Fastest Football Player in the World (2025 List & All-Time Records)

Speed is one of the most important tools to succeed in soccer. Throughout the journey of this beautiful game, it has been blessed with some of the fastest soccer players, who have fascinated everyone. The game has witnessed a certain number of players demonstrating lightning pace and exceptional skills over the years to go past their opponents in every match.

Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Kylian Mbappe, and Thierry Henry have been incredibly fast in the game. This list has been prepared on the basis of the top speeds the soccer players achieved during a match.

Overview – Speed in Football: Why It Matters

Especially in modern football, pace has become an integral part of the game. Defenders have been breaking barriers, proving that pace is no longer a game of attackers. Attackers, they need to be even faster, as teams around the world attempt to hit oppositions on the counter more and more. The best wingers in the world today are also some of the fastest, with the game’s pace itself having increased in dramatic fashion in recent years. Today, some of the fastest footballers of all time are currently active, with the overall average speed of players also increasing comprehensively in recent seasons.

Fastest Football Players in the World Right Now

5. Mohamed Salah — 36 km/h

Even at 32 years old, Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the fastest players in football, recording a top speed of 36 km/h. The Liverpool winger has built a career around sharp movements, quick changes of direction, and devastating counter-attacks. His ability to maintain high speed while dribbling under control makes him especially lethal in one-on-one situations.

Salah’s speed has remained a vital part of his game even as he’s evolved into more of a creative and goal-scoring leader for Liverpool. His bursts of acceleration, especially when cutting inside from the right, often catch defenders off-guard. Despite the natural aging curve, Salah’s conditioning and sprinting ability ensure he remains one of the premier threats in world football.

Stat	Value
Top Speed (km/h)	36.0
Appearances (2024/25)	32

4. Jeremie Frimpong — 36.4 km/h

Bayer Leverkusen’s flying wing-back Jeremie Frimpong is not just fast — he’s explosive, hitting 36.4 km/h this season. A critical part of Xabi Alonso’s system, Frimpong’s rapid accelerations down the right side create overloads and stretch defenses. His top speed, combined with technical flair, has made him one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe.

Frimpong’s speed isn’t limited to open sprints; he uses quick bursts in tight spaces to break pressure and create chances. His rapid progress at Leverkusen has caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, and it’s clear that his breathtaking pace is one of his standout traits. With maturity and tactical development, Frimpong could soon be considered among the best attacking full-backs in the world.

Stat	Value
Top Speed (km/h)	36.4
Appearances (2024/25)	30

3. Alphonso Davies — 36.5 km/h

Known as the “Roadrunner” at Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies remains the fastest full-back in world football, reaching speeds of 36.5 km/h. His extraordinary pace is crucial both defensively and offensively, enabling him to recover lost ground, win impossible tackles, and launch devastating counter-attacks. Davies is often seen bursting down the left flank, turning defense into attack in mere seconds.

The Canadian international’s blend of speed, stamina, and technique has made him indispensable for Bayern. Even when caught out of position, Davies’ sheer pace allows him to correct mistakes others couldn’t. His sprints aren’t just fast — they’re repeated consistently throughout matches, highlighting his incredible endurance at the highest level of the game.

Stat	Value
Top Speed (km/h)	36.5
Appearances (2024/25)	31

2. Darwin Núñez — 37.1 km/h

Darwin Núñez has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most electric forwards, recently clocking an incredible 37.1 km/h. The Uruguayan striker pairs his size and strength with remarkable pace, often surprising defenders who underestimate his ability to stretch defenses. His bursts in open space have become a key part of Liverpool’s transitional attacks, making him a nightmare to contain.

Núñez’s top-end speed allows him to beat defensive lines and get on the end of long balls, a trait that suits Liverpool’s high-tempo system. Despite his sometimes erratic finishing, his pure athleticism — combining power, height, and sprinting ability — makes him one of the most unique forwards in Europe. His speed continues to be a key reason why he creates so many high-value chances.

Stat	Value
Top Speed (km/h)	37.1
Appearances (2024/25)	28

1. Kylian Mbappé — 38 km/h

Kylian Mbappé has long been regarded as the epitome of explosive speed in world football. Clocking a top speed of 38 km/h, the French superstar uses his incredible acceleration to devastating effect, leaving defenders trailing in his wake. His blistering pace isn’t just raw speed — it’s controlled, often paired with his phenomenal dribbling, sharp movement, and clinical finishing. Whether it’s sprinting onto a through ball or launching a solo counter-attack, Mbappé’s speed is one of the most feared weapons in world football.

Even after years at the top, Mbappé continues to push his physical limits. Now with Real Madrid (as of 2024), he has adapted his sprinting bursts more tactically, timing his runs to perfection. His ability to maintain such a high sprint speed deep into matches also showcases his world-class conditioning. Speed combined with skill makes him not just one of the fastest, but arguably the most dangerous fast player on the planet today.

Stat	Value
Top Speed (km/h)	38.0
Appearances (2024/25)	33

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Fastest Football Player of All Time

5. Chiedozie Ogbene (36.94 km/h)

Chiedozie Ogbene, a young player from Ireland, has written his name in the history book of soccer by becoming one of the fastest players in the world. He is currently plying trade with Luton Town in the EFL Championship. The 27-year-old clocked the 36.94 km/h speed when he was playing against Fulham in the Premier League last year in September. He has shown adaptability for transitioning from lower leagues to higher leagues and refining his skills which compliments his speed.

