Ledley King had a long and successful career for Tottenham Hotspur. He was a product of their youth academy and went on to play 13 years for the Lilywhites first team at the heart of defence. The centre-back wasn’t renowned for his gaolscring prowess and netted just ten goals from his 268 Premier League appearances. However, one of his strikes was historic as it still remains the fastest goal ever scored in the Premier League. The defender was on the scoresheet against Bradford City in a league game when the match was barely ten seconds old. Although victory evaded the Londoners as they blew away a 3-1 lead to secure a 3-3 draw in December 2009 at White Hart Lane, King has his record still.
Joseba Llorente, while playing for Real Valladolid in the 2007/08 season netted against Espanyol after only 7.6 seconds following the kick-off, thereby he holds the record for the fastest goal in the history of Spanish top flight football.
The equivalent record in the Bundesliga is shared by Kevin Volland and Karim Bellarabi, who are both listed to have got on the scoresheet at 9 seconds. Volland struck after just 9.2 seconds for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich earlier this year, while Bellarabi took 9.5 seconds to put Bayer Leverkusen ahead against Borussia Dortmund last season. However, due to the fact that the Bundesliga only counts the first digit, both the players share the record for the fastest Bundesliga goal in history.
Paolo Poggi holds the record for the fastest goal in the Serie A history. While turning out for Piacenza against Fiorentina in a league clash in the 2000/01 season, the Italian took just 8.1 seconds to put his side ahead. Piacenza went on to register a 3-1 win over La Viola, and Poggi’s record has been secure since.
In 1992, Michael Rio of SM Caen scored within opening eight seconds against Cannes at home. The Brazilian winger Denilson came close to the record held by Michael Rio. The former Bordeaux player netted after 11 seconds to give his side the lead over Nice in 2006.
Wasi is a keen fan with loads of knowledge about the game. He has written for some of the world’s leading soccer websites and is a major Barcelona and Pune City FC fan. He loves the Champions League and watches 200+ EPL games & La Liga games per season.