The top 10 fastest soccer players ever: unveiling the speedsters

The top 10 fastest soccer players ever: unveiling the speedsters

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at March 5, 2024 at 9:42 AM

The pursuit of speed has always fascinated the world of soccer, captivating fans and players alike. When it comes to the fastest soccer players ever, a select group of athletes has left an indelible mark on the game with their lightning-fast pace and breathtaking speed displays.

The top 10 fastest soccer players ever: Unveiling the speedsters
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid evades Mohamed Salah of AS Roma during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, 2nd leg, football match on March 8, 2016, at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Manuel Blondeau
Source: Getty Images

Throughout the sport's history, certain players have possessed a rare combination of lightning-fast pace and exceptional skill, leaving opponents in their dust. In this article, we embark on a journey through time to explore the top 10 fastest football players ever.

Top 10 fastest soccer players of all time

Soccer has been graced by an array of incredibly fast players throughout history. Their remarkable physical attributes and technical skills have elevated them to the status of legends in the game.

Our compilation includes players who have consistently showcased their speed and agility throughout multiple seasons, proving their capabilities time and time again on the field. So, who is the fastest soccer player ever?

The list of top 10 fastest soccer players of all time

Player's Name

Speed

1. Thierry Henry

39.2km/h

2. Arjen Robben

37 km/h

3. Gareth Bale

36.9 km/h

4. Antonio Rüdiger

36.72 km/h

5. Mohamed Salah

36.64 Km/h

6. Ronaldo Nazario

36.2 km/h

7. Kylian Mbappé

36 km/h

8. Leroy Sané

35.9 km/h

9. Antonio Valencia

35.1 km/h

10. Cristiano Ronaldo

33.95 km/h

10. Cristiano Ronaldo - 33.95 km/h

The top 10 fastest soccer players ever: Unveiling the speedsters
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 26, 2018, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, is not only recognised for his remarkable goal-scoring ability but also for his incredible speed. With a top speed of approximately 33.95 kilometres per hour, Ronaldo possesses explosive acceleration and agility.

Throughout his illustrious career, playing for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and the Portuguese national team, Christiano Ronaldo has consistently displayed his exceptional physical attributes. His speed, strength, and skill have allowed him to burst past defenders and create scoring opportunities.

9. Antonio Valencia - 35.1 km/h

Top fastest soccer players ever
Luis Antonio Valencia of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Cardiff City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2019, in Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo: James Baylis
Source: Getty Images

The Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia was known for his blistering speed on the soccer field. He consistently showcased his exceptional velocity throughout his career, leaving defenders struggling to keep up with his explosive bursts of pace. Valencia's speed was evident in his sprints down the wing and his ability to cover ground quickly, making him an asset in both attacking and defensive situations.

One of the fastest players in Premier League history, his rapid acceleration and agility allowed him to create scoring opportunities and provide dangerous crosses into the box. Valencia's reputation as a speed demon solidified his status as one of the fastest players during his time at Manchester United and beyond.

8. Leroy Sané - 35.9 km/h

Fastest soccer players ever mph
Leroy Sane of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match against FC Schalke 04 at Allianz Arena on May 13, 2023, in Munich, Germany. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images

Leroy Sané, the German winger, is widely recognised for his electrifying speed on the soccer field. Blessed with exceptional velocity, Sané's explosive bursts have left defenders trailing behind him. His remarkable acceleration and agility enable him to glide effortlessly past opponents, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Sané's speed has been a key asset in his success, making him a formidable force and an exciting player to watch for both club and country. Whether he is sprinting down the wing or making incisive runs through the middle, Sané's speed remains a prominent weapon in his arsenal.

7. Kylian Mbappé - 36 km/h

Who is the fastest soccer player ever?
Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match against AJ Auxerre (AJA) at Stade de l'Abbe Deschamps on May 21, 2023, in Auxerre, France. Photo: Jean Catuffe
Source: Getty Images

Kylian Mbappé, the young French sensation, has taken the soccer world by storm with his incredible speed and skill. With a top speed of approximately 36 kilometres per hour (22.4 miles per hour), Mbappé ranks among the fastest soccer players ever.

With lightning-fast acceleration and incredible top speed, Mbappé leaves defenders in his wake as he zooms past them. His ability to maintain his speed over long distances and his agility in tight spaces make him a nightmare for opposing defences. Mbappé's rapid bursts and quickness have propelled him to become one of the most exciting and sought-after young talents in soccer today, cementing his status as a true speedster of the game.

