The thirteenth round of the Roshan Professional League witnessed an exceptional event that brought back memories of lightning goals in the history of Saudi football, as star Julian Quinyones, the striker of Al-Qadisiyah Club, succeeded in scoring a very early goal against Al-Riyadh Club, just 16 seconds after the starting whistle.
Kenyones enters professional league history
Kenyones' goal etched his name in gold among the fastest goals in the history of the Saudi Professional League. This goal wasn't just a record; it was an early tactical masterstroke that disrupted the opponent's plans and changed the course of the match currently underway. Scoring in the opening seconds is a skill that demands high concentration and the immediate exploitation of the opponent's unprepared defense, something the Al-Qadisiyah striker executed brilliantly.
List of the fastest goals in Saudi League history
Based on official statistics and field records, Kenyones' goal has reshuffled the list of fastest goals, previously topped by former Al-Fateh star Hamdan Al-Hamdan. Below is the updated list of the most notable lightning goals:
- Hamdan Al-Hamdan: He tops the list with his famous goal with Al-Fateh against Hajer in the 2011 season, which was scored a few seconds after the start (sources indicate 10-11 seconds, while some records mention 6 seconds in rare cases).
- Rafinha: The former Brazilian professional of Al Shabab club, scored against Al Taawon after 11 seconds in the 2011 season.
- Nordin Amrabat: The Moroccan star with Al-Nasr club, scored against Al-Faisaly in the 2021 season after 13 seconds.
- Salman Al-Faraj: The former Al-Hilal captain, scored against Al-Shoalah after 15 seconds in the 2015 season.
- Julian Kenyones: The newcomer to the list with his goal for Al-Qadisiyah against Al-Riyadh in the current 2025 season after 16 seconds.
- Waleed Al-Jizani: Al-Hazm player, scored against Al-Ittihad after 19 seconds in the 2009 season.
The evolution of the Saudi league and the impact of early goals
This event takes on special significance given the tremendous development of the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League), which has become a global attraction thanks to its draw of elite international football stars. Scoring goals in the opening seconds reflects the players' high technical and physical levels, and the unbridled attacking intent that characterizes the teams this season.
Tactically, early goals are a double-edged sword; they give the scoring team a huge morale boost and force the opponent to abandon their defensive plans and open up the field early in an attempt to equalize, thus increasing the excitement of matches and the number of goals scored. Kenyones' goal confirms that Al-Qadisiyah has returned to the professional league in force, as a fierce competitor with the tools to secure quick victories.
