Longest Header Goal: Ryujiro Ueda sets world record (Video)
TOKYO, Japan -- In the second division in Japan, Fagiano Okayama centre-half Ryujiro Ueda scored a 58-yard header against Yokohama FC at the Mitsuzawa Stadium - setting the new world record for the Longest Header Goal, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com). Photo: Japanese defender Ryujiro Ueda have broken the world record for a headed goal after scoring a 58-metre effort for his team Fagiano Okayama in a match against Yokohama FC. (enlarge photo)
The previous Guinness world record of 57.3 metres was scored in Norway's Tippeligaen by Jone Samuelsen for Odd Grenland.
Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the Longest field goal, claimed - American football (NFL): 78 yards, barefooted, by Ching Do Kim at Honolulu Stadium on 23 Nov 1944.
The only goal of the match came in the 69th minute in a sequence that began with an average goal-kick from Yokohama goalkeeper Kentaro Seki. Fagiano defender Ryujiro Ueda ran up the left side just beyond the centre-line to clear with a header.
The ball flew back toward the Yokohama goal, bouncing once several metres outside of the penalty box and flying above Seki, who had clearly misjudged his placement and how fast the ball would travel on the slick grass.
"[After I cleared the ball] I was focused on getting back to my position," said a stunned Ueda post-game. "I didn't notice until after it had gone in."
After the match, grounds staff measured the distance from Ueda's position to the goal and found it to be at least 58.6 metres.
The previous world record of 57.3 metres was scored in Norway's Tippeligaen by Jone Samuelsen for Odd Grenland.
