Maria McAneny has been awarded the Guinness World Records title for the fastest goal in women’s football, scoring just 4.10 seconds after kick-off.
The official certificate presentation took place on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at Celtic FC Women’s Barrowfield Training Centre in Glasgow, where Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief and adjudicator Craig Glenday presented Maria with the certificate marking her record-breaking achievement.
Maria set the record during a Scottish Women’s Premier League fixture between Celtic FC Women and Hibernian Women on 10 December 2025, scoring directly from open play just seconds after kick-off.
After receiving the ball from teammate Saoirse Noonan, she struck from over 50 yards, catching the opposition goalkeeper off guard and scoring just 4.01 seconds into the match.
Credit: youtube.com/guinnessworldrecords
Speaking about the achievement, Maria McAneny said: “There was no practice or anything like that, it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. There was a Plan B, but I said to Saoirse, I’m going to go for it and thankfully it went in. It’s a great feeling, and it’s definitely not an achievement I ever thought I’d have. It hasn’t really set in, to be fair.”
An academy graduate, McAneny has enjoyed an impressive season for Celtic FC Women, contributing 13 goals and five assists across all competitions, including a Goal of the Month award for December.
Her club performances have also led to international recognition, earning her first senior Scotland call-up in November, where she scored on her debut against Ukraine. She later marked her first home appearance with a goal against Luxembourg at Hampden Park and has been named in the Scotland squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Belgium.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records, said: “To score just seconds after kick-off requires confidence, instinct and exceptional technique. Maria’s strike was a brilliant example of how a moment of bold decision-making can produce something truly remarkable.
Guinness World Records is proud to recognise Maria McAneny’s achievement with this official title, which highlights both her technical ability and the excitement of the modern game.”
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