Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala netted after just 15 seconds on Matchday 3 of the 2024/25 season against Holstein Kiel, but even that is still some way behind the quickest Bundesliga goal of all time. That record is jointly held by Karim Bellarabi and Kevin Volland, who each scored within nine seconds during the opening matchday of the 2014/15 campaign and the second of the 2015/16 term respectively. Beating Bayern Munich and Germany legend Manuel Neuer is easier said than done at the best of times, but Volland was in no mood to mess around when Hoffenheim hosted the Rekordmeister at the start of the 2015/16 term as he gave his side the lead in Bundesliga-record time. While the forward's goal was in vain - Die Kraichgauer ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat - he remains a part of history, and it will surely take something special to remove him from the annals. That strike came one year and one day after Bellarabi initially broke the record when he found the back of the net for Leverkusen away at Borussia Dortmund. Unlike Volland's Hoffenheim, Die Werkself went on to pick up all three points thanks to a 2-0 victory, making the Berlin native's day extra special.
Bundesliga's Quickest Goals: A Look at the Top Scorers
Until that effort on August 23, 2014, the record stood at 11 seconds and was shared by Bundesliga veterans Ulf Kirsten, Giovane Élber and Paul Freier. Musiala's effort actually puts him just outside the top 10, although only Élber and Lothar Matthäus have found the back of net earlier in a league game for Bayern. Musiala became the next Bayern player to add his name to the list of fast-out-of-the-blocks stars, finding the net with a composed finish to put his side 1-0 up against Holstein Kiel on Matchday 3 of the 2024/25 season.
9-Second Goals: Bellarabi and Volland Set the Pace
Karim Bellarabi etched his name into Bundesliga history on August 23, 2014, when he scored for Bayer Leverkusen against Borussia Dortmund just nine seconds into the match. This swift strike broke the existing record, which stood at 11 seconds. However, Bellarabi's record did not last long, as Kevin Volland matched his feat on August 22, 2015, scoring for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich within nine seconds. These two remarkable goals are still the fastest in the history of the Bundesliga, a testament to their explosive speed and clinical finishing.
11 Seconds: A Trio of Legends
Before Bellarabi's record-breaking goal, three legendary players shared the honor of scoring in 11 seconds. Ulf Kirsten, a prolific striker for Bayer Leverkusen, achieved this feat in 2002. Giovane Élber, a Brazilian forward who played for Bayern Munich, also found the back of the net in 11 seconds in 1998. And finally, Paul Freier, a German winger, accomplished the same in 2003 while playing for Bochum. These players, each known for their exceptional goalscoring prowess, solidified their places in Bundesliga history with these lightning-fast strikes.
Beyond the Top 10: Other Notable Quick Goals
While Bellarabi and Volland remain at the top, the list of quick goals in Bundesliga history continues to grow. Adam Szalai and Dirk Zander both achieved a time of 12 seconds. Lothar Matthäus and Leon Goretzka (own goal) followed with 13 seconds each. Mohamed Zidan and Ronald Worm both registered 14 seconds. And finally, Jamal Musiala's 15-second goal earned him a place among the elite scorers.
The Legacy of Speed and Skill in the Bundesliga
The Bundesliga has long been renowned for its fast-paced, attacking football, and the list of quickest goals only reinforces this reputation. Players like Bellarabi, Volland, Musiala, and others have showcased their incredible speed, agility, and clinical finishing skills in the pursuit of early goals. These moments have not only entertained fans but also created a unique and enduring chapter in the Bundesliga's illustrious history.
The pursuit of the quickest goal in Bundesliga history is an ongoing story. As the league continues to evolve and produce talented players, we can expect even faster goals in the future. For now, these records stand as a testament to the raw talent and exhilarating speed that the Bundesliga has always been known for.
A Glimpse into the Bundesliga's Storied Past
The Unforgettable Strike of Ulf Kirsten
In a thrilling match against 1 FC Kaiserslautern on March 30, 2002, Leverkusen legend Ulf Kirsten scored a historic goal just 11 seconds into the game. This incredible feat solidified his place in Bundesliga history, etching his name alongside fellow greats like Giovane Élber and Paul Freier who also achieved the same feat.
The 1998 Masterpiece of Giovane Élber
Bayern Munich's Brazilian forward Giovane Élber made his mark on the Bundesliga on January 31, 1998, when he found the back of the net against Hamburger SV within a mere 11 seconds. This remarkable goal, demonstrating his remarkable speed and clinical finishing skills, showcased Élber's prowess and contributed to his iconic status in German football history.
Paul Freier's 2003 Record-Breaking Effort
On May 24, 2003, Bochum winger Paul Freier made history by scoring a goal just 11 seconds into the game against 1860 Munich. His exceptional speed and anticipation allowed him to capitalize on a defensive lapse, leaving the opposing team in awe. This feat cemented Freier's name in the annals of Bundesliga history, alongside other legendary players who have accomplished the same feat.
The Bundesliga's Continued Evolution
The Bundesliga is a league constantly evolving, with young talents emerging and established players breaking records. With the introduction of VAR and other innovations, the game continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The pursuit of quick goals, however, remains a constant, demonstrating the thrill and excitement that the Bundesliga offers. The league's history is filled with memorable moments, and as new records are set and legends are made, the Bundesliga's captivating story continues to unfold.