4. Arjen Robben (37 km/h)

One of the most legendary soccer players in history, Arjen Robben was not only a skillful player, but also a fast-paced player. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star had to take the speedy path to beat the defenders and help create goal-scoring chances.

During the 5-1 thrashing of Spain, the then Netherlands winger showed an incredible speedy display to reach a speed of 37 km/h and run riot in the Spanish defense. He is the fourth player in soccer history to reach the 37-kilometer mark.

3. Kyle Walker (37.31 km/h)

Kyle Walker has been terrorizing Manchester City‘s opponents for the last few years. The 33-year-old right-back has been blessed with incredible pace, which helps him to contribute to his team’s defense and attack. He is the second player from the Premier League who has been able to hit the 37 km/h mark.

In the 2022/23 calendar year, the English defender achieved 37.31 km/h in an important match. He has been one of the fastest soccer players in the world. Throughout his career, the Englishman has been seen evolving from the traditional full-back role to a more demanding and versatile defender role. His adaptability to play in various roles and positions made him a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

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2. Micky van de Ven (37.38 km/h)

If you ask about the fastest soccer player in 2024, then it is Micky van de Ven. The 22-year-old defender has also become the fastest-ever soccer player in Premier League history after reaching an incredible top speed of 37.38 km/h in an English top-flight match.

In the 2023/24 season, during the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, van der Ven showed an incredible pace to reach the top speed, helping his side win 3-2 in the match. The Dutch defender is one of the fastest players in soccer history, his ability to quickly recover the field to provide defensive stability is unmatched. His acceleration has added a new dimension to his playing style and his team’s defensive strategy.

1. Thierry Henry (39.2 km/h)

Thierry Henry is one of the most successful soccer players in the history of Barcelona and Arsenal. When he was in the English Premier League, he was on top of his career, assisted by his blistering pace and incredible skills. The former warrior of Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” recorded the fastest speed in any major soccer league in the world, clocking 39.2 km/h in 1998.

The French forward used to go past the defenders with ease through his incredible speed and flexibility. His exceptional dribbling skills also helped him increase his pace quickly. Arsene Wenger once stated Thierry Henry could take the ball in the middle of the park and score a goal that no one else in the world could do. He played a key role in Arsenal’s “Invincible” season where they remain unbeaten throughout the Premier League campaign.

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Fastest Young Players to Watch Out For in 2025

Speed is becoming an even more critical attribute in modern football, especially among the next generation of stars. Some young talents are already making headlines for their blistering pace, promising to dominate for years to come. Here are three of the fastest young players to watch in 2025:

1. Alejandro Garnacho — 35.0 km/h (Manchester United)

The Argentine winger is quickly making a name for himself at Manchester United with his fearless runs and electrifying pace. Garnacho clocked a top speed of 35 km/h in the Premier League, showcasing his explosive potential on counter-attacks. His direct style and rapid acceleration make him a nightmare for full-backs.

2. Youssoufa Moukoko — 34.7 km/h (Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund’s prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko isn’t just known for his goal-scoring instincts — his top speed of 34.7 km/h makes him one of the fastest young forwards in Europe. His combination of agility, pace, and finishing is drawing attention from top clubs across the continent.

3. Arda Güler — 34.5 km/h (Real Madrid)

Arda Güler, the Turkish sensation at Real Madrid, has amazed fans with his quick feet and pace. Despite being an attacking midfielder, Güler has clocked an impressive 34.5 km/h, using his speed to break lines and launch rapid offensive transitions. He is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.

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Fastest by Position

Pace plays a different role depending on the player’s position. Wingers and full-backs often rely heavily on their speed to beat opponents or recover defensively, while midfielders use it more strategically in transitions. Here’s a breakdown of the fastest players by their primary positions:

Wingers

Wingers thrive on explosiveness to break down defenses. Whether sprinting past full-backs or cutting inside at speed, these players use their rapid acceleration as a primary weapon.

Player	Club	Top Speed (km/h)
Alejandro Garnacho	Manchester United	35.0
Pedro Neto	Wolverhampton Wanderers	36.86
Chiedozie Ogbene	Luton Town	36.94
Gabriel Martinelli	Arsenal	35.5
Yeremy Pino	Villarreal	35.3

Full-Backs

Full-backs are increasingly expected to contribute both offensively and defensively, making speed essential. The likes of Kyle Walker and Micky van de Ven show how pace can transform the traditional defensive role into an attacking threat.

Player	Club	Top Speed (km/h)
Micky van de Ven	Tottenham Hotspur	37.38
Jeremie Frimpong	Bayer Leverkusen	36.4
Alphonso Davies	Bayern Munich	36.5
Nuno Mendes	Paris Saint-Germain	36.0
José Ángel Esmorís	Real Betis	35.9

Midfielders

Midfielders often use speed differently, combining it with stamina to control transitions between attack and defense. Dynamic players like Szoboszlai and Valverde exemplify how midfielders can dominate by simply outrunning their opponents during critical phases.

Player	Club	Top Speed (km/h)
Dominik Szoboszlai	Liverpool	36.75
Arda Güler	Real Madrid	34.5
Federico Valverde	Real Madrid	34.4
Jude Bellingham	Real Madrid	34.0
Enzo Fernández	Chelsea	33.8

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