The man who broke the record in twenty-three seconds
In short: In the high-stakes arena of international football, momentum is everything. During the opening match of UEFA Euro 2024, Nedim Bajrami achieved the impossible, finding the back of the net just 23 seconds into play, setting a new record for the fastest goal in European Championship history.
Bajrami’s rise is a story of shifting allegiances and rapid professional ascent. Born in Switzerland to Albanian parents, he represented Switzerland at the youth level, including the U-17 European Championship qualification. However, in early 2021, he made the pivotal decision to switch his international allegiance to Albania. While FIFA initially rejected his request for eligibility, a decision by the Court of Arbitration Sport on 3 and August 2021 cleared him to represent his ancestral homeland.
His club career has been defined by a series of high-profile moves across Europe's major leagues. After developing in the Grasshoppers academy, he moved to Italy in 2019 to join Empoli. There, he played a vital role in their 2020–21 Serie B campaign, helping the club secure promotion to Serie A. His performances in Italy eventually led to a move to Sassuolo in 2023, a transfer that included a reported €7 million obligation to buy.
More recently, Bajrami’s journey took him to the Scottish Premiership with Rangers in August 2024. His time in Scotland has been marked by both brilliance and instability, including scoring on his UEFA Europa League debut against Malmö FF, but also facing periods of limited playing time under different management structures. By August 2026, his career moved to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al Taawoun on loan.
Beyond the individual records, Bajrami has been a cornerstone of Albania's recent competitive successes. He contributed five goals during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, helping the nation finish top of their group for the first time in history. His ability to deliver in decisive moments—from penalty conversions in Serie A to record-breaking strikes in major tournaments—has cemented his reputation as a creative force in international football.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Nedim Bajrami
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