6. Ronaldo Nazario - 36.2 km/h

What's the fastest a soccer player has run?
Ronaldo of Real Madrid during the pre-season friendly match against Tokyo Verdy 1969 at Ajinomoto Stadium on August 1, 2004, in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Hiroki Watanabe
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo, commonly known as "Ronaldo" or "El Fenomeno," is a Brazilian soccer legend celebrated for his incredible speed on the field. As one of the fastest players in the history of the sport, Ronaldo's rapid acceleration and explosive bursts left defenders struggling to keep up with him. Ronaldo's remarkable top speed, combined with his agility and technical skills, made him virtually unstoppable in one-on-one situations.

Whether he was darting past opponents with his lightning-quick runs or effortlessly gliding through defences, Ronaldo's speed and skill set him apart as one of the most formidable and thrilling players of all time. His performances for clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, as well as the Brazilian national team, showcased his unmatched pace and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players in history.

5. Mohamed Salah – 36.64 Km/h

The fastest soccer player ever
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Leicester City at The King Power Stadium on May 15, 2023, in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo: Daniel Chesterton
Source: Getty Images

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward for Liverpool, is renowned for his exceptional speed on the soccer pitch. He is among the fastest soccer players ever, reaching an impressive top speed of 36.64 kilometres per hour (22.8 mph). His electrifying pace has been a vital asset in his ability to outrun defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Salah's speed, combined with his technical prowess and clinical finishing, has made him one of the most feared attacking players in the world. Whether he is sprinting down the wing or making explosive runs through the middle, Salah's speed has consistently posed a significant threat to opposing teams, solidifying his status as one of the fastest soccer players of all time.

4. Antonio Rüdiger - 36.72 km/h

10 fastest soccer players ever
Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match against Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Diego Souto
Source: Getty Images

Antonio Rüdiger, the German defender, possesses impressive speed on the soccer field, reaching a top speed of 36.72 kilometres per hour (22.8 miles per hour). His rapid acceleration and agility allow him to cover ground quickly and make timely interventions in defence.

Rüdiger's speed also enables him to recover quickly and track back to nullify opposition attacks. His combination of physical attributes and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for both his club, Real Madrid, and the German national team. Rüdiger plays a significant role in his ability to excel in one-on-one situations and maintain defensive stability, solidifying his reputation as a top-class defender.

3. Gareth Bale - 36.9 km/h

The fastest soccer player of all time
Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match against Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 19, 2021, in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur FC
Source: Getty Images

Gareth Bale, the Welsh winger, is another player known for his remarkable speed on the soccer pitch, reaching a top speed of 36.9 kilometres per hour. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur and later with Real Madrid, Bale's acceleration and pace became his trademarks.

Bale's speed, combined with his technical skills and powerful shooting, led to numerous memorable goals and crucial contributions for both club and country. Whether making daring runs or using his speed to track back and defend, Bale's velocity remained a defining aspect of his game and has solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in modern soccer.

2. Arjen Robben - 37 km/h

Fastest soccer players ever
Arjen Robben of Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match against Sport-Club Freiburg at Allianz Arena on November 3, 2018, in Munich, Germany. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images

Arjen Robben, a Dutch winger, is widely regarded as one of the fastest players to have graced the soccer field, reaching a top speed of 37 kilometres per hour (23 miles per hour). Known for his explosive acceleration, he effortlessly left defenders in his wake.

Robben's blistering pace, combined with his exceptional dribbling and precise left foot, made him a nightmare for defenders to handle. He showcased his electrifying speed during his time with clubs like Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team.

1. Thierry Henry - 39.2km/h

Top 10 fastest soccer players ever
Thierry Henry of Arsenal celebrates scoring during the FA Cup Third Round match against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 9, 2012, in London, England. Photo: Clive Mason
Source: Getty Images

Thierry Henry, the former French striker, was not only a prolific goalscorer but also one of the fastest soccer players of all time. With his lightning-fast pace, he terrorised defences throughout his career at clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona. Henry's ability to combine his speed with incredible finesse and technique made him a true force to be reckoned with. Thierry Henry holds the record for one of the fastest top speeds ever recorded in a major league, clocking in at 39.2km/h in 1998, the fastest a soccer player has run.

Fastest soccer players ever
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

As the sport continues to evolve, new players will emerge, each with their own unique blend of speed and skill, captivating audiences and ensuring that the pursuit of pace remains an enduring aspect of the beautiful game. When discussing the fastest soccer players of all time, the top 10 players mentioned have rightfully earned their place in the annals of soccer history.

READ ALSO: Which footballer has the most trophies in football history?

Sport Brief has published an article about footballers with the most trophies in history. When it comes to the realm of trophies, there are certain renowned stars who surprisingly do not find themselves on the distinguished list.

While numerous football players have graced the field and captivated audiences, only a select few have managed to amass an array of trophies throughout their illustrious careers. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.