastest goal in football history. Just 2.1 seconds after the kick-off whistle, Stokes unleashed a powerful strike from the halfway line into the Clydebank net, giving Maryhill the lead. The goal not only electrified the crowd but also contributed to Maryhill’s 3-0 win. It was an unforgettable historic moment, making Stokes a prominent name in Scottish football.

After this memorable achievement, Stokes continued his playing career in the Scottish First Division, playing for clubs such as Dundee United and Alloa Athletic. He also represented Scotland in youth competitions, demonstrating his talent and dedication. However, Stokes’ promising career was cut short by tragedy. In October 2022, he died at the age of 30 in a car crash in Glasgow when he lost control of his car. Stokes’ passing was a huge loss for his family, friends and the Scottish football community. His proud achievements on the pitch will be remembered forever, and he will always be remembered as a promising young talent.

Conclusion

The fastest goal in football history was scored by Gavin Stokes, who scored the record after just 2.1 seconds in a match between Maryhill and Clydebank in 2017. This beat previous records, including those of Vuk Bakic and Ryan Hall. The goal not only created a memorable moment but also helped Maryhill win 3-0. Although Stokes’ career was promising, it was cut short when he died in a car crash in 2022, aged just 30. Despite his short career, his record for the fastest goal remains a testament to his talent and short-lived brilliance in football.

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