Ranking the 20 Fastest Football Players Ever
Pace is a key trait for any footballer. It helps defenders stop attackers, midfielders cover ground, and forwards break through defensive lines. Players without speed often get exposed as opponents run past them repeatedly. Those blessed with exceptional pace tend to be constant threats throughout matches.
Some players have been almost as fast as Olympic sprinters, making this list hard to decide. Legends like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo set speed standards in their time, while today stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies, and Achraf Hakimi continue the trend. Here are the 20 fastest footballers in history.
How This List Was Made
- Statistics: Recorded top speeds
- Visual Impression: How fast they appear during matches
- Speed Data: Measurable sprinting times where available
20. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Clubs: Arsenal
Starting his youth career at Ajax, Quincy moved to Arsenal at 16 and quickly showed promise. In 2002/03, he scored 17 goals in 20 U17 games, including six goals against Wolves in a 7-1 victory. Known for blazing speed, his best moment was scoring his first Arsenal goal against Everton in the League Cup 2004/05.
19. Karim Adeyemi
Clubs: Borussia Dortmund
A modern-day speedster, Adeyemi made waves at RB Salzburg before joining Dortmund. In February 2023, he hit 36.7 km/h in a Bundesliga match versus Freiburg—the fastest ever recorded in the league.
18. Aaron Lennon
Clubs: Leeds United, Tottenham
Though small in stature, Lennon’s pace was terrifying for defenders in the Premier League. His signature move involved beating full-backs on the outside, reaching the byline, then delivering crosses to teammates like Peter Crouch or cutting balls back inside.
17. DaMarcus Beasley
Clubs: PSV, Rangers
After shining at the 1999 U17 World Cup, Beasley showed great promise as a speedy left-back and winger. He excelled at Chicago Fire but struggled after moving to Manchester City in England.
16. George Best
Clubs: Manchester United
One of football’s all-time greats, Best combined dribbling skill with explosive speed. The 1968 Ballon d’Or winner could glide past opponents effortlessly. Despite famous off-field antics, his pace helped him dominate on the pitch and score many goals.
15. Hector Bellerin
Clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona
Bellerin became synonymous with Arsenal after coming through La Masia. His speed made him one of the world’s fastest players. He earned PFA Team of the Year honors in 2015/16 but suffered an ACL injury that affected his trajectory.
14. Arjen Robben
Clubs: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
Known for cutting inside and firing shots, Robben’s pace terrorized defenders. Even post-retirement, he remains athletic—he completed the Rotterdam marathon in 2:58:33 in summer 2024, showing his enduring speed.
13. Cristiano Ronaldo
Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus
Ronaldo combined incredible finishing with blistering speed early in his career at Sporting Lisbon and Man United. Though his pace has slowed with age, his younger self was unstoppable, winning five Ballon d’Or trophies along the way.
12. Gareth Bale
Clubs: Tottenham, Real Madrid
Bale elevated Welsh football and earned a record transfer to Real Madrid in 2013. One memorable display came in the 2014 Copa del Rey final when Bale outran Marc Bartra, who pushed him off the pitch, yet Bale still reached the ball first to score.
11. Kyle Walker
Clubs: Tottenham, Manchester City
Walker’s recovery speed is feared by many Premier League wingers. A key part of Man City’s title-winning teams, his quick bursts help him defend and attack effectively. Although some question his ball skills, no one doubts his pace.
