Finding the back of the net is the ultimate objective in football, and if it comes just after kickoff, it gives immense delight and a massive confidence boost to the scoring team.

From jaw-dropping long rangers to classic tap-ins, ice-in-the-veins Panenkas to breathtaking headers, all these elements combined to embellish the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24 season as a goal-scoring spectacle. Besides that, this season has been a testament to some electrifying early goals, most of which came from agile young Indians who sparkled with their lightning presence in the opening seconds of the 90-minute game.

As the ISL 2023–24 season surpassed its horizons, let's take a closer look at the top five fastest goal scorers from the tenth edition of the ISL.

PV Vishnu |32 secs| Odisha FC vs East Bengal FC

 

 

 

 

 

East Bengal FC’s promising young prospect, the Kerala-born skilled winger PV Vishnu, registered his first ISL goal in spectacular fashion, hitting the target within 32 seconds of kick-off. Despite a fantastic start in Bhubaneswar, Carles Cuadrat’s men failed to capitalize on this early impact and lost the match by a 2-1 scoreline.

The goal move began with Aleksandar Pantic’s chipped through ball, which found Vishnu just behind Odisha FC’s side-back, Jerry Lalrinzuala. Using his rapid pace and deft footwork to evade his marker, Vishnu entered Odisha FC’s box, dribbled past Carlos Delgado, and took a precise shot from a tight angle, leaving Amrinder Singh clueless at the near post.

Rahim Ali |54 secs| Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC

 

It was truly a dream start for Chennaiyin FC to take an early lead against Kerala Blasters FC, especially at their home ground. An exhilarating seesaw battle in Kochi saw both sides share points in a six-goal thriller, with the fixture resulting in a 3-3 draw.

The early goal came from a set-piece situation where Chennaiyin FC’s Brazilian playmaker, Rafael Crivellaro, played a looping, curling cross into the Blasters’ box, finding Rahim Ali and leaving the defenders clueless. Ali’s cheeky back heel was enough to change the ball's direction, edging it past Sachin Suresh at the far post.

Daniel Chima Chukwu |1:22 mins| Hyderabad FC vs Jamshedpur FC

 

Daniel Chima Chukwu’s headed goal within the first 82 seconds set the foundation for Jamshedpur FC’s emphatic 5-0 win against Hyderabad FC in an away fixture. Not only with the early strike, but Chukwu was also thoroughly involved throughout the whole game as he netted his first ISL hat trick, becoming the second Jamshedpur FC player after Greg Stewart to achieve such a feat.

Imran Khan played an inch-perfect cross from the left flank targeting Chukwu inside the opponent’s box, and the Nigerian responded well, placing his header beyond Laxmikant Kattimani’s reach to put his side in front. Notably, it was Chukwu’s 50th ISL appearance, in which he delivered a standout performance for Jamshedpur FC.

Shivaldo Singh |1:31 mins| FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC

 

Bengaluru FC’s young, dynamic midfielder, Shivaldo Singh, scored his first ISL goal with an early strike against FC Goa, giving his team a dream start in the highly intense game. However, the Blues failed to maintain their early lead, ending the match with a 2-1 result in favour of the Gaurs.

Shivaldo Singh's diagonal run behind the FC Goa defensive line placed him in prime position to receive Suresh Singh's long through ball, beating his marker with his swift move. Shivaldo then made no mistake in beating the onrushing Dheeraj Singh with a powerful right-footed strike.

Vikram Partap Singh |2:01 mins| NorthEast United FC vs Mumbai City FC

 

Vikram Partap Singh's sublime finish in the opening minutes of the game saw Mumbai City FC take an early lead against NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. The winger-forward experienced a fantastic outing against the Highlanders, scoring his first ISL hat trick in the game.

Yoell Van Nieff's left-footed lofted pass found Vikram Partap in a favourable position inside the opponent's box. His robust strike hit the back of the net, leaving Mirshad Michu helpless at the near post.