Lightning Fast: Ranking the 20 Fastest Football Players Ever

June 27, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Speed can break defensive lines, create goals, and make legends. These are the 20 fastest footballers ever recorded—players whose lightning pace turned them into game-changers. From iconic veterans to rising stars, let’s count them down.

20. Cristiano Ronaldo – 34.20 km/h (21.10 mph)

Even in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo still boasts elite speed. During his time with Juventus and Portugal, he clocked an impressive 34.20 km/h—proof that he's a physical phenomenon beyond just skill and goals.

19. Antonio Valencia – 35.11 km/h (21.81 mph)

Known for his fierce runs on the right flank, Valencia was a key part of Manchester United’s setup. His explosive sprints often left defenders trailing behind.

18. Leroy Sané – 35.91 km/h (22.31 mph)

Sané combines elegance with raw pace. At Bayern Munich, the German winger has regularly tormented defenders with his sharp bursts of acceleration.

17. Kylian Mbappé – 35.99 km/h (22.37 mph)

Mbappé's speed is legendary—just ask any defender who’s tried to catch him. The French superstar uses his quickness to slice through defenses with ease.

16. Ronaldo Nazário – 36.18 km/h (22.48 mph)

Before injuries struck, “O Fenômeno” was nearly unstoppable. At his peak, Ronaldo combined strength, skill, and speed like no one else.

15. Mohamed Salah – 36.65 km/h (22.77 mph)

Salah's acceleration and agility are key to his game. Whether charging down the wing or cutting inside, his pace at Liverpool has helped redefine modern attacking play.

14. Sirlord Conteh – 36.67 km/h (22.78 mph)

A lesser-known name on this list, Conteh has been clocked at blistering speeds in the Bundesliga. His pace gives Heidenheim a major edge on the break.

13. Kyle Walker – 36.71 km/h (22.81 mph)

One of England’s most consistent defenders, Walker’s speed has been a hallmark of his career. He’s often been the last line of defense—and the first to recover.

12. Antonio Rüdiger – 36.72 km/h (22.81 mph)

You might not expect a center-back to crack this list, but Rüdiger’s athleticism is exceptional. His top speed makes him a unique weapon at Real Madrid.

11. Dara O'Shea – 36.73 km/h (22.82 mph)

The Burnley defender stunned many with his top-tier sprinting stats. It’s rare to see defenders hitting such elite speeds.

10. Dominik Szoboszlai – 36.76 km/h (22.84 mph)

Liverpool’s Hungarian midfielder combines pace with power. His lung-bursting runs through midfield make him a key part of Klopp’s high-intensity system.

9. Jakub Moder – 36.84 km/h (22.90 mph)

Brighton’s Polish star is deceptively quick. His top speed shows he’s not just a creative presence—but also a physical threat in open play.

8. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/h (22.91 mph)

Neto’s electric pace on the wing has lit up the Premier League. His speed allows Wolves to transition from defense to attack in the blink of an eye.

7. Gareth Bale – 36.90 km/h (22.92 mph)

During his prime at Real Madrid, Bale was a one-man counterattack. His long, powerful strides made him one of the most feared wingers of his generation.

6. Anthony Elanga – 36.91 km/h (22.94 mph)

The Swedish youngster continues to impress with his top-end speed. At Nottingham Forest, his raw pace is turning heads across Europe.

5. Chiedozie Ogbene – 36.93 km/h (22.95 mph)

A speedster for Luton Town, Ogbene’s rapid bursts have surprised many. His explosive sprints make him a constant outlet on the flanks.

4. Arjen Robben – 36.99 km/h (22.99 mph)

Even late in his career, Robben was clocking phenomenal speeds. His classic left-footed runs from the right wing became the stuff of legend.

3. Nuno Mendes – 37.20 km/h (23.11 mph)

At just 22, Mendes has already become one of the fastest full-backs in world football. His lightning speed at PSG makes him a nightmare for wingers and defenders alike.

2. Micky van de Ven – 37.38 km/h (23.24 mph)

Micky Van Der Ven — IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

The Dutch defender broke the Premier League speed record in 2024. Despite his size, Van de Ven moves like a winger—blending defensive awareness with blistering pace.

1. Karim Adeyemi – 37.60 km/h (23.37 mph)

Taking the crown is Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi. Clocked at an incredible 37.60 km/h, he is officially the fastest football player ever recorded. A true rocket on the pitch.