Every once in a while, social media is abuzz with debate about the speed of professional soccer players. In 2014, Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was clocked at 21.68 mph (34.89 km/h) sprinting towards goal in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. This is an incredible speed, especially considering that Bale was carrying the ball at the time. It is worth noting that Usain Bolt’s top speed is 27.8 mph (44.72 km/h), so Bale is not quite as fast as the world’s fastest man, but he is still very quick.
Social media users were quick to assume that Gareth Bale was faster than Usain Bolt after he was clocked at 21.68 mph. However, it is important to remember that soccer professionals are not typically as fast as Olympic track athletes. Usain Bolt’s world record top speed of 27.78 mph remains unmatched, and it is unlikely that any soccer player will ever be able to match it.
Soccer is a fast-paced and demanding sport, and speed is an essential asset for players of all positions. Even goalkeepers need to be able to sprint to make saves, and players in central midfield often need to cover a lot of ground. However, it is the players who play in more attacking positions, such as wingers and strikers, who benefit the most from speed. These players are often responsible for making runs behind the defense, and they need to be able to get to the ball before the defenders do. Counter-attacks and high-pressure tactics are also common in soccer, and these are situations where pacy players can really shine.
Not surprisingly, the fastest speeds on the pitch have been recorded during counterattacks and through-passes. These are situations where players have a clear run at goal and can reach their top speed without having to worry about defenders. The players who can reach these speeds can do so with or without the ball, easily beating another opponent in one-on-one situations.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 15 fastest soccer players in the world and their respective speeds.
| Rank | Player | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alphonso Davies | 22.69 mph |
| 2 | Achraf Hakimi | 22.67 mph |
| 3 | Adama Traore | 22.61 mph |
| 4 | Marcus Rashford | 22.55 mph |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappe | 22.42 mph |
| 6 | Erling Haaland | 22.39 mph |
| 7 | Inaki Williams | 22.13 mph |
| 8 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | 22.09 mph |
| 9 | Karim Bellarabi | 21.98 mph |
| 10 | Kyle Walker | 21.89 mph |
| 11 | Nathan Tella | 21.75 mph |
| 12 | Patrick Bamford | 21.53 mph |
| 13 | Antonio Rudiger | 21.38 mph |
| 14 | Raphinha | 21.26 mph |
| 15 | Leonardo Spinazzola | 21 mph |
15. Leonardo Spinazzola
- 21 mph
One of the most consistently impressive players for Italy during the Euros, the 28-year-old wing-back is renowned for his dynamic runs down the left side. After joining Roma in 2019, Spinazzola initially faced challenges in making an impact, but he has shown remarkable improvement over the past season.
His progress became evident to everyone when he notably recorded the highest top speed at the Euros. Standing tall at 1.86 meters, the Italian star possesses both the legs for those rapid sprints and the endurance to maintain high speeds consistently throughout a match.
Spinazzola’s speedy presence on the left flank will play a crucial role for the Italian giants as they compete for top positions in the league this season.
14. Raphinha
- 21.26 mph
The 24-year-old Brazilian winger is a member of Leeds United in the English Premier League. In the previous season, Raphinha impressively netted 7 goals for his club, predominantly capitalizing on his remarkable agility and speed.
In the current season, with just three games under his belt, the star athlete has already achieved a remarkable speed of 21.26 mph during one of his consistent sprints down the wing.
Raphinha’s incredible top speed not only sets him apart as one of the quickest soccer players in England but also on a global scale. Standing at 1.76 meters, the diminutive winger maintains a lower center of gravity, enhancing his ability to swiftly change direction with rapid accelerations. His dedication to fitness in the gym has also transformed him into an exceptionally fast player.
13. Antonio Rudiger
- 21.38 mph
Since his departure from Roma after the 2016-17 season, Chelsea’s standout defender has consistently anchored the Blues’ backline. In the previous season, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to their first Champions League victory since 2012.
In the current season, he has already participated in four games, during which Chelsea conceded just one goal.
It’s not often that a center-back finds a place among the fastest soccer players, but Rudiger is undeniably one of the premier defenders in the world. Standing tall at 1.9 meters, he possesses a versatile defensive skill set coupled with robust physical attributes and an assertive yet authoritative playing style.
While he’s renowned for his exceptional heading and tackling abilities, Rudiger’s most distinguishing trait is his speed. Even on their best days, fleet-footed forwards have a formidable challenge getting past him, particularly since he recently recorded an impressive top speed of 21.38 mph.
12. Patrick Bamford
- 21.53 mph
Another Leeds player making an appearance on this list is the 28-year-old Bamford, who made a direct contribution to 24 goals last season, propelling the club to a respectable 9th position in the Premier League.
