Top 10 fastest shots in football

While there are many interesting and brilliant aspects of a football match, goalscoring will always remain at the top. The feeling of the net bulging after a goal goes in is unparalleled and it applies to any kind of goal as well.

However, very few things beat a well-struck long-range goal. The precision, technique, and power required to score one is unparalleled and is enjoyed by fans across the world. We have seen some incredible goals over the years from some incredible footballers. The likes of Roberto Carlos, Hulk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Yaya Toure, and more were all known for their fierce shot-making.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 fastest shots in football. It’s important to note that these are the recorded ones and there could’ve been others as well. 

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 150km/h

Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in football history, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was known for his spectacular goals. The tall Swede scored overhead kicks, acrobatic goals, long-range screamers, and more during his career.

One such strike came in October 2013 for PSG against Anderlecht in the UEFA Champions League. The ball fell to Ibrahimovic outside the box and he had no hesitation in attempting a first-time half-volley which crashed into the net like a rocket at 150km/h. PSG won the game 5-0.

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9. Tony Yeboah – 154 km/h

Tony Yeboah was a Ghanaian striker who played for the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburger SV, and Leeds United. While he was at Leeds for just two years, he made a name for himself with 24 goals in 47 games.

One of his, and the Premier League’s, iconic goals came in 1995 against Wimbledon. An aerial ball fell to him after a header at around the halfway mark of the opposition’s half. He took the ball on the chest and his knee, dribbled past a defender, and smashed it with his right foot. A goal to remember!

8. Ritchie Humphreys – 154 km/h

Ritchie Humpheys scored the first of the two goals for Sheffield Wednesday in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa in 1996 in the Premier League. It was also his first of just four top-flight goals.

Humphreys’ teammate headed the ball into his path on the edge of the box and the Englishman smashed it home from his left foot at 154 km/h. He went on to make over 600 appearances for clubs like Cambridge United, Chesterfield, and more.

7. David Trezeguet – 154.4 km/h

In 1998 UEFA Champions League, Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw against AS Monaco in the second leg of the quarter-finals at Old Trafford. David Trezeguet for the French side opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a ferocious strike from the edge of the box.

Monaco qualified for the semi-finals on away goals.

6. David Beckham – 157.5 km/h

David Beckham was more known for his flair and placement than his fierceness. However, when needed, he could produce a rocket as he did against Chelsea in the 1996-97 season.

With Manchester United trailing 1-0, a header fell towards him inside the box. He volleyed it at 157.5 km/h as it hit the crossbar and went in.

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5. David Hirst – 183 km/h

This entry on the list couldn’t lead to a goal but it was a fierce strike from David Hirst nonetheless. Former Sheffield Wednesday striker hit a lethal left-foot volley from inside the box against Arsenal in 1996 but it only crashed onto the crossbar and came back.

The shot was so well struck that it led to a crack in the crossbar but Sheffield lost the game 4-1.

4. Ronald Koeman – 188 km/h

While Ronald Koeman was a defender, he scored a fair few goals with 88 goals for Barcelona. One of his best goals came in the European Cup against Sampdoria in 1992. He scored a free-kick from a central position that flew into the net at 188 km/h, helping Barcelona win 1-0 and as a result, the trophy.

3. Steven Reid – 189 km/h

Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder/right-back Steven Reid scored a goal for the ages in their 3-0 win over Wigan Athletic back in 2005.

He scored the second goal in the game. Wigan were able to half-clear the ball after a Blackburn attack. The ball moved just outside the box and an onrushing Reid smashed a half volley at 189 km/h right into the top corner.

2. Arjen Robben – 190 km/h

Arjen Robben is mostly known for cutting inside on his favoured left foot on the right wing and curling the ball past the goalkeeper. However, the footballing legend chose to use power over finesse in a friendly while playing for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund in 2009.

After a corner was headed out, Robben volleyed it from the edge of the box straight into the goal at 190 km/h.

Robben had decent spells at Chelsea and Real Madrid before retiring with Bayern Munich.

1. Ronny Heberson – 210 km/h

Ronny Heberson was a midfielder, who played for the likes of Sporting CP and Corinthians in his career. In 2006, Sporting faced Naval in the Primeira Liga and won 1-0. The goal came from a lethal strike from Ronny Heberson.

The Brazilian scored from a free kick at the edge of the penalty area. The strike was fiercely hit at 210 km/h and beat the goalkeeper before he could even raise his hand properly.

FAQs

Q. What is the fastest football goal ever recorded?

A. 120 km/h by Ronny Heberson

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