Raphael Messi Bouli made an immediate impact for Punjab FC after scoring against Odisha FC in the opening minute of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 14.

The Cameroonian striker found the net in just the 39th second of the contest, giving Punjab FC an early breakthrough and putting his name among the fastest goalscorers in ISL history. The strike places Bouli sixth in the all-time fastest-goals list, behind five players who have scored within the opening 32 seconds of a match.

Raphael Messi Bouli Makes Instant Impact For Punjab FC

Bouli’s early goal provided Punjab FC with an ideal start to their ISL 2026-27 campaign. The forward joined the Shers ahead of the new season after previously representing Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League.

The experienced attacker had already demonstrated his scoring ability during Punjab FC’s pre-season campaign, finding the net three times in the 2026 IFA Shield. His early strike against Odisha FC further underlined his potential importance to the Punjab attack.

Punjab FC entered the new campaign under Greek head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, who replaced Panagiotis Dilmperis following the latter’s departure to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The club strengthened its squad with several additions, including Bouli, as it looked to build on its competitive performances in the previous ISL season.

Scoring inside the opening minute is a rare achievement in professional football, and Bouli’s 39-second effort puts him in distinguished company in the league’s history.

Top 10 Fastest Goals In Indian Super League History

Bouli’s 39-second strike now features sixth in the following historical ranking, based on the reported goal timings.

David Williams Continues To Hold The Record

David Williams remains the fastest goalscorer in ISL history after his remarkable 12-second effort against Hyderabad FC on January 5, 2022. The Australian forward scored for ATK Mohun Bagan following a quick passing move that caught the opposition defence off guard.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga previously held the record with his 23-second strike for Jamshedpur FC against Kerala Blasters FC in the 2017-18 season. Cleiton Silva subsequently made his mark with a 25-second goal for Bengaluru FC against Mumbai City FC in February 2021.