Ismaila Sarr makes Conference League history with record-breaking goal

Ismaila Sarr etched his name into UEFA Conference League history by scoring the fastest goal the tournament has ever seen, giving Crystal Palace a dream start in their semi-final clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Crystal Palace right winger struck just 21 seconds into Thursday’s first leg in Krakow, Poland, calmly finishing to put the Premier League side 1–0 up almost straight from kick-off. His lightning opener smashed the previous record of 32 seconds, set by Rapid Vienna’s Ferdy Druijf against Vitesse Arnhem in 2022, underlining just how explosive Palace’s start was on the night.

While Sarr now tops the Conference League charts for quickest goal, his effort still falls short of the fastest strikes recorded in the Champions League and Europa League, where goals have been scored in a little over 10 seconds. Even so, it is a landmark moment for both player and club, coming during Palace’s first-ever campaign in a major European competition after booking their place via last season’s FA Cup triumph.

The goal not only boosts Palace’s hopes of reaching a European final, it also showcases Sarr’s growing influence on the continental stage as the Senegalese forward continues to deliver on big occasions.