Davide Gualtieri

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Davide Gualtieri (born in San Marino, 27 April 1971) is a former San Marino international football player.

He is most well-remembered for scoring the fastest ever goal in FIFA World Cup Qualifying history. He achieved the record in a qualifier that took place on 17 November 1993. The opposition was England.

In the match, which took place in Bologna, Italy, San Marino had the kick-off, and the ball was quickly played through the inside-right channel. England defender Stuart Pearce attempted a back-pass to goalkeeper David Seaman. Pearce's horrendous pass was under-hit, and Gualtieri ran on to touch the ball past the confused Seaman. The goal was timed at 8.3 seconds, and still remains the quickest World Cup-related goal ever scored. England took over 20 minutes to equalise, but eventually finished up winning the match 7-1. The outcome was meaningless anyway, as both England and San Marino failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

The England manager, Graham Taylor resigned shortly after the game took place, and this was to be his last game in charge. Gualtieri continued to play for the San Marino national team until 2000, when he retired due to injury. He now works as a computer salesman in San Marino.