Top 13 Fastest Footballers in the World for 2026

Football today demands players who are not just skillful but fast. Speed helps players reach the ball quicker and outrun opponents during both attack and defence. This article ranks the fastest footballers currently playing, exploring their clubs, style, and how they utilize their pace.

What Influences a Player's Speed?

Speed depends on various factors like genetics, training methods, muscle fiber makeup, ability to accelerate, and stride length and frequency. These elements together shape how quickly a player moves on the pitch.

How Is Speed Measured in Football?

Player speed is tracked through sprints over distances like 10m, 20m, or 50m, running with the ball, and real-match observations using stopwatches and GPS devices. This data helps identify the swiftest athletes on the field.

Counting Down: The 13 Fastest Footballers

1. Achraf Hakimi – 36.48 km/hAt Paris Saint-Germain, Moroccan right-back Hakimi uses his pace to burst forward from defence and support attacks. His top speed of 36.48 km/h makes him vital in quick counterattacks.
2. Alphonso Davies – 36.51 km/hCanadian left-back Davies plays for Bayern Munich and is known for rapid flank runs and defensive recoveries. Recorded at 36.51 km/h, his speed allows him to neutralize opposing wingers effectively.
3. Ousmane Dembele – 36.6 km/hCurrently with PSG, French winger Dembele rediscovered form after leaving Barcelona. His 36.6 km/h pace complements his dribbling skills and has helped him score 23 goals in the current season.
4. Karim Adeyemi – 36.65 km/hBorussia Dortmund’s young forward Adeyemi rose to become the Bundesliga’s fastest player at 36.65 km/h. He shone previously at Red Bull Salzburg, winning multiple titles and top-scoring before joining Dortmund.
5. Amadou Onana – 36.65 km/hDefensive midfielder Onana stands tall at 6’5" and moves surprisingly fast at 36.65 km/h. Born in Senegal but representing Belgium, he has played across several European clubs including Everton and Aston Villa.
6. Anthony Gordon – 36.68 km/hGordon, the speedy winger for Newcastle United, climbed through Everton’s ranks before moving north. England’s fastest player at 36.68 km/h, he scored his first senior international goal in 2024.
7. Matheus Nunes – 36.7 km/hPortuguese midfielder Nunes, born in Brazil, was clocked at 36.7 km/h playing for Manchester City. Known for strong ball control and precise passing, his pace adds a dynamic edge to City’s attack.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai – 36.76 km/hHungarian playmaker Szoboszlai joined Liverpool in 2023 and quickly became notable for his speed and creativity. His sprint speed of 36.76 km/h marks him as one of the Premier League’s fastest midfielders.
9. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/hNow a Chelsea winger, Portuguese Neto dazzles fans with his quickness, recorded at 36.86 km/h. He moved from Wolves to Chelsea in 2024 and thrives in tight spaces and fast transitions.
10. Chiedozie Ogbene – 36.93 km/hLess widely known but incredibly fast, Nigerian-born Irish winger Ogbene has shown his pace at various English clubs. Currently with Ipswich Town, an injury has paused his season, but his speed remains impressive.
11. Kyle Walker – 37.31 km/hManchester City defender Walker has long been one of Europe’s fastest full-backs. Clocked at 37.31 km/h during City’s 2022/23 campaign, he moved on loan to AC Milan in early 2025.
12. Micky van de Ven – 37.38 km/hDutch centre-back van de Ven, now at Tottenham Hotspur, holds the Premier League speed record at 37.38 km/h. His forward runs with the ball make him stand out among defenders.
13. Kylian Mbappé – 38.00 km/hFrench superstar Mbappé, playing for Real Madrid, tops the list with a blistering 38.00 km/h. His blend of speed and skill lets him escape defenders and score prolifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the fastest footballer worldwide?Kylian Mbappé leads with a top speed near 38.00 km/h.
• Fastest Premier League player?Micky van de Ven holds this title, hitting 37.38 km/h.
• How can players improve their speed?Focusing on short sprints, explosive gym work like squats and lunges, plyometrics, and consistent training two to three times weekly helps develop acceleration.
• Why does speed matter in football?It creates separation from opponents, helps attackers beat defenders, and stretches defences, especially for wingers delivering crosses.