Top 33 fastest football players in the world in 2024

Published at :October 2, 2024 at 7:49 PM

Modified at :October 2, 2024 at 7:49 PM

These players have shown that they can hit top-gear on the pitch regularly.

Football has always been about athleticism. Players prepare physically and mentally for matches and avoid distractions that hinder their performance. A player must possess a strong physicality to challenge the opposition and most importantly, pace, to assist the team in playing fast football.

Having the quickest players enables the team to transition quickly and expose opponents during counter-attacks. A quick player can outpace stagnant defenders.

Pacy players have aided the clubs dynamically over the years. Their intensity during the game is unrivalled as they provide an extra hand in counter-attacks or while tracking back, they are the first to pick up the loose ball.

Considering this, we look at the top 33 fastest footballers in 2024.

33. Lallianzuala Chhangte: 35.18 km/hr

AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award winner for the 2022-23 season, Lallianzuala Chhangte is known for his quick feet and incredible pace. Also nicknamed as the Mizo Flash‘ due to his incredible pace, Mumbai City FC’s Chhangte recorded a top speed of 35.18 km/hr during the ISL 2023-24 season.

32. Theo Hernandez: 35.7 km/h

Theo Hernandez ranks among the top ten fastest footballers in the Champions League. The 25-year-old is experiencing one of his best seasons with AC Milan. Hernandez has played for a number of clubs but has is finally having the best time with AC Milan after signing in 2019.

At Milan, he displayed exceptional vision and has since become the club’s most important left-back. Theo Hernandez’s quick pace averaged 35.7 kilometres per/hour this season in the Champions League.

31. Rafa Silva: 35.9 km/h

Rafa Silva is having a productive season with Benfica. Imagine a group that includes PSG and Juventus, but Benfica came out on top on goal difference, owing to numerous vital goals from Rafa Silva, who has been the club’s finest performer. Silva is an offensive midfielder who can also play on the wings.

He is one of the fastest players on the field and displayed top performances in the Champions League, which saw him set a high speed of 35.9 km/h.

Also Read: Top 10 best football (soccer) teams of all time

30. Bryan Mbeumo: 35.94 km/h

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has really stepped up in Ivan Toney’s absence, scoring big goals and leading the front line with his tricky feet and speed. The Cameroon international recorded a speed of 35.94 km/h when Brentford hosted Chelsea in the Premier League 2023-24.

29. Sheraldo Becker: 35.97 km/h

The Union Berlin winger is the Bundesliga’s fastest player, tied with Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies. He, like Davies, makes off-the-ball runs to give his team extra space; he also makes in-between runs to avoid being caught offside.

While Becker has not received as much attention as Davies, he is a magnificent player when given space. Once he accelerates, defenders find it very difficult to match his speed.

28. Kylian Mbappe: 36.08 km/h

Mbappe‘s burst of pace up front has been crucial to PSG‘s success; he is one of the fastest players in the Ligue 1 and causes difficulties for defenders. Once he picks up speed, he is difficult to catch.

The French star is known for playing with defenders on his shoulders, and his breakneck speed allows him to beat offside traps with late runs. Furthermore, the Frenchman can cover a lot of ground with his blazing speed and stamina, which aids him in clocking high speeds in the dying moments of matches. No defenders can catch him if he’s unmarked and has plenty of space. He joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer.

27. Dennis Zakaria: 36.09km/h

Chelsea’s summer loan signing Dennis Zakaria also placed himself in the Premier League fastest player charts recording a 36.09km/h speed. He was brought from Juventus with an option to make him permanent at the end of the season. Also, Zakaria made his debut for the Blues in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb where he scored the winner.

26. Dominic Solanke: 36.10 km/h

While Solanke might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of speedsters, he’s proven that he has the wheels to leave defenders gasping for air. In a match against Spurs, Solanke hit a breathtaking top speed of 36.10 km/h. But he’s not just about pace; he’s also been contributing to Bournemouth’s survival race this season.

25. Nuno Tavares: 36.2 km/h

This season, a highly gifted Marseille player made an immediate impact in the Champions League against top teams. Nuno Tavares is already regarded as one of Europe’s top full-backs. His agility and quickness on the field distinguish him. Marseille did not advance to the final stage, but Tavares has certainly made his imprint on the Champions League. He is ranked fifth as the fastest player in the competition with an average pace of 36.2 (km/h).

24. Erling Haaland: 36.22 km/h

For Manchester City, the Norwegian has been the final piece of the jigsaw. Erling Haaland is a complete bully for defenders, outpacing and physically dominating them. His life at Manchester City was expected to be difficult, but he has impressed even leading the club to a treble in the 2022-23 season.

He is one of the best players on counter-attacks as his blazing speed allows him to outrun and brush past defenders. With age on his side, the towering striker will only get better. The Norwegian striker recorded a top speed of 36.2 km/h in a Premier League 2022-23 clash against Brighton.

