Celtic Forward Maria McAneny Claims World Record for Fastest Top Flight Women's Goal

Celtic Women's forward Maria McAneny has been officially awarded the Guinness World Records title for the fastest goal scored in top-flight women's football.

The remarkable feat occurred during a Scottish Women's Premier League match against Hibernian Women in December. McAneny struck the ball from the centre circle immediately after the opening whistle, finding the back of the net from 50 yards out in just 4.10 seconds.

A spur of the moment strike from fifty yards

The goal left fans and teammates stunned as the ball soared over the Hibernian goalkeeper almost instantly. While many players stick to traditional kick-off routines, McAneny decided to take an audacious shot that has now catapulted her to global fame. The strike was so swift that some supporters were still taking their seats when the ball hit the net, ensuring Celtic took an immediate lead in a match they eventually won 2-1.

"There was no practice or anything like that, it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing", Maria McAneny said during her certificate presentation. She added: "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".

Global recognition for the women's game

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday travelled to Celtic's training ground in Barrowfield to present McAneny with her official certificate. He emphasized that highlighting such fundamental records in the women’s game provides a vital signal to the next generation of players. The record is specifically for top-flight fixtures, distinguishing it from faster goals that may have been recorded in amateur or lower-level leagues.

"Making a big noise about a record as fundamental as the fastest goal in top-flight women's football sends a signal to every young female player that the opportunities are there to make your mark", Craig Glenday stated. He further remarked that Maria is a local hero who has deservedly been catapulted to the global stage.

From the academy to the world stage

McAneny, affectionately known as Maz by the Celtic faithful, has progressed through the club’s academy system to become a first-team regular and a national representative. Her record-breaking moment was captured on video and went viral, with fans across social media calling for the achievement to be formally recognized. To make the presentation even more memorable, her family, including her parents and siblings, were present at the training ground to witness the ceremony.

The achievement marks a significant moment for Scottish football, highlighting the increasing quality and visibility of the domestic league. As the women's game continues to grow, McAneny's 4.10-second strike remains a benchmark of individual brilliance and confidence on the professional stage.

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