In the current season, the English striker has already made an impact, being involved in three goals in just five games. While he has established himself as a reasonably clinical finisher, it’s his speed that consistently places him in prime goal-scoring positions.
Standing tall at 1.85 meters, this prolific scorer is renowned for his versatility and rapidity in offensive positions. Recognized for his adeptness and finesse with the ball, Bamford poses a threat both in aerial duels and on the counterattack.
Leading the charge with effortless speed, the star athlete has recorded an impressive top speed of 21.53 mph this season.
11. Nathan Tella
- 21.75 mph
Nathan Tella’s speed is nothing short of remarkable at Southampton. Starting his journey with the club as a youth player, Tella has swiftly progressed through the ranks to become a member of the first team by the age of 22.
When he made his debut for Southampton in 2019, his remarkable ability to sprint down the flanks quickly caught the attention of the fans.
This rapid winger has already earned a spot among the fastest soccer players globally, clocking an impressive 21.75 mph in his recent Premier League match.
Considering he’s only 22 years old, Tella undoubtedly possesses the potential for even greater speeds in the years to come. He is unquestionably an exciting prospect worth keeping a close watch on.
10. Kyle Walker
- 21.89 mph
Considered one of the swiftest soccer players in the English Premier League, Kyle Walker, the wing-back for Manchester City, is a top-tier speedster.
At 31 years old, Walker has consistently reached some of the highest recorded speeds in the sport while surging down his preferred right flank. As a crucial first-team player under the command of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Walker’s speed proves invaluable in both defensive and offensive scenarios.
Since his transfer to the Etihad Stadium from Tottenham, the former Spurs player has maintained excellent form, consistently amassing a minimum of 24 league appearances per season.
In the current season, he has already made 4 appearances and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
9. Karim Bellarabi
- 21.98 mph
Pace is a quality that Bundesliga fans are very familiar with, and Karim Bellarabi of Bayer Leverkusen epitomizes it.
At the age of 31, Bellarabi is in the prime of his career, and his agility, acceleration, and speed are truly world-class. A significant portion of Bayer’s recent success can be attributed to this versatile German international.
While primarily a winger, he possesses the ability to excel in nearly every offensive position.
Throughout his career at Leverkusen, the star has consistently demonstrated bursts of his exceptional speed, but his remarkable top speed currently stands at a staggering 21.98 mph.
This places the speedy player in the 9th position on this list. Standing at 1.84 meters, it’s evident where he derives all that pace from.
8. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- 22.09 mph
Another player who honed his skills in Germany’s Bundesliga, where speed is essential, Aubameyang stands out as a lethal attacker.
As a former star of Borussia Dortmund, he evolved into one of Europe’s most efficient strikers during his time in Germany, and he brought his formidable abilities with him when he moved to England.
Now representing Arsenal in the English Premier League, Aubameyang retains his reputation as a formidable attacker, especially in one-on-one situations. His electrifying speed and clinical finishing touch make the Gabonese international one of the premier strikers on the global stage.
Having made the transition to Arsenal during the 2017-18 mid-season, Aubameyang has already notched an impressive 65 Premier League goals. Standing tall at 1.87 meters, this speedster possesses the physical attributes to achieve remarkable top speeds in virtually every match.
Furthermore, his swiftness and agility greatly benefit his off-ball movements, allowing him to effortlessly position himself in the right place at the right time, making him a challenging striker for defenders to track and mark.
7. Inaki Williams
- 22.13 mph
Consistently featured in Athletic Bilbao’s lineup for the past seven seasons, Spanish professional Inaki Williams has consistently displayed his remarkable speed for the Los Leones supporters.
His contributions were instrumental in securing his club’s third Supercopa de Espana title last season, and at the age of 27, he remains a vital component of Bilbao’s style of play.
Standing at an imposing height of 1.86 meters, Williams’ dedication in the gym has led to significant improvements in his speed and strength in recent years.
Operating as a swift target-man, the Spanish player excels in holding off defenders and executing rapid turns to penetrate the opponent’s box.
In the current season, he has participated in four games and found the back of the net twice for Athletic Bilbao. Additionally, he achieved an impressive top speed of 22.13 mph, securing him the 13th position on this list.
6. Erling Haaland
- 22.39 mph
This young talent from Borussia Dortmund is a surprising addition to this list, primarily due to his towering height. However, when you watch the videos, the evidence is undeniable.
At just 21 years old and standing tall at 1.94 meters, he set a league season record by reaching a top speed of 22.39 mph earlier this year. Haaland is no stranger to breaking records, though.
He became only the second player in Dortmund’s history to score three goals on his debut. Furthermore, during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Haaland astonishingly netted a record-breaking nine goals in a single game.
Despite his impressive height and robust physique, this Norwegian prodigy’s speed is nothing short of remarkable. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability, Haaland undeniably possesses a sharp eye for the goalpost.