23. Federico Valverde: 36.3 km/h

Federico Valverde made a fantastic contribution for Real Madrid this season, banging in goal after goal in important matches. He has become such a vital part of the club that his absence has harmed the club’s performance. Valverde is unquestionably having one of the best seasons of his career.

He has played in every game, and although being a midfielder, he plays on the right flank and contributes significantly due to his speed and shooting ability.

22. Tahith Chong: 36.37 km/h

The Manchester United academy graduate now plays his football for Premier League’s Luton Town. Despite featuring as a midfielder these days, Tahith Chong still showcases his skill and pace with the ball at his feet. Tahith Chong recorded a speed of 36.37 km/h when Luton hosted Spurs in a Premier League 2023-24 match.

Also Read: Ranking the top 10 fastest football players in the world in 2022

21. Achraf Hakimi: 36.49 km/h

Hakimi has developed into one of the best full-backs in the French league, utilising his speed and intelligence both offensively and defensively. His development since leaving Real Madrid has been encouraging, and his willingness to make daring runs have made him a fan-favorite at PSG.

The 23-year-old is a dangerous player during counter-attacks, and has the ability to carry the ball forward. He offers ball-playing options and is physically strong. His speed allows him to combine well with forwards and make late runs into the box.

20. Rafael Leao: 36.5 km/h

A dynamic forward with bursts of speed, adaptability, and technical ability who can pull all the strings. Rafael Leao has been outstanding this season, playing a pivotal position on the left flank. His spectacular moments on and off the field are one of the main factors that aid the squad in stretching defenses.

He is also a skilled dribbler with quick feet who can beat opponents one-on-one. The player has been called up for the Qatar 2022 World Cup due to his performance.

19. Alphonso Davies: 36.51 km/h

The Bayern left-back is gifted with all skills. Bayern Munich’s left-back position has been figured out for a decade, with Davies being the first choice. His performance against Barcelona in 2020 was proof enough of his talent. Davies is the team’s fastest player, and his speed has the ability to shift the team’s rhythm and stretch the game.

He is a sort of left-back with all characteristics, such as being a brilliant dribbler with excellent speed and being able to outrun and outmuscle his opponents. And he’s again on the list of the fastest footballers in the Champions League 2022-23.

18. Moussa Diaby: 36.52 km/h

The French star is another talented player with a 36.52 (km/h) average and was an important player for Bayern Leverkusen. Although the club did not qualify, Moussa earned a place in an exclusive list of football’s most prestigious competition. Moussa is agile, and his agility on the field aids him in making transitions on the field. He can pull defenders out of their positions with his pace, allowing the team to create space to exploit. Diaby now plays his football in the Suadi Pro League for Al-Ittihad.

Also Read: Top 10 highest goalscorers in the history of football

17. Darwin Nunez: 36.53 km/h

Liverpool’s record signing Darwin Nunez may not have had the best start to his Liverpool career, but the Uruaguian striker has recorded good underlying stats. The striker also came close the record for the fastest Premier League player previously held by Kyle Walker (37.802 km/h against Chelsea in June 2020).

16. Sheraldo Becker: 36.57 km/h

Featuring on the podium of fastest Bundesliga players ever, his best mark of 36.57 km/h – a speed he reached late on in the 2022-23 season, when he almost completed 1,113 sprints, is Sheraldo Becker, who improved on his previous best of 22.61 mph set midway through the first half of Die Eisernen’s home game against VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 26 of the 2021-22 campaign. Union Berlin’s meteoric rise has mirrored Becker’s pace, with the Surinamese striker and the club duly embarking on UEFA Champions League football for the first time in 2023-24.

15. Mohamed Salah: 36.6 km/h

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, the 30-year-old has established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. Salah’s position on the right wing is untouchable, and no player has been capable of taking his position.

Since joining the Reds, he has been a phenomenon, scoring 32 goals in his first season – a record that still stands. His lightning speed on the right wing has made a huge difference in Liverpool’s game; he can beat defenders with darting runs and dribbles. His quick feet allows him to outmaneuver defenders in tight spaces, and it also helps him to overtake defenders in challenging situations.

14. Jeremiah St. Juste: 36.63 km/h

The appearance of a centre-back near the top of this list may be a shock, but former Mainz man St. Juste is quick – very quick. In fact, only one player has ever been clocked at a faster speed than the Dutchman’s 22.76 mph. He recorded his top speed in Mainz’s encounter with Union Berlin on Matchday 7 of 2021-22.

13. Karim Adeyemi: 36.65 km/h

Karim Adeyemi has been a sensation this season, proving his mettle in European competition at the age of 21. The forward is another youngster making an impression and has already suggested that he could be a future prospect. Adeyemi is a talented, extremely nimble player, ranking sixth in the Bundesliga fastest footballers list with a speed of 36.65 km/h. Dortmund will need his pace on the pitch to open up spaces and play through the lines.

