The 20 fastest soccer shots in the history of the sport

The 20 fastest soccer shots in the history of the sport

Kevin Omuya
updated at February 11, 2024 at 11:39 AM
In this article:
Beckham
Wadi Degla SC logo--
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
R. Carlos
-MBrazil logo
Joseph Yobo logo
J. Yobo
-DNigeria logo
Zlatan Ibrahimović logo
Z. Ibrahimović
AC Milan logoFSweden logo
Gareth Bale logo
G.Bale
-FWales logo
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang logo
P. Aubameyang
Al-Qadisiya logoFGabon logo

There are not many reliable historical records of shot speeds; legendary moments in soccer give us a glimpse of the astonishing power of the game's all-time greats. Both players and spectators have been enthralled by the race to see who can take the fastest soccer shots, testing players' and fans' physical limits.

Fastest Pro Soccer Shot
Roberto Carlos, Brazil in 2006, England's David in 2006, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris St Germain in 2015. Photo: AMA/Corbis, Mike Egerton, Tony Marshall/ Getty Images
Source: Original

The debate over the quickest soccer shots began with players like David Beckham, whose precision and power were displayed throughout his legendary career, and Roberto Carlos, who became famous for his physics-defying free-kick against France in 1997. Athleticism aside, these moments forever changed the game because of how technique, timing, and brute force interacted.

Fastest shots in football history

Players' name

Shot speed (km/hr)

Luis Suarez

164

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

166

Gareth Bale

167

Thierry Henry

169

Radamel Falcao

171

Wayne Rooney

172

Allan Shearer

174

Matt Le Tissier

175

Frank Lampard

177

Cristiano Ronaldo

182

Arjen Robben

182

Ritchie Humphreys

182

David Hirst

183

Tony Yeboh

183

Pavel Pardo

184

David Beckham

190

Roberto Carlos

198

Steven Reid

200

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

200

Ronny Heberson

211

What is the fastest shot in soccer? The exponential speed of some of these shots makes them stand out, and they are among the best of their kind.

We strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. Understanding our methodology and the principles governing our ranking processes is important. Our rankings are based on a combination of objective and quantifiable criteria.

These criteria may include data from reputable sources like Soccer Feed, official statistics, expert opinions, user feedback, and other relevant metrics. We endeavour to use the most up-to-date and accurate data available at the time of ranking compilation. Read on and find out how fast the fastest soccer shot is ever.

20. Luis Suarez – Liverpool – 102 mph (164 km/h)

What's The Fastest Soccer Shot Ever
Luis Suarez of Liverpool his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Wigan Athletic at Anfield on November 17, 2012, in Liverpool, England. Photo: Andrew
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Luis Suarez
  • Date of birth: January 24, 1987
  • Place of birth: Salto, Uruguay
  • Current Club: Inter Miami CF

The unbelievable goal scored by Luis Suarez for Liverpool reached 102 mph (164 km/h). The Uruguayan striker proved he is a goal-scoring machine and a genuine threat with a blistering shot that ranks among the top 20 fastest in soccer history. Suarez scored an incredible strike during his time at Liverpool, where his remarkable skills, determination, and goal-scoring abilities made him a fan favourite.

19. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund – 103 mph (166 km/h)

What's The Fastest Shot In Soccer
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund celebrates at the end of the Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV on November 5, 2016, in Hamburg, Germany. Photo: TF-Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
  • Date of birth: June 18, 1989
  • Place of birth: Laval, France
  • Current Club: Olympique de Marseille

Seize the opportunity to witness Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's incredible goal for Borussia Dortmund, which he scored at an astonishing speed of 103 mph (166 km/h). As one of the top 20 fastest soccer shots ever recorded, this incredible shot showcases Aubameyang's astonishing talent.

18. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid – 104 mph (167 km/h)

Highest Speed Soccer Shot
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid during the MLS All-Star match against the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid at the Soldier Field on August 02, 2017, in Chicago, IL. Photo: Ira L. Black
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gareth Bale
  • Date of birth: July 16, 1989
  • Place of birth: Cardiff, United Kingdom
  • Career end: 2003

The incredible 104 mph (167 km/h) strike by Real Madrid's Gareth Bale demonstrates his tremendous power and skill on the field. This Welsh wizard's 104 mph goal solidified his reputation as one of the world's fastest and deadliest forwards.

17. Thierry Henry – Arsenal – 105 mph (169 km/h)

What's The Fastest Shot In Soccer
Arsenal's Thierry Henry celebrates scoring his second goal against Southampton in 2004. Photo: Tony Marshall
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Thierry Henry
  • Date of birth: August 17, 1977
  • Place of birth: Les Ulis, France

While playing for Arsenal, Thierry Henry was a sight to behold due to his lightning quickness, agility, and accuracy. Notable among these instances is his incredible strike, which reached a speed of 105 mph (169 km/h). Henry is further cemented in the annals of soccer greatness with this spectacular shot, which showcases his extraordinary power.

