Fastest Soccer Players of All Time: Top 15 Speedsters

Fast soccer players sprinting down the field after the ball. The concept of the fastest soccer players of all time gets fans and analysts excited about jaw-dropping sprint speeds and record-breaking pace on the pitch. Soccer is often a game of quick bursts and rapid transitions, and having an elite sprinter can make the difference in beating defenders and creating scoring chances. For example, Bayern Munich’s star fullback Alphonso Davies was timed at 36.51 km/h during a Bundesliga match, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé hit 38.0 km/h in a Ligue 1 game. Remarkably, French legend Thierry Henry holds the fastest recorded sprint in a football match at 39.2 km/h. In this article, we count down the 15 fastest soccer players in history, complete with their top speeds and career highlights.

Several factors contribute to these incredible speeds on the soccer field. Elite sprinters in soccer benefit from:

Exceptional Training & Physiology: Powerful leg muscles and fast-twitch fibers built through gym work and sprints.
Running Technique: Proper sprinting form and agility drills that allow quick acceleration and direction changes.
Technology & Tracking: Modern teams use GPS trackers and high-speed cameras (Opta/Tracab) to record and analyze each player’s burst. These systems filter out noise (discarding the highest and lowest frame speeds) to ensure accurate top-speed data.
Mental Grit: The drive to break away from opponents and a fearless attitude often amplify a player’s final sprint effort.

Combined, these elements help players reach speeds rare in most sports. Even fullbacks like England’s Kyle Walker (clocked at 37.8 km/h) rival the pace of forwards. In the Premier League, tracking data (using Chyron Hego’s Tracab system) reported Manchester City’s Leroy Sané at 35.48 km/h – making him the fastest-ever in that league as of 2017.

Factors Behind Blistering Soccer Speed

Physiology & Training: Top speedsters usually have a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Strength and plyometric training (squats, plyo jumps, etc.) build the explosive power needed for sprinting. For example, Arsenal’s Thierry Henry and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale both combined technical skill with intense sprint training to maximize their raw pace.
Technique & Agility: Proper form – like powerful knee drive and arm action – can shave tenths off sprint times. Fast players train to maintain ball control even at full speed, which pays dividends on breakaways and counter-attacks.
Conditioning: Soccer’s repeated-sprint nature means endurance also matters. Players must sustain sprint efforts throughout a 90-minute match. Conditioning drills (repeated sprints with short recoveries) help athletes like Alphonso Davies and Adama Traoré repeatedly hit top speed late into games.
Measurement Technology: Wearable GPS vests and pitch-side cameras capture a player’s velocity. For instance, Bundesliga official stats showed that Bayern’s Alphonso Davies and Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi consistently hit above 36 km/h, with Hakimi even setting a league record at 36.49 km/h. This data-driven approach pushes athletes to aim for higher benchmarks.

15. Kingsley Coman – 35.66 km/h

Club/Nationality: Bayern Munich / France
A lightning-quick winger for Bayern Munich, Kingsley Coman reached about 35.66 km/h on a Bundesliga sprint. Nicknamed “The Battering Ram,” Coman’s speed helps him beat defenders on the flank. He can dart past opponents and cut inside, making key contributions in Bayern’s attack. Coman has won multiple Bundesliga titles and a Champions League with the club, often using that burst of pace in crucial goals and assists.

14. Karim Bellarabi – 35.37 km/h

Club/Nationality: Bayer Leverkusen / Germany
German winger Karim Bellarabi was clocked at 35.37 km/h during his peak Bundesliga days. At 1.84 m tall, Bellarabi uses his long stride to reach top speed. His pace has been key in counter-attacks, helping Leverkusen to penetrative breaks. In addition to his speed, Bellarabi provides technical dribbling – a combination that has kept him in the mix for Germany’s national team selections.

13. Leroy Sané – 35.48 km/h

Club/Nationality: Bayern Munich / Germany
Leroy Sané was officially recorded as the fastest player in Premier League history (as of 2017) with a top speed of 35.48 km/h during his time at Manchester City. Now at Bayern Munich, the German international is known for his blistering winger runs and rapid acceleration. Sané’s speed allows him to beat defenders on the wings and create space – he helped City win multiple titles and continues to be a threat in Europe’s top competitions.

12. Iñaki Williams – 35.61 km/h

Club/Nationality: Athletic Bilbao / Spain
Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams has reached 35.61 km/h on the field. The powerful, 1.86 m forward uses a combination of strength and speed to excel in La Liga. Williams has been remarkably consistent – he once set a Spanish league record by making over 200 consecutive appearances – and his pace is a key part of Bilbao’s counter-attacking style. His long legs and low center of gravity let him cover ground quickly, often enabling him to get behind defenders.

