Top 10 Fastest Football Player in History

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. The previously mentioned players were just a few of the fastest football player on this planet, swipe up to discover more fastest soccer player.

List of Top 10 Fastest Footballers

The table below consists of players who are widely recognised as the fastest football player of all time. The list will provide you with numbers that are essential for ranking them and eventually finding out the fastest footballer on the planet Earth.

Who is the Fastest Football Player of All Time?

Below is the detailed list of the top 10 fastest football player the world has ever seen. This list ranks the fastest footballers ever, including historical figures with recorded or estimated top speeds, regardless of measurement method.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (36.8 km/h)

At number 10, we have the greatest footballer of the recent generation, who has clocked a speed of 36.8 km/h. This speed makes Cristiano Ronaldo one of the fastest football player in the world. The player is known for is attacking positioning and aerial ability apart from his speed. His long legs and athletic physique help him to gain a speed of >35 km/h even after reaching the age of 30.

9. Gareth Bale (36.89 km/h)

Remember the iconic left-wing run against FC Barcelona, which drew the attention of football fans around the world? It was just a normal day for Welsh winger Gareth Bale. Bale reached a top speed of 36.89 km/h, famously showcased in his iconic sprint past Marc Bartra in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. His pace was his key strength backed by dribbling and vision. His speed of 36.89 km/h makes him on of the fastest football player in the world.

8. Ronaldo Nazário (36.9 km/h)

The Brazilian Maestro, Ronaldo Nazario, clocked 36.9 km/h in his prime days. However, the measurement method and equipment were old and outdated compared to recent ones. We can not say that his actual top speed was around 37 km/h, but his short length sprints with those big strides are indicators that he was one of the fastest football player in his era. Injuries may have hampered his later years, but Ronaldo’s explosive runs remain legendary. His influence as a fast, clinical forward still resonates in modern football.

7. Arjen Robben (37.0 km/h)

The Dutch magician clocked a speed of 37km/h in his prime days, which included his stint at Bayern Munich. Known for his signature move, cutting in from the right onto his left foot, Robben’s pace allowed him to outrun opponents’ defenders at clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. His speed was crucial for him to deceive the players on the wing and cut inside to make chances for the team. His someone who will go down in the history books as one of the dangerous and fastest football player.

6. Alphonso Davies (37.1 km/h)

Known as the “Roadrunner” at Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies remains one of the fastest soccer player in world football, reaching speeds of 37.1 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.

5. 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. Nunez’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. His top speed of 37 kmph makes him one of the fastest footballer in the Premier League as well as in the world.

4. 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 Guardio

3. 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 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.

2. 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 fastest and most feared, making him the fastest football player currently.

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 at the height 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