Fastest goal in Euro history: Nedim Bajrami, Dmitri Kirichenko headline list

The UEFA European Championship is one of the high-profile football tournaments held every four years since 1960.

Organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Euros is contested by UEFA members' senior men's national teams to determine the continental champion of Europe.

The UEFA European Championship is the second-most watched football tournament in the world after the FIFA World Cup.

Considering the importance of the tournament, European football players dream of scoring in the marquee event.

Several records have been created and broken in the Euros over the years. With that being said, let’s have a look at the fastest goal in Euro history.

Fastest goal in Euro: Know the top five across UEFA European Championships

Nedim Bajrami | 23 seconds | Albania vs Italy, Euro 2024

Albania’s Nedim Bajrami holds the record for the fastest goal in Euro history. Nedim Bajrami scored a goal after just 23 seconds against Italy in a Euro 2024 Group B match at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. Despite Bajrami’s opening goal, Albania later lost the game 1-2.

Dmitri Kirichenko | 67 seconds | Russia vs Greece, Euro 2004

Former Russia international striker Dmitri Kirichenko held the previous record for the fastest goal in Euro history. Dmitri Kirichenko opened the scoring for Russia after just 67 seconds against Greece in a Euro 2004 group match at the Estádio Algarve in Portugal. Kirichenko’s brilliant start guided Russia to an impressive 2-1 win over Greece.

Emil Forsberg | 82 seconds | Sweden vs Poland, Euro 2020

Sweden’s Emil Forsberg features third on the list for the fastest goal in Euro history. With Sweden aiming to secure the top spot in Group E, Emil Forsberg netted a crucial goal after 82 seconds against Poland at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Forsberg powered Sweden to a thrilling 3-2 over Poland to help them secure the top spot while star-studded Spain finished second in the group.

Yussuf Poulsen | 99 seconds | Denmark vs Belgium, Euro 2020

Denmark forward Yussuf Poulsen is currently fourth on the fastest goal in Euro list. The talented striker Yussuf Poulsen scored after 99 seconds against Belgium in a crucial Euro 2020 group match at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark. Despite a great start, Denmark later conceded two goals in the second half to succumb to a 1-2 loss at home.

Robert Lewandowski | 100 seconds | Poland vs Portugal, Euro 2016

Robert Lewandowski completes the top five list for the fastest goal in Euro history. The Poland striker netted an important goal after just 100 seconds against Portugal in their Euro 2016 quarter-finals clash at the Stade de Marseille in France. However, Renato Sanches equalised for Portugal in the 33rd minute as the game ended 1-1 in normal time. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal later won the tie 5-3 on penalties. 

Photo credit: Alamy