11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 35.37 km/h

Club/Nationality: Barcelona (ex-Arsenal/Dortmund) / Gabon
Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was recorded at 35.37 km/h in his prime. Known for winning the Premier League Golden Boot with Arsenal, Aubameyang’s long stride and reactions made him deadly on breakaways. Standing 1.87 m tall, his combination of speed and height has led to many goals (he later transferred to Barcelona). Defenders often struggled to catch him one-on-one, a fact that led England’s Ian Wright to nickname him “The Hare.”

10. Marcus Rashford – 36.29 km/h

Club/Nationality: Manchester United / England
English winger Marcus Rashford reached a top speed of 36.29 km/h in the 2022 season. Rashford’s quickness was sometimes underrated by casual fans, but tracking data shows he is one of Manchester United’s fastest players. He uses his speed to make runs behind defenses on the left wing, often turning good chances into goals. Off the pitch, Rashford is also known for his charity work, but on it he remains a sharp, agile attacker who can outpace many rivals in the Premier League.

9. Erling Haaland – 36.03 km/h

Club/Nationality: Manchester City (ex-Dortmund) / Norway
Towering Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is surprisingly fast for his 1.94 m frame, clocking 36.03 km/h in a sprint. Nicknamed “The Terminator,” Haaland’s blend of size, speed, and composure makes him one of the most feared forwards in the world. He has shattered goal-scoring records at Borussia Dortmund and in his first Premier League season with Manchester City. Defenders trying to handle Haaland face a player who can beat them on a breakaway with sheer pace or bully them with his strength – and often both.

8. Adama Traoré – 36.38 km/h

Club/Nationality: Barcelona (ex-Wolves) / Spain
Spanish winger Adama Traoré has been measured at 36.38 km/h on the pitch. Known simply as “Adama,” the Wolverhampton/Barcelona forward is a human thunderbolt. Shorter than many speedsters, Traoré has a very low center of gravity, allowing him to explode past opponents. His unique blend of raw muscle and speed meant he could turn on the jets and go from own half into the box within seconds. During his time at Wolves, he was regularly cited as the fastest player in the Premier League – a reputation that followed him to Barcelona.

7. Achraf Hakimi – 36.49 km/h

Club/Nationality: Paris Saint-Germain (ex-Real/Inter) / Morocco
Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi hit 36.49 km/h to become the fastest player on record in Bundesliga history. At just 21, he set a new Dortmund speed record and later transferred to PSG. Hakimi uses his pace on the right flank in both defense and attack. He contributes to scoring and assists by bombing forward to join the offense, often covering more distance than most players in a game. His performances at Inter Milan and now PSG show how a defender’s speed can redefine counter-attacking football.

6. Gareth Bale – 36.9 km/h

Club/Nationality: Real Madrid (ex-Tottenham) / Wales
Wales legend Gareth Bale reached 36.9 km/h during his peak years. Initially a left-back at Southampton and Tottenham, Bale soon transformed into a fast winger. His sprint past Jerzy Dudek in the 2018 Champions League final (to help Real Madrid win) is the stuff of legend. Bale’s speed made him a nightmare in the Premier League and La Liga; his long strides allowed him to outrun defenders on the counter. Combining that pace with a powerful left foot, he scored many critical goals, including free-kicks and volleys.

5. Alphonso Davies – 36.51 km/h

Club/Nationality: Bayern Munich / Canada
Bayern Munich’s left-back Alphonso “Phonzie” Davies is frequently cited as the fastest soccer player alive, with a top speed of 36.51 km/h. He earned the nickname “Roadrunner” for a reason. A refugee turned football superstar, Davies rose through MLS (Vancouver Whitecaps) to win the Champions League with Bayern. His lightning-quick bursts from defense to attack helped Bayern tear defenses apart. Davies’s speed is not only raw pace – it comes with skillful dribbling and timing that have led to many goal-scoring runs.

4. Kyle Walker – 37.8 km/h

Club/Nationality: Manchester City / England
Known as one of the fastest defenders on the planet, English right-back Kyle Walker has been recorded at 37.8 km/h. This made him the official fastest man in the Premier League for a time. Walker’s role at Manchester City often involves covering the entire right flank. When an attacker breaks through, Walker’s unmatched recovery pace allows him to sprint back and neutralize the threat. Over the years, teams have tested City’s defense by sending runners at Walker, only to be caught by his electrifying turn of speed. He has multiple Premier League titles to his name.

3. Mahmoud “Trezeguet” – 37.5 km/h

Club/Nationality: Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Pro League) / Egypt
Egyptian international Mahmoud Hassan (known as “Trezeguet”) clocked around 37.5 km/h, making him one of the fastest wingers globally. Playing in Turkey and later Saudi Arabia, he was a surprise entry in the elite speed lists. His pace gives Egypt’s national team a quick outlet on the wings – he helped Egypt qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Named after French great David Trezeguet, Mahmoud lives up to the speedy moniker by outrunning opponents on the flank and providing key crosses and goals.

