Can a football really be struck at speeds exceeding 200 km/h? While no official records confirm it, some legendary shots have been clocked at astonishing velocities. From powerful long-range screamers to almost unbelievable strikes, we’ve ranked the 13 most thunderous shots in football history—from the slowest to the fastest.
Wayne Rooney – Shots up to 120 km/h
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Wayne Rooney scored countless spectacular goals for Manchester United, including a famous first-time strike against Newcastle in 2005. The estimated speed of the strike was 120 km/h.
Frank Lampard – Thunderous goals at 130 km/h
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Frank Lampard was renowned for his long-range strikes while playing for Chelsea. Although not the most powerful, his shots reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
Didier Drogba – Free-kicks and strikes exceeding 130 km/h
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Didier Drogba thrilled Premier League fans with his powerful strikes for Chelsea. Many of his long-distance goals and direct free-kicks were estimated to exceed 130 km/h.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Knuckleball free-kicks at 136 km/h
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Cristiano Ronaldo popularized the knuckleball free-kick technique. His iconic goal against Portsmouth in 2008 was measured at around 136 km/h, becoming a defining moment in his career.
Roberto Carlos – A free-kick legend at 140 km/h
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Roberto Carlos’s famous banana-curved free-kick against France in 1997 is legendary. The shot was estimated to travel at about 140 km/h, solidifying his reputation as one of the strongest free-kick takers in football history.
Adriano – The feared left foot with speeds of 140–150 km/h
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Adriano, the powerful Brazilian forward, scored numerous goals for Inter Milan with his lethal left foot. Many of his shots were estimated to reach speeds between 140 and 150 km/h.
Hulk – Explosive shots at 150 km/h
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Brazilian forward Hulk made his mark at FC Porto and Zenit with incredibly powerful strikes. Many of his goals were estimated to hit speeds of up to 150 km/h.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his spectacular goals, delivered multiple strikes estimated at 150 km/h.
Ronald Koeman – Free-kick specialist at 180 km/h
Photo – Collectie / Archief : Fotocollectie Anefo
Ronald Koeman, famous for his free-kicks and long-range strikes during the 80s and 90s, hit speeds estimated at 180 km/h.
Steven Reid – A long-range strike at 189 km/h
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Steven Reid wowed fans at Blackburn Rovers with a long-range strike reportedly clocked at 189 km/h. This goal is often remembered as one of the most powerful of its era.
John Arne Riise – A cannon at 190 km/h
Photo: Wiki Commons
Norwegian defender John Arne Riise scored several thunderous goals for Liverpool. One of his free-kicks against Manchester United was estimated at around 190 km/h.
Former Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins is associated with a shot claimed to have reached 200 km/h. While this number is widely debated, Martins was known for his speed and explosive strikes.
Ronny Heberson – A record-breaking 210 km/h?
Photo: Wiki Commons
Brazilian player Ronny Heberson, playing for Sporting CP, scored a free-kick against Naval in 2006 that was reportedly clocked at 210 km/h. Although the measurement hasn’t been scientifically verified, this strike has become legendary in the football world.
What do you think? Was there something wrong with the measuring equipment in 2006, or did Ronny Heberson truly smash the ball at 210 km/h? Follow us here on MSN for more fascinating sports galleries!
