Celtic's Maria McAneny Scores Goal in Record 4.10 Seconds

Celtic Women fans were still settling into their seats on a chilly December day when the scoreboard changed to 1-0. Just 4.10 seconds after the opening whistle, Maria McAneny had already made history.

The 21-year-old kicked the ball from the center circle during a Scottish Women's Premier League match against Hibernian Women on December 21, 2025. The ball soared 50 yards past every player on the field, past the goalkeeper, and straight into the back of the net.

Her teammates erupted in celebration, jumping and screaming as they ran to embrace her. The crowd went wild as they realized they'd just witnessed something extraordinary.

"There was no practice or anything like that, it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing," Maria said afterward. "I said to Saoirse [Noonan], I'm going to go for it and thankfully it went in."

The goal earned Maria the official Guinness World Record for the fastest goal in top-flight women's football. While faster goals have been scored in amateur matches, Guinness only considers professional league fixtures for this record.

Celtic went on to win the match 2-1, making the historic moment even sweeter. Fans immediately flooded social media demanding recognition for what they'd witnessed, and Guinness World Records was happy to deliver.

Why This Inspires

Maria's journey to this moment shows what dedication looks like. She grew up in Glasgow and worked her way through Celtic's academy system to reach the first team. Now she plays for both Celtic and the Scottish national side, representing her community on the global stage.

When Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday traveled to Celtic's training ground in Glasgow to present her certificate, her entire family was there to celebrate. Her mum, dad, granny, and siblings watched as she received official recognition for her achievement.

"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," Glenday said. "Maria is a local hero making her mark nationally, and now with this record, she's deservedly been catapulted to the global stage."

The record still hasn't fully sunk in for Maria, who never imagined she'd hold such a title. But for every young player watching, she's proof that taking your shot can change everything in an instant.