The 20 Fastest Shots in Football History – Ranked
In the long and storied history of football, nothing electrifies fans quite like a thunderbolt of a shot that leaves the net shaking and the goalkeeper frozen. From legendary free-kicks to unstoppable volleys, this list celebrates the 20 most powerful strikes ever recorded in the beautiful game—starting from number 20 and climbing all the way to the fastest strike ever witnessed.
20. David Beckham – 129.6 km/h
On September 4, 1996, David Beckham stunned fans with a rocket against Derby County. The Manchester United star received the ball near halfway and charged forward before unleashing a screamer that hit 129.6 km/h, a rare blend of power and precision.
19. Hulk – 130 km/h (AI-estimated)
In July 2025, Hulk lived up to his name with a blistering free-kick for Atletico Mineiro against Palmeiras. Although AI estimated the shot at 130 km/h, the sheer force and trajectory confirmed its place among the fastest in history.
18. Obafemi Martins – 135 km/h
During a memorable Premier League clash on January 14, 2007, Obafemi Martins produced a thunderous strike against Tottenham. Clocked at 135 km/h, the goal was a showcase of the Nigerian’s pace and explosive power.
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17. Tugay – 135.5 km/h
Tugay may have been known for his elegance, but on November 3, 2001, he unleashed a rare scorcher for Blackburn against Southampton. The Turkish midfielder’s 135.5 km/h rocket stunned fans and showed his underrated power.
16. Roberto Carlos – 138 km/h
Roberto Carlos’ legendary free-kick against France on June 3, 1997 defied physics. The ball swerved wildly yet rocketed at 138 km/h, cementing the Brazilian’s status as one of football’s greatest set-piece specialists.
15. Alan Shearer – 138 km/h
On February 2, 1997, Alan Shearer slammed home a ferocious free-kick for Newcastle against Leicester. The 138 km/h shot was part of a heroic hat-trick comeback, showing why Shearer remains a Premier League icon.
14. Matt Le Tissier – 140 km/h
Usually known for finesse, Matt Le Tissier delivered a rare bullet in 1997 against Newcastle. The Southampton legend smashed the equalizer at 140 km/h, proving he could mix power with his signature technique.
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13. Adriano – 144 km/h
Adriano’s 2005 strike against Fiorentina was a thunderclap that rattled the crossbar and flew in. Measured at 144 km/h, it exemplified the Brazilian striker’s fearsome left foot and raw strength.
12. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 150 km/h
In a Champions League clash against Anderlecht in 2013, Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired in a stunning 150 km/h drive. The goal symbolized the Swede’s unique combination of technique, audacity, and brute power.
11. Tony Yeboah – 154 km/h
On September 23, 1995, Tony Yeboah scored one of the most celebrated goals in Premier League history. His 154 km/h thunderbolt for Leeds against Wimbledon was an unforgettable exhibition of power and precision.
10. Ritchie Humphreys – 154 km/h
The same day Beckham hit from halfway, Ritchie Humphreys blasted in a 154 km/h screamer for Sheffield Wednesday. Though his top-flight career was short-lived, this strike remains his legacy moment.
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9. David Trezeguet – 154.4 km/h
Trezeguet unleashed a blistering effort against Manchester United in 1998, measured at 154.4 km/h. The Frenchman’s right-footed missile was a testament to his lethal finishing ability.
8. David Beckham – 157.5 km/h
In February 1997, Beckham let fly with a 157.5 km/h volley against Chelsea. It was a ferocious strike that proved he wasn’t just a master of curl, but also of pure, devastating power.
7. Ibrahim Sangare – 170 km/h
Sangare’s monster goal for PSV in 2023 against ADO Den Haag was clocked at 170 km/h. The Ivorian midfielder stunned fans and the goalkeeper alike with a shot few saw coming.
6. Frank Lampard – 177 km/h
On March 5, 2005, Lampard launched a 30-yard missile against West Ham. At 177 km/h, the shot helped Chelsea to victory and reinforced Lampard’s knack for scoring from distance.
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5. David Hirst – 183 km/h
Though it didn’t go in, Hirst’s 183 km/h volley against Arsenal in 1996 is the stuff of legend. It slammed off the crossbar with such force that fans still talk about it today.
4. Ronald Koeman – 188 km/h
Koeman’s 1992 European Cup-winning goal for Barcelona came at a blistering 188 km/h. It was not just powerful, but decisive, marking the Dutch defender’s place in history.
3. Steven Reid – 189 km/h
Steven Reid’s unbelievable goal for Blackburn against Wigan in 2005 rocketed in at 189 km/h. An unexpected name on the list, Reid’s strike remains one of the most powerful ever.
2. Arjen Robben – 190 km/h
Robben’s fierce volley for Real Madrid in 2009 against Dortmund was unlike his usual curled efforts. Clocked at 190 km/h, it was a testament to his lesser-known raw power.
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1. Ronny Heberson – 210 km/h
Topping the chart is Ronny Heberson’s outrageous 210 km/h free-kick for Sporting CP in 2006. The shot was so powerful it left everyone—including the goalkeeper—thankful it wasn’t headed their way.
