Ranking The 20 Fastest Goals in Champions League History
Scoring early in a Champions League match can be a game-changer, shifting momentum and putting immense pressure on the opposition. Some players have managed to find the net within mere seconds, catching defenses off guard and setting the tone for unforgettable matches.
We’ve taken a look at the fastest goals in Champions League history, ranking the 20 quickest strikes ever recorded. From legendary forwards to unexpected scorers, these goals prove that sometimes, the best way to make an impact is to waste no time at all.
20. Deco – 60.00 seconds
Portuguese midfielder Deco was a key player for FC Porto in the early 2000s. On October 26, 1999, he struck against Molde just as the game was getting underway, setting the tempo for a dominant Porto performance in the group stage.
19. Fernando Morientes – 57.00 seconds
Real Madrid’s Fernando Morientes was known for his aerial ability and sharp finishing. His quick strike against FC Porto on October 1, 2003, gave Madrid an immediate advantage in their group stage clash.
18. Didier Drogba – 55.00 seconds
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba wasted no time against FC Barcelona in the round of 16 on February 22, 2005. His early goal shocked the Spanish giants, giving Chelsea a crucial lead in a tense knockout tie.
17. Alexandros Alexoudis – 52.00 seconds
Greek forward Alexandros Alexoudis made history for Panathinaikos when he netted against AaB in the group stage on November 22, 1995. His strike ensured a dream start for the Greek club in the European competition.
16. Paolo Maldini – 50.00 seconds
In the 2005 Champions League final, AC Milan’s legendary captain Paolo Maldini scored the fastest goal in a final, volleying home against Liverpool after just 50 seconds. Despite Milan’s dream start, Liverpool would go on to stage one of the greatest comebacks in football history.
15. Roberto Carlos – 40.00 seconds
Real Madrid’s Roberto Carlos was renowned for his powerful strikes, and on September 29, 1999, he found the net against Olympiakos in under a minute. His early goal helped set Madrid on course for another strong Champions League campaign.
14. George Weah – 37.00 seconds
AC Milan’s Liberian superstar George Weah demonstrated his clinical finishing against FC Barcelona on November 23, 1994. His goal in the opening moments of the group stage match was a statement of intent from Milan.
13. Andreas Möller – 36.00 seconds
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Andreas Möller stunned Juventus with an early goal in their quarter-final clash on March 13, 1996. His rapid finish put Dortmund in control early on.
12. David Trezeguet – 31.00 seconds
AS Monaco’s David Trezeguet needed just 31 seconds to score against Manchester United on March 18, 1998, in the quarter-finals. His quick reaction inside the box left United trailing from the very beginning.
11. Mariano Bombarda – 28.21 seconds
Dutch club Willem II may not have a rich Champions League history, but Mariano Bombarda made sure they left a mark. His lightning-fast strike against Sparta Prague on October 20, 1999, remains one of the fastest in the competition.
10. Conor Gallagher – 27.00 seconds
In a recent addition to the list, Conor Gallagher scored just 27 seconds into Atlético Madrid’s round of 16 clash against Real Madrid on March 12, 2025. His goal gave Atlético an electrifying start in the Madrid derby.
9. Dejan Stanković – 25.54 seconds
Inter’s Dejan Stanković is known for his stunning goals, and his strike against Schalke 04 in the quarter-finals on April 5, 2011, was no exception. A beautifully timed volley left the German side reeling.
8. Marek Kincl – 25.20 seconds
Rapid Wien’s Marek Kincl made Champions League history with a blistering goal against Club Brugge on November 2, 2005. His instinctive finishing placed him among the fastest scorers in the competition.
7. David Alaba – 25.02 seconds
Bayern Munich’s versatile defender David Alaba caught Juventus off guard in the quarter-finals on April 2, 2013. His long-range strike after just 25 seconds showcased his attacking prowess.
6. Alexandre Pato – 24.00 seconds
AC Milan’s young sensation Alexandre Pato stunned FC Barcelona on September 13, 2011, racing past the defense to score in 24 seconds. His blistering pace caught the Catalans completely off guard.
5. Clarence Seedorf – 21.06 seconds
Clarence Seedorf was a key figure in AC Milan’s midfield, and his goal against Schalke 04 on September 28, 2005, came just 21 seconds into the match. The Dutchman’s strike set the tone for an intense encounter.
4. Alessandro Del Piero – 20.12 seconds
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero needed just over 20 seconds to score against Manchester United on October 1, 1997. His goal in the group stage showed his ability to capitalize on early opportunities.
3. Gilberto Silva – 20.07 seconds
Arsenal’s Gilberto Silva made an instant impact in the Champions League with a goal just over 20 seconds into their match against PSV Eindhoven on September 25, 2002. His goal remains one of the fastest in the tournament’s history.
2. Jonas – 10.96 seconds
Valencia’s Brazilian forward Jonas scored in just under 11 seconds against Bayer Leverkusen on November 1, 2011. His clinical finish in the group stage placed him second on the all-time list.
1. Roy Makaay – 10.12 seconds
The fastest goal in Champions League history belongs to Roy Makaay, who scored for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid on March 7, 2007. With just over 10 seconds on the clock, he latched onto a mistake and slotted the ball past Iker Casillas, cementing his place in history.