16. Radamel Falcao – Atletico Madrid – 106 mph (171 km/h)

Fastest Soccer Shot Recorded
Radamel Falcao of Atletico de Madrid in action during the La Liga against RCD Espanyol at Estadio Vicente Calderon on February 24, 2013, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Aitor Alcalde
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Radamel Falcao
  • Date of birth: February 10, 1986
  • Place of birth: Santa Marta, Colombia

The 106 mph (171 km/h) thunderbolt of a kick by Radamel Falcao for Atletico Madrid solidified his status as a formidable opponent on the field and sent shivers down goalkeepers' spines. During his tenure with the Spanish national team, Falcao exhibited his Arsenal skills in this breathtaking shot.

15. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United – 107 mph (172 km/h)

How Fast Is The Fastest Soccer Shot Ever
During the FA Barclays Premiership match, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring against Bolton Wanderers in 2007. Photo: Martin Rickett
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Wayne Rooney
  • Date of birth: October 24, 1985
  • Place of birth: Croxteth, Liverpool, United Kingdom

Wayne Rooney's spectacular goal for Manchester United, which reached an incredible 107 mph (172 km/h), left everyone in awe. This proved once and for all that he was one of the best players of all time and highlighted his enormous talent.

14. Alan Shearer – Newcastle – 108 mph (174 km/h)

World's Fastest Soccer Shot
Newcastle United's Alan Shearer celebrates after scoring a goal for Newcastle United against Manchester United on 12 February 2000. Photo: Mark Leech
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alan Shearer
  • Date of birth: August 13, 1970
  • Place of birth: Grosforth, United Kingdom

Alan Shearer's blazing 108 mph (174 km/h) strike. Shearer's incredible skill was fully displayed in this powerful shot, solidifying his place in history as one of the greatest English strikers.

13. Matt Le Tissier – Southampton – 109 mph (175 km/h)

Fastest Soccer Shot Mph
Matt Le Tissier of Southampton scores against Coventry City in October 1996. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mathew Paul Le Tissier
  • Date of birth: October 14, 1968
  • Place of birth: St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Matt Le Tissier's 109 mph (175 km/h) strike at Southampton left onlookers gasping for air. The English midfielder became a club legend thanks to his extraordinary skill and pinpoint passing.

12. Frank Lampard – Chelsea vs West Ham – 110 mph (177 km/h)

Fastest Soccer Shot Of All Time
Frank Lampard of Chelsea scores from a free kick during the FA Cup Semi-Final match against Tottenham Hotspur on April 15, 2012, in London, England. Photo: Darren Walsh
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Frank Lampard
  • Date of birth: June 20, 1978
  • Place of birth: Romford, United Kingdom

Frank Lampard's record-breaking strike against West Ham, which reached 110 mph (177 km/h). The English midfielder, a Chelsea player at the time, is legendary for his powerful shots and knack for scoring goals. As evidence of Lampard's talent and influence on the game, this shot recorded in 2005 remains one of the quickest soccer shots ever.

11. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United – 113 mph (182 km/h)

Fastest Pro Soccer Shot
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores his second goal against Newcastle in 2008. Photo: Owen Humphreys
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Date of birth: February 5, 1985
  • Place of birth: Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Funchal, Portugal

When Cristiano Ronaldo was a Manchester United player, his lightning-fast shot reached an incredible 113 mph (182 km/h). Soccer fans all over the globe will never forget this historic event from the 2008–2009 English Premier League season.

10. Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund – 113 mph (182 km/h)

Highest Speed Soccer Shot
Arjen Robben of FC Bayern Muenchen in action during the Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on May 18, 2019, in Munich, Germany. Photo: Koji Watanabe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Arjen Robben
  • Date of birth: January 23, 1984
  • Place of birth: Bedum, Netherlands

Of all the Dutch players, Arjen Robben (1984) has the most awards. He had a lengthy career on the wing for clubs like Groningen, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. While playing for his club, Robben won every championship on the continent.

9. Ritchie Humphreys – Sheffield Wednesday – 113 mph (182 km/h)

How Fast Is The Fastest Soccer Shot Ever,
Ritchie Humphreys, Sheffield Wednesday on September 1996. Photo: Neal Simpson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ritchie Humphreys
  • Date of birth: November 30, 1977
  • Place of birth: Sheffield, United Kingdom

The former English professional footballer is known for having one of the quickest shots in soccer history. Along with his UEFA A License coaching qualification, he served as president of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

While on loan, he played for Cardiff City and Scunthorpe United. That same year, he stunned Aston Villa with a 154 km/h goal.

