Scoring goals stands as the primary determinant in football. While netting a goal at the club level signifies a milestone, there’s no greater satisfaction than scoring for one’s country. Numerous players encounter challenges in earning a call-up to represent their nation, let alone finding the net.
Nonetheless, a select group of elite players have left an immediate impression by scoring some of the quickest goals in international football. These remarkable achievements have occurred in FIFA-sanctioned tournaments and matches. Let’s delve into the list of the top 10 fastest goals scored in men’s international football.
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Top 10 Fastest Goals Scored in History of Men’s International Football
10. Yan Naing Oo (Myanmar) – 13 seconds
Yan Naing Oo of Myanmar secured his place in football history by scoring in just 13 seconds during their encounter against India in the 2017 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. This match took place at India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. At the outset of the game, Myanmar’s left-back Si Thu Aung initiated a swift exchange with left-winger Thein Than Win, creating an opportune moment.
Yan Naing Oo capitalized on this opening, connecting with a cross to catch the hosts off guard, securing an early lead. Despite having accumulated 23 caps for his national team, Yan Naing Oo’s goal tally remains modest, with this solitary strike standing as one of the fastest in men’s international football.
9. I.M Vijayan (India) – 12 seconds
During the South Asian Games held in Kathmandu in 1999, India faced Bhutan in their second match, where I.M. Vijayan, riding on his remarkable form, made a swift impact. Having netted a hat-trick against Pakistan in the preceding game, Vijayan continued his stellar performance by notching India’s quickest goal ever in just 12 seconds, propelling his team to an early advantage.
In that same match, Vijayan went on to score two additional goals, contributing significantly to India’s 3-0 victory. His remarkable performance wasn’t limited to this game; he also found the net in the final against Maldives, aiding India in clinching the tournament title.
8. Diego Souza (Brazil) – 11 seconds
In a friendly match against Australia back in 2017, Diego Souza etched his name in Brazilian football history by scoring their quickest goal ever, just 11 seconds into the game. Brazil cruised to a resounding 4-0 victory, leaving Ange Postecoglou, then-manager of the Australian team and current Tottenham Hotspurs manager, on the receiving end of a heavy defeat.
The goal came as a result of an error in Australia’s midfield, with the ball finding its way directly to Souza. Despite the Australian keeper managing to get a hand to the ball, Souza’s powerful strike proved unstoppable.
Diego Souza’s journey to this milestone was marked by perseverance. Despite receiving his first call-up to the Brazilian national team in 2009, he had to wait eight years and overcome various challenges, including injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus, before earning his sixth cap. Souza capitalized on this opportunity by not only scoring Brazil’s fastest goal but also adding another goal to his tally in the same match.
7. Hakan Sukur (Turkey) – 11 seconds
Scoring the fastest goal in a tournament for one’s country is an exceptional feat, and Hakan Sukur achieved this on the grandest stage of all.
During the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan/South Korea, Turkey emerged as unexpected contenders, defying expectations by finishing third in the tournament despite a semifinal defeat against Brazil. In a third-place playoff match against co-hosts South Korea, Turkey secured a 3-2 victory, with Hakan Sukur etching his name in history by scoring the fastest goal ever in a FIFA World Cup match.
Leading up to this pivotal moment, Hakan had endured a goal drought, failing to find the net in six consecutive games. However, he broke this dry spell in spectacular fashion, not only scoring the fastest goal but also contributing two assists in the same match.
6. Paul Onuachu (Nigeria) – 9 seconds
Paul Onuachu made history as the African player with the fastest-ever goal, marking his debut for Nigeria with an extraordinary achievement. His goal, scored within the first ten seconds of a friendly against Egypt in 2019, set a new standard for Nigerian football. Following this remarkable feat, Onuachu was lauded as the “toast of Nigerian football,” earning recognition and acclaim.
This pivotal moment served as a springboard for Onuachu’s career. He went on to participate in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), contributing to Nigeria’s success in clinching the Bronze medal. Additionally, his impressive performance earned him another call-up for the 2023 AFCON, where he replaced the injured Umar Sadiq, reaffirming his significance within the national team setup.
5. Davide Gualtieri (San Marino) – 8.7 seconds
While Hakan Sukur holds the title for the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history, Davide Gualtieri claimed a significant record in the qualifiers. Representing San Marino, Gualtieri scored the fastest goal ever recorded in a World Cup qualifier, a record he held for over 23 years.
His remarkable feat occurred against England goalkeeper David Seaman, finding the net in just 8.7 seconds from an under-hit back pass. However, despite this individual achievement, the match ended in disappointment for San Marino as they suffered a 7-1 defeat against England.
4. Christian Benteke (Belgium) – 8.1 seconds
Formerly held by Gualtieri, the record for the fastest goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match now belongs to Christian Benteke. Benteke achieved this milestone during a World Cup qualifier match for England against Gibraltar, finding the net in just 8.1 seconds.
In a swift display of skill, Benteke intercepted a pass immediately after kickoff and maneuvered through Gibraltar’s defense to score within the blink of an eye. This lightning-fast goal set the pace for England’s dominance, with Benteke ultimately securing a hat-trick as Belgium cruised to a 6-0 victory, maintaining their position at the top of their group.
3. Florian Wirtz (Germany) – 7 seconds
Amidst a period of fluctuating performances by the German football team, they demonstrated their prowess in a friendly match against France. Florian Wirtz, who had been showcasing consistent performances for Bayer Leverkusen at the club level, made an immediate impact by netting his first international goal in just 7 seconds.
Executing a practiced routine to perfection, Wirtz unleashed a powerful shot that struck the crossbar before finding the back of the net. Adding to the significance of the moment, German legend Toni Kroos made his return to the team, providing the assist for Wirtz’s historic goal.
2. Lukas Podolski (Germany) – 6 seconds
Lukas Podolski remains unmatched in German football history, holding the record for the fastest goal ever scored by a German player. This historic moment occurred in May 2013, when Podolski found the back of the net within a mere six seconds against Ecuador, contributing to Germany’s 4-2 victory.
Renowned for his remarkable achievements, Podolski stands as the third most capped player in German football history, alongside being their third highest goal scorer. His exceptional talent, particularly his powerful left foot, made him a formidable force on the field and a player of great significance in any friendly match.
1. Christoph Baumgartner (Austria) – 6 seconds
Christoph Baumgartner of the Austrian national team has secured his place in football history by officially setting the record for the fastest goal ever scored in men’s international football. Baumgartner accomplished this remarkable feat in a recent friendly match against Slovakia, finding the net in a mere 6 seconds.
What sets Baumgartner’s goal apart is its sheer brilliance. Unlike many of the fastest goals scored, which often result from errors by the opposing team, Baumgartner’s goal was a testament to his individual skill and agility. Immediately from the kickoff, Baumgartner received the ball at the center, swiftly dribbled past two opposing players, and expertly placed a well-struck shot into the bottom corner of the net.
