Fastest Footballers in History: Top 10 and Speed Records

Speed has long been one of the biggest advantages in modern football. Rapid acceleration allows attackers to get away from defenders, while defenders can recover in time to stop dangerous counterattacks. Impressive figures are not limited to star forwards: players in other positions can be just as quick. Some footballers can reach speeds above 37 km/h, comparable to the average speed of professional sprinters over a 100-metre race.

Who is the fastest footballer in the world, and who holds the speed record? We have compiled a list of ten players who recorded some of the highest confirmed speeds over the years. The ranking includes figures published by FIFA and the press offices of Europe's leading leagues.

10. Pedro Neto — 36.86 km/h

Portuguese winger Pedro Neto earned a reputation as one of the fastest players in English football while playing for Wolverhampton. In September 2023, he reached 36.86 km/h in a match against Luton. At the time, the figure was among the highest ever recorded in the Premier League.

Neto is particularly dangerous when there is space to run into. Thanks to his explosive first steps and ability to change direction, he can beat opponents on the wing and create chances for his teammates. His high speed, combined with his technical skills, allows the Portuguese player to remain effective even against well-organised defences.

9. Loïs Openda — 36.86 km/h

Belgian striker Loïs Openda recorded his personal best speed in the German Bundesliga while representing RB Leipzig. In May 2025, during a match against Bayern Munich, he reached 36.86 km/h, placing him among the fastest players in Bundesliga history.

Openda stands out not only for his top speed but also for his ability to time his runs correctly. The Belgian regularly moves into space behind defenders, exploits gaps and poses a threat on counterattacks. It is precisely this combination of acceleration and intelligent off-the-ball movement that makes him dangerous to opponents.

8. Anthony Elanga — 36.91 km/h

Swedish footballer Anthony Elanga recorded one of the Premier League's best figures while playing for Nottingham Forest. During the 2023/24 season, he reached a top speed of 36.91 km/h, establishing himself among the league leaders in this category.

Elanga is particularly effective on the wing, where he can use open space for long bursts of acceleration. His pace helps his team switch quickly from defence to attack, and defenders must remain alert to the possibility of the Swede making a sudden run even when he is far from goal. Elanga can also maintain control of the ball while moving at high speed.

7. Chiedozie Ogbene — 36.93 km/h

Irish forward Chiedozie Ogbene entered the Premier League record books during his time at Luton Town. In September 2023, he reached 36.93 km/h in a match against Fulham. At the time, it was one of the highest speeds registered in English league football.

Ogbene has powerful initial acceleration and the ability to cover long distances quickly. Such qualities are especially valuable in counterattacking football, when a forward needs to outrun a defender and reach a pass first. His place in this ranking shows that outstanding speed is not exclusive to stars from Europe's leading clubs.

6. Oliver Burke — 37.00 km/h

Scottish forward Oliver Burke became one of the few footballers to reach the 37 km/h mark. He recorded his best result while playing for Union Berlin in the 2025/26 season, reaching exactly 37.00 km/h in a match against St. Pauli.

Burke has long been known for his impressive physical attributes. His strength lies in sustained bursts of acceleration, which allow him to move quickly between the lines and attack open spaces. Although the Scot's goalscoring output has not always met expectations, in terms of top speed he remains one of the Bundesliga's most notable players.

5. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya — 37.16 km/h

French winger Jean-Mattéo Bahoya set a Bundesliga record in March 2025. In Eintracht Frankfurt's match against Bochum, he reached 37.16 km/h, becoming the first player in the German league to break the 37 km/h barrier since official tracking began in the 2011/12 season.

Remarkably, Bahoya was just 19 years old when he set the record. The Frenchman used his pace during a counterattack, demonstrating not only his physical abilities but also his capacity to join an attacking move quickly. His result put him ahead of previous Bundesliga record holders, including Karim Adeyemi and Alphonso Davies.

4. Jackson Tchatchoua — 37.30 km/h

Cameroonian defender Jackson Tchatchoua joined the ranks of the fastest players in English football while representing Wolverhampton. In August 2025, he reached 37.30 km/h in a match against Everton. According to the Premier League, this was the third-highest speed in the competition's recorded history.

Tchatchoua is a modern attacking full-back, required to contribute actively both in attack and in defence. His pace helps him recover quickly into his own half after possession is lost and support teammates when moving forward. The Cameroonian has shown that defenders can compete with leading forwards in speed rankings.

3. Kyle Walker — 37.31 km/h

English defender Kyle Walker was regarded as one of European football's fastest players for many years. In May 2023, while playing for Manchester City, he reached 37.31 km/h in a match against Everton. The result is particularly impressive considering that he was already 32 years old at the time.

Walker repeatedly demonstrated his ability to catch up with fast attackers and win the battle for space. His exceptional top speed allowed him to defend effectively against opponents who relied on quick counterattacks. His result was a Premier League record at the time and remained unbeaten until early 2024.

2. Micky van de Ven — 37.38 km/h

Dutch defender Micky van de Ven set a Premier League speed record in January 2024. In Tottenham's match against Brentford, he reached 37.38 km/h, surpassing Kyle Walker's previous mark.

For a centre-back, such a figure is particularly impressive. Van de Ven can rapidly catch up with forwards, cover for teammates and operate effectively behind a high defensive line. His pace allows Tottenham to push their defenders forward with greater confidence because the Dutchman can cover the space left behind them.

1. Kylian Mbappé — 37.60 km/h

French striker Kylian Mbappé takes first place. At the 2026 World Cup, he reached a top speed of 37.60 km/h. FIFA officially recognised it as the highest speed recorded at the tournament.

Mbappé has long been renowned for his extraordinary acceleration, which enables him to leave defenders behind even when space is limited. The Frenchman is especially dangerous when he receives a through ball and can use his pace to run towards goal. However, his biggest advantage lies in combining speed with technique and accurate finishing.

Why is speed so important in modern football?

Top speed is particularly valuable for wingers and full-backs. For attackers, it helps them get past opponents, move into space to receive passes and create goalscoring opportunities. For defenders, it helps them recover after joining attacks and provide cover for their teammates.

However, a high top speed does not always translate into an advantage on the pitch. Initial acceleration, the ability to change direction, stamina and good positioning are equally important. A footballer who reads a situation more quickly can get ahead of an opponent without having record-breaking physical attributes.

Moreover, top speed and speed while carrying the ball are different attributes. When dribbling, a player needs to control the ball's position and account for defenders' movements, making it much harder to reach maximum speed.

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