Fans affectionately refer to him as “The Terminator” due to his beastly presence as a striker, characterized by unparalleled athleticism. Given his consistently outstanding performances, it’s possible that this star may not remain a Dortmund player for much longer.
5. Kylian Mbappe
- 22.42 mph
Winning the highest goalscorer award in the French Ligue 1 for three consecutive seasons isn’t a simple feat. Nor is claiming a World Cup victory at the tender age of 19.
Yet, Kylian Mbappe doesn’t gravitate towards the easy path. Known for his robustness and adaptability in the attack, the Frenchman is a soccer virtuoso of the highest order. His skill with the ball, creative prowess, and ability to craft pivotal opportunities in every match are all well-documented.
Nevertheless, the attribute that truly distinguishes Mbappe is his devastating speed. His acceleration is nothing short of explosive, and his top speed ranks among the very best in the sport.
Standing at a height of 1.78 meters and aged just 22, this speedster has consistently posed challenges for even the most elite defenses in Europe. With the world at his feet, Kylian Mbappe represents the future of superstar soccer.
4. Marcus Rashford
- 22.55 mph
While Daniel James is widely regarded as one of the fastest players at Manchester United, recent statistics released by the club for the last season reveal that it’s actually Marcus Rashford who claims the top spot in the speed rankings.
The 23-year-old English sensation notably reached an impressive top speed of 22.55mph during a match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Despite gaining widespread recognition for his passionate campaign against child hunger in the UK last year, Rashford’s lightning-fast sprints down the right flank haven’t received the same level of attention.
This standout star has firmly established himself as one of Manchester United’s most promising first-team players, contributing to a remarkable 20 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season.
Standing at 1.8 meters tall, this agile speedster exhibits remarkable versatility in attack, showcasing the ability to find the back of the net from various positions within the penalty area.
3. Adama Traore
- 22.61 mph
Wolverhampton Wanderers may not boast the global prominence of some of the biggest clubs, yet within their ranks, they possess a true diamond.
Adama Traore, celebrated for his robust, muscular build, stands as the linchpin on Wolves’ flanks. Despite being of shorter stature than many other speedsters on the roster, the Spaniard compensates with lightning-fast acceleration and exceptional ball control.
Now at the age of 25 and poised to hit his prime as a winger, Traore aims to further enhance his remarkable speed and creative prowess in front of the goal.
His absence of injuries affords him the chances to demonstrate his talent and speed on a global stage, which he certainly does.
This speedster holds the title of the Premier League’s quickest player, and even though he hasn’t reached those heights this season, it’s only a question of time.
2. Achraf Hakimi
- 22.67 mph
When Paris Saint-Germain made a bid to secure the Moroccan speedster from the grasp of Italian giants Inter Milan, it was evident why.
Achraf Hakimi seamlessly integrated into Inter’s squad, particularly fitting into Antonio Conte’s counter-attacking playing style.
With an impressive record of 6 goals last season and a breathtaking top speed of 22.67 mph during one of his surges down the right wing, PSG spared no expense, forking out €60 million to acquire his services.
It comes as no shock that he has already notched a league goal for PSG in the current season. Hakimi is renowned for his dynamic style of play and astute tactical acumen on the pitch.
Standing at 1.81 meters, he possesses the necessary strength to bolster his team’s defensive efforts, but it’s his electrifying speed that truly distinguishes him from his peers.
1. Alphonso Davies
- 22.69 mph
At just 19 years old, the Canadian soccer sensation achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the most prestigious club competition in Europe.
Impressing Bayern Munich during his stint at Vancouver, Alphonso Davies swiftly made his mark in the German club’s first team. His exceptional talent allowed him to completely make the left-wingback position his own, ultimately displacing David Alaba and prompting a shift to the center of the defense.
He boasts numerous accolades for his playing style and his impact on the game’s decisive phases.
Yet, his standout attribute, by a considerable margin, is his incredible speed. This guy is lightning fast! At the age of 20 and standing at 1.83 meters tall, it’s impossible to predict just how much faster Alphonso Davies can become in the coming decade.
Affectionately dubbed “The Roadrunner” by his fellow Bavarian teammates, one can’t help but agree with the fitting nickname.
Conclusion
In the world of football, where every split-second matters, speed becomes a game-changer. In this quest to discover the fastest player in the world in 2022, we’ve journeyed through the ranks of top-speed contenders, from seasoned professionals to rising stars. These players, with their incredible speeds, have not only left defenders in their wake but have also created moments of sheer excitement for fans worldwide. Whether it’s the electrifying pace of Alphonso Davies or the explosive bursts of Erling Haaland, they’ve shown that speed can redefine the beautiful game.