Ronaldo Nazario, Thierry Henry, Adama Traore

The fastest footballers of all time, ranked from 15 to 1

November 17, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Speed has always been one of football’s most thrilling attributes. Whether it’s a full-back charging forward, a winger flying past defenders, or a striker breaking the line, these players have made their name as some of the fastest ever to play the game. Here's the definitive countdown of the top 15 speedsters in football history.

15. Héctor Bellerín – Arsenal’s rapid right-back

Hector Bellerin — Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Despite coming through Barcelona’s academy, Bellerín became synonymous with Arsenal—and even adopted a London accent along the way. His lightning pace was a key weapon early in his Premier League career, earning him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year before a major ACL injury disrupted his rise.

14. Arjen Robben – the winger with one unstoppable move

Robben made a career out of cutting inside from the right and curling shots into the far corner, all thanks to his explosive acceleration. Even in retirement, the Dutchman’s pace endures—he completed the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon in under three hours.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo – pure speed in his early years

Ronaldo may have evolved into a goal-poaching forward, but early in his career, he was all about blistering runs and dazzling footwork. At Sporting and Manchester United, he regularly left defenders trailing with a mix of pace and skill that was almost impossible to stop.

12. Gareth Bale – power and pace personified

From Tottenham to Real Madrid, Bale’s speed was jaw-dropping, especially during moments like his famous 2014 Copa del Rey final goal. Injuries may have limited his playing time, but when fit, the Welshman was virtually uncatchable.

11. Kyle Walker – a full-back built for recovery runs

Walker's pace is legendary, especially for chasing back and shutting down counter-attacks. A vital piece in Manchester City's defence and now in Burnley, his speed allowed him to recover in situations few others could.

10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – always running in behind

At Dortmund and Arsenal, Aubameyang combined searing pace with ruthless finishing. His ability to stretch defences with sharp movement and sprinting power made him one of the most dangerous strikers of the 2010s.

9. Micky van de Ven – Premier League’s fastest defender

The Dutch centre-back holds the record for the Premier League’s top speed, hitting 37.12 km/h in 2024. His mix of pace, intelligence, and composure makes him a new breed of defender—one forwards dread facing.

8. Ronaldo Nazário – unstoppable in full flow

In his prime, ‘R9’ was a terrifying mix of strength, skill and incredible acceleration. Even against elite defenders, he would burst through on goal with ease, making his injuries all the more heartbreaking in hindsight.

7. Thierry Henry – pace with poise

Henry’s speed wasn’t just straight-line sprinting—it was smooth, effortless, and perfectly controlled. He would often glide past entire teams and finish with elegance, becoming the gold standard for fast forwards.

6. Theo Walcott – teenage sensation with elite speed

Walcott was fast enough to be brought to the 2006 World Cup at just 17. Though his career didn’t hit the heights once expected, his blistering pace was always his calling card, and a key asset in countless games.

5. Adama Traoré – pace and power in a single package

Traoré’s explosive speed, paired with immense strength, made him nearly impossible to tackle. Defenders would resort to fouling him or grabbing him—so much so that he used baby oil to avoid being held.

4. Obafemi Martins – the original 99-speed player

Martins was so fast he earned the maximum speed rating in Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. He once said no one could match his speed—and watching him at Inter Milan, it was hard to argue otherwise.

3. Kylian Mbappé – the sprint king of modern football

Kylian Mbappe — Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Mbappé’s acceleration from a standing start is unmatched, making him lethal whether out wide or down the middle. A World Cup winner and relentless scorer, his pace is one of his most feared qualities.

2. Achraf Hakimi – attacking at full throttle

Hakimi broke Bundesliga speed records at Dortmund and continues to terrorize defences at PSG. Whether sprinting forward or tracking back, his top-end pace makes him one of the fastest players in football history.

1. Alphonso Davies – the fastest man in football

Davies hit a recorded top speed of 37.1 km/h, showcasing sprinter-level athleticism on the pitch. Thomas Müller famously nicknamed him the “Road Runner” for his ability to recover and surge past opponents with ease.