8. David Hirst – Sheffield Wednesday vs Arsenal – 114 mph (183 km/h)

What's The Fastest Shot In Soccer
David Hirst of Sheffield Wednesday against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in April 1991. Photo: Neal Simpson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: David Hirst
  • Date of birth: December 7, 1967
  • Place of birth: Barnsley, United Kingdom

His longest professional stint was with Sheffield Wednesday, during which he made 358 appearances and scored over 150 goals. The English national team also gave him three caps. During the 1995–96 Premier League season, his shot with a speed of 183 km/h was the most famous.

7. Tony Yeboah – Leeds United vs. Wimbledon – 114 mph (183 km/h)

What's The Fastest Soccer Shot Ever
Anthony Yeboah of Hamburger SV against Kaiserslautern in May 1999. Photo: Kay Nietfeld
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Tony Yeboah
  • Date of birth: June 6, 1966
  • Place of birth: Kumasi, Ghana

On the national team, he scored 29 goals in 59 games for Ghana. Twice, in 1992–93 and 1993–94, he was named the Bundesliga Golden Boot winner. He stunned Wimbledon with a howler that reached 183 km/h in the 1995–96 season. It had been the objective for the month.

6. Pavel Pardo – Mexico vs South Korea – 114 mph (184 km/h)

Fastest Soccer Shot Recorded
Pavel Pardo of Mexico during the penalty shootout in the semi-final match against Argentina for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 in Hanover, Germany. Photo: Friedemann Vogel
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Pavel Pardo
  • Date of birth: July 26, 1976
  • Place of birth: Guadalajara, Mexico

A goal scored by Pavel Pardo during a match between South Korea and Mexico reached an incredible velocity of 114 mph (184 km/h). He played for Mexico at the national team level for 148 appearances and scored 11 goals.

5. David Beckham – Manchester United vs. Chelsea – 118 mph (190 km/h)

  • Full name: David Beckham
  • Date of birth: May 2, 1975
  • Place of birth: Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, United Kingdom

He broke four league records: in England, Spain, the US, and France. He was born in England. He won 19 major trophies during his 20-year career before retiring in May 2013.

The time he spent wearing jersey number seven for Manchester United was the most memorable of his career. His incredible goal past Chelsea in 1997 came at a speed of 158 km/h.

4. Roberto Carlos – Brazil vs France – 123 mph (198 km/h)

  • Full name: Roberto Carlos
  • Date of birth: April 10, 1973
  • Place of birth: Garça, State of São Paulo, Brazil

A renowned Brazilian left-back, Roberto Carlos showcased his exceptional abilities and strength. He slammed the ball into the net with an incredible 123 miles per hour (198 km/h) during a friendly match between France and Brazil.

3. Steven Reid – Blackburn Rovers vs. Wigan – 124 mph (200 km/h)

  • Full name: Steven John Reid
  • Date of birth: March 10, 1981
  • Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

He spent most of his playing career in the middle of the field but also right back. He is the head coach of Nottingham Forest's first team and an assistant with the Scottish national team. One of the most thrilling Premier League goals ever scored was his flash shot against Wigan Athletic while he was on loan to West Brom.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – PSG vs Anderlecht – 124 mph (200 km/h)

Fastest Soccer Shot Ever
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match against Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 26, 2023, in Milan, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
  • Date of birth: October 3, 1981
  • Place of birth: Malmo, Sweden

He scored a historic shot at 124 mph (200 km/h) for PSG against Anderlecht in a group-stage match of the UEFA Champions League in 2003. Over the last four decades, he has scored more than 560 goals in his career.

What's The Fastest Soccer Shot Ever?

Ronny Heberson's shot is recorded as the fastest soccer shot of all time.

1. Ronny Heberson – Sporting Lisbon vs. Naval – 131 mph (211 km/h)

  • Full name: Ronny Heberson
  • Date of birth: May 11, 1986
  • Place of birth: Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil

Brazilian midfielder relocated to Germany and played for Hertha Berlin and Sporting CP, among others. When he played Associacao Naval de Maio at Sporting CP, his shot was recorded as the world's fastest soccer shot. His highest Speed Soccer Shot was 211 km/h.

Fastest women's soccer shot

In the official match ball of the Women's World Cup. Saïd Benrahma of West Ham scored the most potent strike of the 2022-23 Premier League season. According to Marca, the shot speed measured 66.6 mph (107.2 km/h), surpassed by Kelly's shot, which reached 69 mph (110.79 km/h).

Final word

Pursuing the fastest soccer shot reflects the perpetual quest for excellence within the sport. From historical moments that have become iconic to the integration of cutting-edge technology, the narrative surrounding shot speeds has evolved, captivating the imagination of soccer enthusiasts worldwide.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.