12. Adama Traore – 36.6 km/h

Traore’s move to Barcelona hasn’t helped his career a lot, but it goes without saying that he’s an absolute monster on the ball. His intimidating physicality makes defenders anxious. The Spaniard has been blessed with buffed-up physics and great speed. That allows him to go past defenders; once he does that, no defender can stop him.

He mostly plays on the wing, where he can cut inside, make a pass, or drive the ball in the box. He is always confident on the ball, which makes him a reliable player.

Also Read: Top 13 highest goal-scorers in international football history

11. Ousmane Dembele: 36.6 km/h

Dembele uses both feet and has the speed and dribbling flair for defeating defenders. After a string of injuries in previous seasons, the Frenchman was a performer last season. The 25-year-old has evolved into a complete player and is now a vital ingredient for Barcelona.

He has the potential to cut through the left to produce goals or scoring opportunities and might be a game-changer. He performed excellently for Barcelona in the Champions League, but the club’s lack of qualities meant they failed to advance to the knockouts phase.

10. Mykhailo Mudryk: 36.63 (km/h)

Chelsea’s new signing Mykhailo Mudryk topped the charts for the fastest player in the Premier League. Also. with a 36.63km/h speed the Ukrainian international has taken the league by a storm. The 22-year-old was linked to many clubs and Arsenal were the favourites to buy him but Chelsea snatched the deal and brought him to Stamford Bridge in January.

9. Antonio Rudiger: 36.7 km/h

Rudiger prospered under Thomas Tuchel before joining Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best centre-backs. He is tall and an aggressive defender. His stature is sometimes enough to induce fear in forwards.

Another valuable quality that the former Chelsea defender embodies is speed; he is now Europe’s fastest player. The best thing about Rudiger is his quick tackles, which makes him a great threat to opponents. According to Opta, the former Chelsea defender clogged up the highest speed in the Premier League in 2022.

8. Amadou Onana: 36.65 km/h

The Everton midfielder will play a key role in the Toffee’s escape from relegation after being handed a 10-point deduction by the Premier League for an FFP breach. The Belgium international recorded a top speed of 36.65 km/h in the Merside derby against Liverpool in the Premier League.

7. Anthony Gordon: 36.68 km/h

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon sits close to the top in the Premier League list of the fastest player charts with a speed of 36.68 km/h. He recorded the top speed in Newcastle United’s match against Burnley.

6. Dara O’Shea: 36.73 km/h

The Burnley defender overtakes Antonio Rudiger as the fastest defender in 2023. The Irish full-back Dara O’Shea recorded a top speed of 36.73 km/h when Burnley hosted Crystal Palace in a Premier League clash during the 2023-24 season.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most trophies in football history

5. Dominik Szoboszlai: 36.76 km/h

Liverpool signed Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for a fee close to £60million in the summer of 2023. The Hungarian international is one of the most tactically gifted midfielders in the world and in addition, he is a force to reckon with when running at defences.

Szoboszlai recorded a top speed of 36.76 km/h in Liverpool’s clash against Wolves in Premier League 2023-24.

4. Pedro Neto: 36.86 km/h

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star Portuguese forward is certainly one of the fastest footballers in the world. Pedro Neto recorded a top speed of 36.86 when Luton hosted Wolves in the Premier League 2023-24 clash. Neto’s acceleration and dribbling skills make him a constant threat on the flanks.

3. Chiedozie Ogbene: 36.93 km/h

The Luton Town forward recorded a top speed of 36.93 km/h in the Premier League 2023-24 clash against Fulham on 16th September 2023. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat for Luton Town, but the Irish forward certainly caught the eye with his trick feet and top speed.

2. Kyle Walker: 37.31 km/hr

Manchester City’s star right-back is one of the fastest footballers in world football. The English defender has been consistent throughout his career and has engraved himself in the Premier League history. He recorded a top speed of 37.31 km/hr during Manchester City’s title winning run in 2022-23.

1. Micky van de Ven: 37.38 km/h

The young defender has been a revelation in the Premier League, becoming a key player at such a young age. Van de Ven is well-known for his excellent ball reading and quick tackles to break up plays. He is now one of the fastest players in the league.

Van de Ven has many years ahead of him, but the youngster has gradually matured and is now a top centre-half. The Dutch centre-half recorded the top speed of 37.38 km/h during the Premier League 2023-24 for Spurs.

Micky van de Ven yet again recorded a top speed of 37.12 km/h during a match against Manchester United in Premier League 2024-25 Gameweek 6.

Micky van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/PUjtxXGjEQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 2, 2024

**Last updated on 2 October 2024.

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