Faster than the fastest: Nigeria-eligible GK sets Bundesliga record during Freiburg vs Holstein Kiel clash

SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu wrote his name into Bundesliga history during a dramatic 3-2 victory over Holstein Kiel on matchday 16 at the Europa-Park Stadion, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Kicker, the 22-year-old goalkeeper set a new season record for speed, clocking an incredible 32.5 km/h in an early-game sprint that showed his athleticism and determination.

The match began in chaotic fashion when Atubolu mishit a clearance straight into the path of Holstein Kiel’s forward Phil Harres.

The ball rebounded dangerously toward Freiburg’s goal, setting up a high-stakes sprint between the two players.

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Harres, smelling an opportunity for an early lead, surged forward, while Atubolu scrambled to rectify his error.

In a fine display of pace and agility, the Freiburg keeper narrowly beat Harres to the ball, clearing it just meters from the goal line.

That dramatic intervention not only preserved Freiburg’s clean sheet at the time but also earned Atubolu the distinction of being the fastest goalkeeper in the league this season.

His top speed of 32.5 km/h comfortably outpaced the next-best efforts of Mainz’s Robin Zentner (29.79 km/h) and Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel (29.16 km/h).

Freiburg capitalized on their keeper’s heroics, racing into a 3-0 lead through an own goal from Nicolai Remberg and strikes from Christian Günter and Vincenzo Grifo. Despite late efforts from Harres to pull two goals back for Holstein Kiel, Freiburg held on for the win.

Atubolu has been a pivotal figure for Freiburg this season, starting 15 of their 17 Bundesliga games and keeping four clean sheets.

The youngster’s rise to prominence has been steady, with 49 Bundesliga appearances and 14 clean sheets since his debut in August 2023.

Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Atubolu remains eligible to represent Nigeria despite his involvement with Germany’s youth teams.