Shane Long Bags Record-Breaking Goal in Just Seven Seconds

Football fans will be talking about this one for a long time. On December 9, 2025, Southampton’s Shane Long etched his name into Premier League history with a lightning-fast strike that left defenders — and viewers — stunned. Just seven seconds after kickoff, Long found the back of the net, setting a new record for the fastest goal in EPL history.

The moment unfolded in breathtaking fashion. Barely had the referee blown the whistle than Southampton launched a swift counter from the opening kick. A quick pass, a perfectly timed run, and Long pounced on a loose ball just outside the box before burying it past the keeper with cold precision. The stadium erupted, but many hadn’t even settled into their seats.

While other quick goals have come close — like Ledley King’s 10-second strike for Tottenham in 2000 — Long’s effort slashes three full seconds off the previous benchmark. It wasn’t just speed; it was audacity. Southampton, pushing for survival, needed a spark, and Long delivered it in record time.

Commentators struggled to keep up, mid-sentence when the ball hit the net. Social media exploded. “Did I miss the kickoff?” one fan tweeted. “Rewound three times — yes, that was real,” said another.

For Long, a journeyman with a knack for the dramatic, it’s a career-defining moment. At 37, many thought his best days were behind him. But on that cold December afternoon, with instinct, pace, and precision, he reminded everyone what he’s made of.

The Premier League has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments — last-minute winners, stunning volleys, underdog triumphs — but none quite like this. Seven seconds. That’s all it took to rewrite the record books.

See also

In-depth articles

Related topics