How fast is Alphonso Davies? Get to know his speed and his fastest sprints

How fast is Alphonso Davies? Get to know his speed and his fastest sprints

Kenneth Mwenda
March 10, 2024 at 6:07 PM
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How fast is Alphonso Davies? This question captivates soccer fans and analysts alike, as Davies’ speed on the field is astonishing. The Canadian sensation, who plays for Bayern Munich, has consistently demonstrated his ability to outpace defenders and create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations. His record-breaking sprint against Werder Bremen in June 2020 has been a highlight, showcasing his elite athleticism.

Alphonso Davies during different Bayern Munich games
Davies’ explosive start, mirroring that of top sprinters, enhances his effectiveness on the pitch, making him a unique threat. Photos: Matthias Hangst/Stefan Matzke/Boris Streubel (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Beyond just raw speed, Davies’ ability to use his pace strategically enhances his overall impact on the game, making him a key asset for his team. As we delve into the specifics of Davies’ fastest sprints and how he compares with other speedsters in soccer, our information is sourced from reliable sports news outlets and official league statistics​.

Ranking five of Alphonso Davies’ top speeds

Rank

Speed (mph)

Speed (km/h)

Date/Season

Context

1

22.7

36.51

June 16, 2020/ 2019-2020

Bundesliga against Werder Bremen

2

22.68

36.5

2022-2023

Season Third Fastest speed in 2022-2023 Bundesliga Season

3

22.33

35.9

-

Prior to Erling Haaland’s record in 2021

4

21.9

35.3

Prior to June 16, 2020

Notable speed in Bundesliga

Alphonso Davies has consistently demonstrated his penchant for setting records. Notably, he propelled the Canadian men’s national soccer team to its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986 and secured his place in history as the first Canadian to clinch a Champions League title with Bayern Munich during the 2019-2020 season.

The emphasis on speed as a vital component in endurance sports naturally leads to comparisons between Davies’s rapid pace and some of the world’s elite sprinters. Originating from Edmonton, Davies was immersed in soccer from a young age, with his innate athleticism shining through during his high school years, as remembered by his teammate Onesphore Hamis.

Exploring Alphonso Davies' track and field participation: the 100m mystery

Despite Davies' prominent focus on soccer, a detailed review of track and field results from middle schools in Edmonton and Burnaby between 2012 and 2014 indicates that he never competed in 100m races. This omission piques interest regarding how he might have fared in a sprinting event, given his remarkable speed on the football field.

The football player's remarkable speed has long been familiar to Nick Huoseh from Edmonton, who coached him during his early years and currently serves as his agent. Huoseh told The Canadian Press in 2020;

"He was like a gazelle; once he took off, you could not catch him."

How fast is Alphonso Davies?

During the 32nd matchday of the 2019/20 season, Alphonso Davies achieved a speed of 22.7 mph (36.51 km/h), surpassing the former record held by ex-Dortmund defender Achraf Hakimi, who had a top speed of 22.49 mph (36.16 km/h). This accomplishment crowned Davies as the fastest player in the Bundesliga, based on the comprehensive data collected since 2011.

Alphonso Davies during the finale FIFA Club World Cup
Alphonso Davies during the finale FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Tigres UANL on February 11, 2021, in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Gaston Szerman
Source: Getty Images

This record-breaking sprint occurred in a match against Werder Bremen, further solidifying his reputation as one of the fastest players in soccer​​​​. He earned the nickname “The Road Runner” from teammate Thomas Muller.

Stalteri, a former Canada captain who was a Canada Soccer youth coach at the time first saw Alphonso Davies when he was 14 at a Canadian under-15 camp in Toronto. He said that while there:

"You could see right away he had something different."

How fast does Alphonso Davies run?

Alphonso Davies distinguishes himself from others in his position through the rapid acceleration he exhibits at the start. This ability to reach top speed within his initial steps sets him apart, drawing parallels to the acceleration seen in elite athletes such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the two-time Olympic women’s 100m champion from Jamaica.

This quality is particularly notable in soccer, where the ability to quickly close down space or break away from defenders can significantly impact the game’s dynamics. Davies’ explosive start, mirroring that of top sprinters, enhances his effectiveness on the pitch, making him a unique threat from the wing-back position.

In the 2022-2023 season, Davies continued to showcase his exceptional speed, with a top speed of 22.68 mph (36.5 km/h), marking him as the third-fastest player in the Bundesliga for that season. His speed not only breaks records but also plays a crucial role in his gameplay, allowing him to excel both defensively and offensively​​.

Alphonso Davies vs. Kylian Mbappe's top speed

While Alphonso has recorded impressive sprints, comparisons are often made with other fast players, such as Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe’s top recorded speed is 22.41 mph, showcasing that while he is exceptionally fast, Davies has reached higher ones.

Who is faster than Alphonso Davies?

While Davies boasts a highest speed of 36.51 km/h, a dive into historical records places him among an elite cadre of fast players, yet reveals others with even swifter records. Thierry Henry, for instance, holds an astonishing mark of 39.2 km/h, leading the pack of the world's fastest footballers.

Alphonso Davies during a Bundesliga match
Alphonso Davies during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and FC Bayern München at WWK-Arena on January 27, 2024, in Augsburg, Germany. Photo: DeFodi Images
Source: Getty Images

The list of top speedsters also includes Arjen Robben at 37 km/h and Gareth Bale closely behind at 36.9 km/h, showcasing the critical role speed plays across different eras and leagues. Alphonso, with a peak of 36.51 km/h, not only exemplifies modern football's rapid pace but also aligns with historical figures like Ronaldo Nazario and contemporary peers such as Kylian Mbappé, who clocks in at 36 km/h.

How is Alphonso Davies so fast?

Davies’ incredible speed can be attributed to his natural athleticism, rigorous training, and tactical intelligence on the field. His background, including early support and training in his formative years, played a significant role in developing his speed and overall soccer skills. Mentors and coaches emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and utilizing his speed effectively within the context of the game​​.

Conclusion

Alphonso Davies has solidified his status as one of the fastest soccer players in the world through record-breaking sprints and consistently high-performance levels. His speed, combined with his skill set, makes him a formidable force on the field and a key player for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team.

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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.