Ranking the 20 Fastest Football Players in History
Speed is a key trait for footballers across all positions. It helps defenders cut down attackers, allows forwards to outpace defenders, and supports midfielders in covering the field efficiently. Without pace, players can struggle as opponents exploit their lack of speed, running behind them repeatedly. On the flip side, players with blistering pace often become focal points of their teams' strategies, constantly challenging rivals throughout matches.
Throughout football history, certain players have stood out for their incredible speed, almost rivaling Olympic sprinters. Picking the fastest was tough, given legends like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo who were lightning quick in their primes, alongside today’s stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies, and Achraf Hakimi. Here is our list of the 20 fastest footballers ever.
How We Ranked Them
- Statistics: Recorded top speeds where available
- Visual Assessment: How fast they appeared on the pitch
- Data: Any official speed measurements
20. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Clubs: Arsenal
Starting his youth career at Ajax, Quincy moved to Arsenal at just 16 and quickly showed his talent. In 2002/03, he scored 17 goals in 20 U17 games, including a double hat-trick against Wolves. Known for his exceptional speed, his highlight was scoring his first senior goal for Arsenal against Everton in the 2004/05 League Cup.
19. Karim Adeyemi
Clubs: Borussia Dortmund
Karim is one of modern football’s fastest, making waves first at RB Salzburg before joining Borussia Dortmund. He set the Bundesliga record in February 2023, reaching a top speed of 36.7 km/h during a game versus Freiburg.
18. Aaron Lennon
Clubs: Leeds United, Tottenham
Small in stature but incredibly quick, Lennon was a nightmare for defenders in the Premier League. His single-minded approach involved using his pace to run past full-backs, reach the byline, and deliver crosses or cutbacks that led to goals.
17. DaMarcus Beasley
Clubs: PSV, Rangers
The USA star shone early as a teenager at the 1999 U17 World Cup but couldn’t quite maintain that momentum. Versatile as a left-back or winger, he impressed at Chicago Fire but found the Premier League with Manchester City a tougher challenge.
16. George Best
Clubs: Manchester United
A football legend and 1968 Ballon d'Or winner, Best combined remarkable dribbling and pace. He effortlessly glided past opponents, carrying the ball long distances without challenge. His speed was one of many talents that made him one of the best ever.
15. Hector Bellerin
Clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona
Bellerin became synonymous with Arsenal after joining from La Masia, even adopting a London accent. Known for his pace, he earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16 but suffered a major ACL injury soon after that stalled his progress.
14. Arjen Robben
Clubs: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
Famous for cutting inside from the right wing and striking deadly shots, Robben also had blistering pace. Even post-retirement, he showcased his athleticism by completing the Rotterdam marathon in 2024 with an impressive 2:58:33 time, underscoring his enduring speed.
13. Cristiano Ronaldo
Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus
One of football’s greatest, Ronaldo combined skill, finishing, and incredible speed early in his career. Though age has slowed him, his pace during his time at Sporting Lisbon and Man United left opponents stunned and was a key part of his dominance.
12. Gareth Bale
Clubs: Tottenham, Real Madrid
Bale elevated Wales on the international stage and earned a world-record transfer to Real Madrid in 2013. His speed was famously displayed in the 2014 Copa del Rey final when he outran and outpaced defender Marc Bartra despite being pushed off the pitch.
11. Kyle Walker
Clubs: Tottenham, Manchester City
Many Premier League wingers name Walker as their toughest opponent due to his recovery speed and physicality. Integral to Manchester City's four consecutive league titles, his pace allowed him to deny attackers and surge forward in attack with little response.
