In the modern game, speed is one of the most valuable assets a footballer can possess. The Champions League is no exception, featuring some of the quickest athletes in world football. From explosive wingers to pacey defenders and even goal-hungry strikers, here are the 20 fastest players in this season’s competition – ranked from 20 to 1.
=18. Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid (35.5 km/h)
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Vinícius may not have had his most dominant season, but his top-end speed remains elite. Clocking 35.5 km/h, the Brazilian winger continues to strike fear into full-backs across Europe.
=18. Josha Vagnoman – VfB Stuttgart (35.5 km/h)
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A surprise inclusion, Vagnoman showed great pace down the right flank. His 35.5 km/h sprint proves that even defenders can keep up with Europe’s best.
Openda’s reputation as one of the most explosive young forwards is backed up by the numbers. The Belgian hitman used his speed to stretch defenses throughout the campaign.
=11. Pedro Henrique – Shakhtar Donetsk (35.6 km/h)
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Pedro Henrique might not be a household name, but his blistering speed makes him a real weapon. He recorded a top speed of 35.6 km/h, placing him alongside Europe’s elite sprinters.
=11. Rafael Leão – AC Milan (35.6 km/h)
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Known for his powerful runs on the left wing, Leão again proved why he’s one of Serie A’s most dynamic attackers. His raw pace helped Milan break quickly in transition.
=11. Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich (35.6 km/h)
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Davies continues to be one of the quickest players in world football. Whether bombing down the flank or recovering defensively, his speed remains unmatched for a full-back.
=11. Abdukodir Khusanov – Manchester City (35.6 km/h)
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The young Uzbek defender caught the eye with his athleticism. Reaching 35.6 km/h, Khusanov offers Guardiola a rare mix of physicality and acceleration.
Often introduced late in games, Osman used his speed to exploit tired defenses. His top speed of 35.6 km/h is proof of his ability to change a match in seconds.
=11. Adam Daghim – RB Salzburg (35.6 km/h)
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Daghim matched the same pace markers as the others in this group. While less known, his ability to hit top speed quickly makes him one to watch.
=11. Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain (35.6 km/h)
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Barcola’s pace helped PSG stretch opponents from the right wing. Though not the star of their Champions League run, his speed made him a valuable outlet.
=9. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain (35.7 km/h)
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Mendes combined pace and defensive solidity in PSG’s run to the final. Reaching 35.7 km/h, he proved to be one of the most complete full-backs in Europe.
=9. Giuliano Simeone – Atlético Madrid (35.7 km/h)
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The son of Diego Simeone showed he inherited more than just grit. His speed made him a constant threat on the counter for Atleti.
8. Raúl Asencio – Real Madrid (35.8 km/h)
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Though Real Madrid’s overall campaign fell short, Asencio stood out physically. His sprint speed of 35.8 km/h put him in the upper echelon of this list.
=6. Chemsdine Taibi – Club Brugge (35.9 km/h)
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Taibi was one of the breakout stars for Brugge this season. His top speed of 35.9 km/h allowed him to torment defenses down the wing.
=6. Nicolas Kühn – Celtic (35.9 km/h)
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Celtic’s European run may have been short-lived, but Kühn’s pace was a bright spot. His 35.9 km/h sprint speed shows he can compete with the best.
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One of the lesser-known names in the top five, Baldé was lightning quick this season. His 36.1 km/h top speed reflects his explosive power and acceleration.
4. Matheus Nunes – Manchester City (36.3 km/h)
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Nunes surprised many by ranking this high. Beating out players like Kyle Walker and Doku, his 36.3 km/h speed showcases a rare blend of power and agility.
3. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid (36.4 km/h)
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Mbappé’s speed has always been one of his greatest weapons. Even in a challenging season, his 36.4 km/h sprint proves he’s still a constant danger.
2. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (36.6 km/h)
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Haaland continues to defy logic. At 6’4″, his ability to reach 36.6 km/h shows why he’s not just a goal machine, but also a physical marvel.
1. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain (36.9 km/h)
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No one was faster than Hakimi in this season’s Champions League. The Moroccan full-back hit a blistering 36.9 km/h, confirming his status as Europe’s supreme speedster.
