Who score the fastest goal in football history​?

Football is a tactical game with teams carefully set up for matches and often trying to control the game rather than going all out from the start. As a result, early goals are rare. The fastest ever Premier League goal was scored by Shane Long in the 10th second against Watford in 2019. However, that pales in comparison to the fastest goals in football history, which are presented in this list. Let’s find out who score the fastest goal in football history​​​​ with Premiumsoccertips through the following article!

Who score the fastest goal in football history​?

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

In 2014, Bart van der Veer started his final game for Oeverzwaluwen against LTC in the fifth tier of Dutch football. He scored the first goal of the game in less than four seconds in spectacular fashion. The team eventually lost the game 4-2 away from home, but Van der Veer’s incredible goal was the highlight of his final game before retiring.

Although Oeverzwaluwen finished bottom of the table, Van der Veer’s goal was the highlight for the club, as he scored shortly after the kick-off, crossing the halfway line and expertly beating the LTC goalkeeper. His memorable goal ensured an unforgettable moment in his football career, despite the team’s overall performance falling short of expectations.

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

In the 2017 Peter Bentley Challenge Cup, Lingfield won 6-2 at home to Oakwood, with Richard Wetton playing a key role in the win. Wetton not only scored a goal but also provided two excellent assists throughout the game. His opener came after just 3.56 seconds, a quick goal from the halfway line, a strike reminiscent of the technique of Bart van der Veer, who was renowned for his lightning-fast goals.

However, Oakwood were not about to let the defeat go and quickly levelled the score at 1-1 after just 40 seconds, showing their resilience. However, Lingfield quickly regained control of the game and continued to dominate for the remainder of the game, eventually winning 6-2. Wetton proved his importance to the team and was a standout performer in this impressive win.

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

In 1979, Colin Cowperthwaite set a remarkable record in English football history by scoring the fastest goal in the league’s history, scoring 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 with Cowperthwaite making a significant impact.

Cowperthwaite joined Barrow after the club’s relegation from the league in 1977 and had a remarkable career there. During his time there, he was instrumental in the club’s success with two Northern League titles, contributing to Barrow’s recovery and success in the years that followed. His record for the fastest goal remains a historic landmark in English football, demonstrating Cowperthwaite’s talent and ability.

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 fastest goal in Brazilian history in 2003 against Vila Nova. He spotted the Vila Nova goalkeeper off his line and fired the ball past him from the spot in just 3.17 seconds, firing the ball in from just behind the halfway line. Despite this lightning-fast strike, the opposition counter-attacked and eventually won the game 5-1.

After moving to Lyon in 2005, Fred had a remarkable career. He led the team to three Ligue 1 titles and one Coupe de France victory. He has also had success on the international stage, lifting the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2007 Copa America. Additionally, while playing for Brazilian club Fluminense, he won two league titles.

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

During a match between Rio Negro Capital and Soriano Interior in 1998, Ricardo Olivera made history by scoring a goal in just 2.8 seconds from the centre circle. The strike quickly made headlines and became one of the fastest goals in football history. However, the match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, with Soriano’s late second-half strike not enough to give them the win.

Olivera’s goal was recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest goal in football history, surpassing the previous record of Colin Cowperthwaite, who scored for Barrow against Kettering Town in 1979. Despite this, Olivera’s career did not feature any further highlights and seemed to end quite early. There are no further statistics or information about the player’s career after that event, making his memorable moment in football history all the more special.

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

In 2004, Marc Burrows made history in a match between Cowes Sports Reserves and Eastleigh Reserves. Just 2.56 seconds into the game, Burrows unleashed a powerful strike from the halfway line, thanks to a clever goalkeeping strategy. His team-mate quickly passed the ball to Burrows, who was caught completely off guard by the Eastleigh goalkeeper. Burrows’ goal was not only a memorable moment, but also a crucial part of Cowes Sports Reserves’ 5-3 win.

Burrows’ strike sealed a remarkable victory for his side, and secured Cowes Sports Reserves’ place in the annals of football. This quickest goal was a testament to Burrows’ intelligence and sharp tactical observation, and also put his name on the list of players who create magical moments on the pitch.

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

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

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

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

In the 2024 London Senior Trophy match between Croydon FC and Cockfosters, Ryan Hall scored the opening goal just 2.31 seconds into the match, helping Croydon to an eventual 3-0 win. Realising that the Cockfosters goalkeeper was not close to the post, Hall seized the opportunity to score shortly after the opening whistle.

Ryan Hall began his professional football journey at Crystal Palace. In November 2007, he made his debut for Queens Park Rangers under manager Peter Taylor. A year later, he returned to the Palace first team, featuring in the FA Cup third round tie 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 scored a remarkable goal within 2.2 seconds of the game kicking off, helping Polet to a decisive 4-1 victory. Bakic’s incredible strike, fired in from the halfway line, is still considered one of the most impressive goals ever scored, especially considering the challenging pitch conditions seen in the footage.

Despite Bakic’s impressive goal, information about his later football career is limited. However, he does have a YouTube channel with over 13,800 subscribers, where he shares videos showcasing his footballing skills, including a remarkable free-kick goal in an informal street football match.

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

In 2017, during a football match between Maryhill and Clydebank in Scotland, Gavin Stokes created an unforgettable moment by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded in football history. Just 2.1 seconds after the kick-off whistle, Stokes fired a shot from the halfway line into the Clydebank net. The goal not only thrilled the crowd but also helped Maryhill win the match 3-0. After this memorable achievement, Stokes continued his playing career in Scottish League One, playing for Dundee United and Alloa Athletic. He also represented Scotland in youth competitions, proving 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 has left his family, friends and the Scottish football community deeply saddened. His proud achievements on the pitch will always be remembered and he will always be remembered as a promising young talent.

Conclude

The fastest goal in football history was scored by Gavin Stokes, who found the net just 2.1 seconds into a match between Maryhill and Clydebank in 2017. This remarkable achievement surpassed previous records, including those by players like Vuk Bakic and Ryan Hall. Stokes’ goal not only secured a thrilling moment for the fans but also contributed to a 3-0 victory for Maryhill. Tragically, Stokes’ promising career was cut short when he passed away in a car crash in 2022. His unforgettable record remains a testament to his skill and the fleeting brilliance of his football career.

See more: Top 10 players with the most Premier League Golden Boot awards