Bradley Barcola Sets Record with Fastest Goal in France History

With an impressive tally of four goals in three matches since the start of the season with PSG, Bradley Barcola made headlines on Friday night during the UEFA Nations League match between France and Italy (1-3). The 22-year-old winger scored an astonishing goal just 12 seconds into the game, setting a record for the fastest goal in the history of the French national team.

France’s rocky start to the Nations League

The French national team faced a difficult return to the pitch. On Friday, the Bleus played their first match since their semi-final defeat against Spain (2-1) in Euro 2024. In a challenging opener of the Nations League against Italy, the team, led by Didier Deschamps, suffered a disappointing loss (1-3). Despite starting the match on a high note with a goal in the very first minute, the French squad could not maintain their lead.

Barcola’s record-breaking goal

Capitalizing on a mistake from Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Barcola seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and sprinting towards his teammate at PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma. With a clever finish, he found the back of the net, marking not only his first goal for the national team but also the fastest goal ever scored by the Bleus. According to Opta, prior to this, three goals had been recorded in the first minute of play in matches before 1933, yet no exact timing was confirmed. The previous record for the fastest goal was held by Bernard Lacombe during the 1978 World Cup, who also scored against… Italy.

Confidence boosting performance

After the match, Barcola expressed his commitment and enthusiasm, stating, “I try to be the best in every match, and I will always be ready to play, whether starting or coming off the bench. I enjoy playing and give my all in training and during matches.” His performance received praise from Didier Deschamps, who noted, “He is young, but he is full of confidence at a time when he is showing great efficiency. He experienced the Euro and is constantly improving at a remarkable pace. When the opponent sits back, it’s certainly more challenging.”