The 13 Fastest Football Players in the World for 2026

Elite footballers today are remarkable athletes. Their speed plays a key role in outpacing opponents during attacks and defenses, whether dribbling, tackling, or heading. The quicker a player moves, the better their chances to gain possession and break through defenses.

Here, we explore the fastest football players currently on the pitch, their clubs, and how they use their speed effectively. Before diving into the list, let's examine what influences player speed and how it's measured.

What Affects Player Speed?

Speed depends on multiple factors including:

• Genetic makeup
• Technique and training
• Muscle fiber type
• Ability to accelerate
• Stride length and cadence

These elements combine to shape how fast any athlete can run.

Measuring Speed in Football

Football speed isn't just about sprinting straight; it includes various aspects such as:

• Running while controlling the ball
• Sprinting over short distances like 10m, 20m, and 50m
• Tracking movement during live matches

Stopwatches and GPS tech help capture these metrics during both training and competitive games.

Ranking the 13 Fastest Footballers

We present the list starting from number 13 to number 1, showing their top speeds and brief profiles.

13. Achraf Hakimi – 36.48 km/h

Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, stands out for his swift attacking runs and solid defense. His peak speed of 36.48 km/h helps him transition quickly from defense to offense, making him vital during counters.

12. Alphonso Davies – 36.51 km/h

The Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies, now at Bayern Munich, is famous for his speedy flank advances and defensive recoveries. Clocked at 36.51 km/h in Bundesliga play, his acceleration lets him neutralize opposing wingers effectively.

11. Ousmane Dembele – 36.6 km/h

Ousmane Dembele, who moved to PSG in August 2023 after six challenging years at Barcelona, has revived his career impressively. At 27, he’s blazing with speed (36.6 km/h) and skills, becoming the first PSG player besides Kylian Mbappé to score three consecutive hat-tricks in the 2024/25 season.

10. Karim Adeyemi – 36.65 km/h

German forward Karim Adeyemi plays for Borussia Dortmund and holds the record as the Bundesliga's fastest player at 36.65 km/h. Born in 2002, he showed early promise in Austria before making his mark in Germany.

9. Amadou Onana – 36.65 km/h

Defensive midfielder Amadou Onana combines height (6’5") and speed (36.65 km/h) to cover ground and challenge attackers. Though born in Senegal, he represents Belgium internationally and has played across several European clubs.

8. Anthony Gordon – 36.68 km/h

Winger Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United is known for his rapid dribbling and pace. England's fastest player, reaching 36.68 km/h, he debuted for the senior national team in 2024 and quickly impressed fans.

7. Matheus Nunes – 36.7 km/h

Matheus Nunes, a Brazilian-born Portuguese midfielder now at Manchester City, recorded 36.7 km/h in a match against Brighton. Known for his strength and passing ability, his speed aids in driving attacks and breaking defenses.

6. Dominik Szoboszlai – 36.76 km/h

Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was clocked at 36.76 km/h, making him the fastest player ever at Liverpool. He has drawn comparisons to Ferenc Puskás and is noted for creating numerous goal chances early in his Liverpool career.

5. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/h

Portuguese winger Pedro Neto joined Chelsea in 2024 and uses his speed to thrive in tight spaces and quick counters. Previously dazzling at Wolverhampton Wanderers, his top speed of 36.86 km/h makes him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge.

4. Chiedozie Ogbene – 36.93 km/h

Though less well-known, Chiedozie Ogbene boasts a remarkable 36.93 km/h top speed. Nigerian-born and raised in Ireland, his career spans multiple clubs, and despite a recent injury at Ipswich Town, his speed remains impressive.

3. Kyle Walker – 37.31 km/h

Experienced defender Kyle Walker recorded 37.31 km/h during the 2022/23 season with Manchester City. With a career starting in Sheffield, he’s been vital to City's success and now plays on loan for AC Milan as of 2025.

2. Micky van de Ven – 37.38 km/h

Micky van de Ven, Dutch center-back for Tottenham Hotspur, is among the Premier League’s fastest, clocking 37.38 km/h. His forward runs and quickness have earned him a £50 million transfer and a reputation for impressive pace.

1. Kylian Mbappé – 38.00 km/h

The fastest player in the world is Kylian Mbappé. Now at Real Madrid after leaving PSG, the French star is known for explosive acceleration and clinical finishing. His 38.00 km/h top speed allows him to blow past defenders and remain in control at high pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the fastest footballer worldwide?

Kylian Mbappé holds the title with a speed of 38.00 km/h.

Who runs fastest in the Premier League?

Micky van de Ven is currently the Premier League’s quickest player at 37.38 km/h.

How can a footballer improve speed?

To boost speed, focus on sprint training (short bursts between 10 and 30 meters), strength exercises like squats and lunges, and plyometric drills such as box jumps. Regular sessions paired with rest yield the best results.

Why does speed matter in football?

Speed creates opportunities to outrun opponents, stretch defenses, and recover swiftly. Attackers use it to beat defenders one-on-one, while wingers exploit space to deliver crosses or create scoring chances.