2. Kylian Mbappé – 38.0 km/h

Club/Nationality: Real Madrid (ex-PSG/Monaco) / France
The French phenom Kylian Mbappé ranks as the world’s second-fastest soccer player, with a recorded top speed of 38.0 km/h. Mbappé’s breakout included a blistering run against AS Monaco where he zipped up the pitch at this record pace en route to a goal. He uses this explosive speed to blow past defenders and finish clinically. Already a World Cup champion with France (2018) and multiple league titles with Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé’s sprinting ability is a constant threat. He is often compared to Usain Bolt in his average speed over that sprint (though Bolt’s peak was higher, of course). The combination of Mbappé’s speed with his dribbling makes him arguably the most dangerous attacker in modern football.

1. Thierry Henry – 39.2 km/h

Club/Nationality: Retired – Arsenal/Barcelona / France
At the top of the list is Thierry Henry. The French legend was clocked at an incredible 39.2 km/h during a Premier League match, making his sprint the fastest ever recorded in soccer. As Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and a World Cup winner, Henry was renowned for his graceful yet blistering runs down the left wing. Even in the late 1990s (with less sophisticated tracking technology), he managed to set the bar for top speed. Henry’s blend of speed and skill forced defenders into helpless races, and his record 39.2 km/h run remains the gold standard for pace in football history.

These elite players highlight how game-changing pure speed can be. Their top speeds (often above 35 km/h) give coaches and teams a tactical edge on the break. Keep in mind that these speeds are measured under match conditions – including ball control and decision-making, which makes them even more impressive.

Key Stats & Takeaways

All-Time Top Speed: Thierry Henry – 39.2 km/h.
Modern Speed King: Kylian Mbappé – 38.0 km/h.
Elite 35+ Club: The top 15 fastest soccer players listed here all recorded at least 35 km/h in matches.
Defenders Included: Notably, defenders like Kyle Walker (37.8 km/h) and Achraf Hakimi (36.49 km/h) rank among the quickest, showing pace is crucial in any position.
Speed vs. Sustainability: These speeds are peak moments. Soccer requires repeated sprints; players also train aerobic fitness to sustain high-speed play throughout a match.

Conclusion

Speed is a thrilling aspect of soccer, and the fastest soccer players of all time list is a window into the sport’s explosive potential. From Thierry Henry’s legendary sprints to Alphonso Davies’s modern record runs, these athletes leveraged their lightning pace to change games and score unforgettable goals. Modern technology has made tracking these records more precise, and today’s young stars push the limits even further.

Whether on TV or playing in your local park, watching a player leave defenders behind at full throttle is electrifying. Who’s the fastest on your mind? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this countdown of speed demons, share the article with fellow soccer fans. For even more top-15 lists and soccer stats, check out other articles on our site (e.g., our list of world’s top scorers or greatest dribblers).

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Share Your Thoughts: Which player’s speed surprised you the most? Comment below and share this post on social media to join the conversation!

FAQ

Q: Who is the fastest soccer player of all time?
A: The fastest recorded sprint in soccer history belongs to Thierry Henry, who hit 39.2 km/h during a Premier League game. In modern play, Kylian Mbappé is often cited, with a top sprint speed of 38.0 km/h. Both players exemplify elite pace.

Q: How is a player’s speed measured in soccer?
A: Top speeds are typically measured using GPS trackers worn during matches or optical tracking systems (like Tracab/Opta). These systems analyze video frames to calculate speed, filtering out anomalies. The reported sprint is usually an average of the highest frame-to-frame speeds during a run.

Q: Does player speed alone determine success?
A: Not entirely. While speed gives players an edge (breaking away from opponents or tracking back on defense), other skills like ball control, decision-making, and teamwork are critical. For example, Messi isn’t in the top speed list but wins games with his agility and vision. The fastest players combine pace with strong skills, as seen with Mbappé or Davies.

Q: Are there very fast female soccer players too?
A: Yes. The women’s game also has sprinters; for instance, French forward Delphine Cascarino has been noted as exceptionally quick. However, official all-time speed records for women are less documented in media. Elite female players often reach top speeds in the mid-30 km/h range. The fastest women’s soccer players benefit from the same training and physiological factors as men, though slight differences in absolute speed (world record sprinters aside) are often seen.

Q: How do these speeds compare to other sports?
A: While soccer sprinters are among the fastest team-sport athletes, they don’t match raw track sprint records. Usain Bolt’s peak was 44.72 km/h. In American football, Tyreek Hill hit 37.6 km/h (201 kmh), similar to top soccer speeds. Soccer players’ speeds are impressive given they often sprint with the ball and in tactical contexts, not just straight-line running.

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