Top 10 fastest footballers in history based on metres per second covered

Published at :December 24, 2023 at 11:43 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:32 AM

These men can give ‘Usain Bolt’ a run for his money

The modern game of football is as much it is about tactics as it is about athleticism. One aspect of athleticism that resonates mostly in the minds of coaches and football teams is ‘pace’. To be a gifted footballer is very rare. But many may not need to be good with the ball as much as they are with their sprint speed. And this can also prove to make a difference in the game of football which lasts 90 minutes long and is prone to counterattacks.

The Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt holds the world record for covering 100 metres (m) in 9.58 seconds (s). In this article, we have a look at the history books and present world football to bring you a list of the top 10 fastest footballers. One footballer even comes very close to reaching Bolt’s majestic record.

Top 10 fastest footballers

10. Adama Traoré – 9.8 m/s

The Spanish right winger notably came up from the FC Barcelona youth setup. Although his first team debut came for Aston Villa, he did manage to play six months on loan at Barca from Wolverhampton Wanderers. During his time with Wolves in the Premier League, the player made sure everyone noticed his speed and physique. Traoré now plays for Fulham FC.

9. Leroy Sané – 9.8 m/s

After playing for Man City from 2016 to 2020, Leroy Sané moved back to his country. This time he joined the biggest club Germany knows, FC Bayern Munchen. The pacy winger aged 27 is in wildfire form right now. In 11 Bundesliga appearances so far, Sané’s pace has helped him get 8 goals. The smart dribbler has also spurred in 6 assists during these games.

8. Ante Rebić – 9.8 m/s

The forward is built with strength, has great power in his strides and movements, also can finish the final ball in the net. The Croatian Ante Rebić is currently 30 years old and moving into the latter stages of his career. During his playing time so far, the forward has notably recorded his highest peak to be 9.8 m/s.

7. Kyle Walker – 9.8 m/s

Kyle Walker Manchester City fastest footballers — Walker has been one of the fastest full-back in the history of the game

Even at 33, Kyle Walker uses his pace to cover so much ground than his opposition wingers. If a top winger is a scary sight for any defender, so is Kyle Walker for that very top winger. The Sheffield, England-born right-back has featured in every minute possible of Premier League football under Pep Guardiola going into the November international break. This signifies his importance in the squad.

6. Antonio Valencia – 9.8 m/s

The player was initially signed to fill in the ‘big’ boots of departing Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. Ronaldo in 2009 was signed by Real Madrid from the Red Devils. In a decade-long career at Old Trafford, Antonio Valencia converted to right back permanently under Louis van Gaal. The swap of position gave his career much praise due to the age when he switched. Also, his pace and power proved to be a delight in right back more.

5. Matthias Fanimo – 9.8 m/s

Among the other players on this list, Matthias Fanimo has one thing in common. That is pace. Born in London, Fanimo once was in the Under 21 ranks of West Ham United. His career never quite took off in the Premier League. But the player’s blistering pace allows him to hold a place on an important page of the history books of football.

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 9.8 m/s

The Gabon international has had a more successful football career than many of the other players from his country. In just a year, back in July 2008, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a swift change from Under 19 to first team for AC Milan. His career though came to the limelight while the striker was powering the Borussia Dortmund attack from 2013 to 2018. Aubameyang has so far also played for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.

3. Inaki Williams – 9.9 m/s

Inaki Williams fastest footballers — Inaki Williams has been a long-servant at Athletic Club

Inaki Williams is one of the fastest players of all time. He might not always get the limelight but the 29-year-old right winger has done wonders for Athletic Club over the years. He has come up the ranks at the club. He made it to their first team back in 2015 and has since been one of the most important players for the team. His pace has given him the edge against some of the best defenders in the history of the game.

2. Gareth Bale – 10.3 m/s

Bale’s career might not have ended in the best possible way but the Welsh international will surely go down in history as one of the greatest of his generation. After making a name for himself at Tottenham Hotspur, he joined Real Madrid in 2013 and went on to win five UEFA Champions League titles. His pace was his most deadly weapon. One of his best goals came against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final when he left Marc Bartra in the dust using his pace.

1. Kylian Mbappe – 10.6 m/s

Mbappe is currently among the best footballers in the world. His pace is what makes him stand above the rest. Usain Bolt currently holds the record for being the fastest man on the planet. He ran 100 metres in just 9.58 seconds. His record could get shattered if Mbappe decides to run on the track soon. The French World Cup winner is the fastest player in the world. His 10.6 m/s can mathematically help him cover 100 metres in just 9.43 seconds.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.