The 10 Fastest Goals in Football History
by LiveGo24 Editorial Team
·
February 18, 2026
Football is a game of skill, tactics and drama, but sometimes the most memorable moments come within the blink of an eye. The fastest goals in history showcase players who seized opportunity instantly — turning defence into fortune within mere seconds. From dazzling counterattacks to expertly-timed set pieces, these iconic strikes have earned their place in football lore.
Here are the 10 fastest goals ever scored in football history.
10. Bart van der Veer – 3.6 Seconds
Fixture: LTC vs Oeverzwaluwen
Score: 2-4
Year: 2014
In the fifth tier of Dutch football, Bart van der Veer scored in just 3.6 seconds in his final professional appearance before retirement. Striking directly from kick-off from just over the halfway line, he signed off his career in unforgettable fashion.
9. Richard Wetton – 3.57 Seconds
Fixture: Oakwood vs Lingfield
Score: 2-6
Year: 2017
Wetton opened the scoring in the Peter Bentley Challenge Cup with a powerful effort straight from kick-off. Clocked at 3.57 seconds, it helped set Lingfield on their way to a dominant away win.
8. Colin Cowperthwaite – 3.55 Seconds
Fixture: Barrow vs Kettering Town
Score: 4-0
Year: 1979
Barrow legend Colin Cowperthwaite struck after just 3.55 seconds, setting what was then recorded as the fastest goal in English football history.
7. Fred – 3.17 Seconds
Fixture: America Mineiro vs Vila Nova
Score: 1-5
Year: 2003
The Brazilian forward scored the fastest goal in Brazilian football history at the time, spotting the goalkeeper off his line and shooting instantly from kick-off.
6. Ricardo Olivera – 2.8 Seconds
Fixture: Rio Negro Capital vs Soriano Interior
Score: 1-1
Year: 1998
Olivera found the net in just 2.8 seconds from the centre circle. His goal was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest ever scored at that time.
5. Marc Burrows – 2.56 Seconds
Fixture: Cowes Sports Reserves vs Eastleigh Reserves
Score: 5-3
Year: 2004
A clever kick-off routine allowed Burrows to unleash a powerful strike from just beyond halfway, securing his place in football history.
4. Jack Lyons – 2.52 Seconds
Fixture: Rusthall vs Chatham Town
Score: 5-2
Year: 2023
Lyons scored the fastest-ever FA Youth Cup goal, firing home directly from kick-off and catching the goalkeeper completely unaware.
3. Ryan Hall – 2.31 Seconds
Fixture: Croydon FC vs Cockfosters
Score: 3-0
Year: 2024
Hall capitalised immediately from kick-off, spotting the goalkeeper off his line and scoring in just 2.31 seconds.
2. Vuk Bakic – 2.2 Seconds
Fixture: GSP Polet vs FK Dorcol
Score: 4-1
Year: 2012
Bakic scored from the centre circle in a Serbian youth match, producing one of the most technically impressive goals on this list.
1. Gavin Stokes – 2.1 Seconds
Fixture: Maryhill vs Clydebank
Score: 3-0
Year: 2017
Gavin Stokes holds the record for the fastest goal in football history, scoring in just 2.1 seconds from the halfway line. The strike remains the quickest officially recorded goal in the game.
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