Kylian Mbappe’s Speed Compared to Top NFL Players and More
Speed is a major asset on the soccer field, especially when many players tend to lack quickness. Among the world's fastest athletes, Kylian Mbappe stands out as one of the quickest in soccer history. Using a phrase from the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, Mbappe is so fast he could "turn off the light switch" and beat the darkness to bed. Watching him sprint across the pitch chasing loose balls or cutting towards goal with lightning pace remains a thrilling spectacle.
There may be no player faster than Mbappe in world soccer today. Let’s examine how his top speed stacks up against other notable athletes.
Mbappe's Speed at the 2026 World Cup
Among the fleet-footed stars competing this year, Mbappe shines brightest. His top recorded speed during the tournament reached 37.6 kilometers per hour (about 23.4 miles per hour). This speed tops the list, edging out second-place runners like Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland by two km/h.
One moment that showed off his explosive pace was France’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco. When Morocco lost possession deep in their half, Mbappe surged forward, leaving defenders trailing. His rapid run forced Noussair Mazraoui to foul him inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick for France.
How Does Mbappe's Sprint Compare to the 40-Yard Dash?
Translating Mbappe’s in-game speed into a 40-yard dash time isn’t straightforward because soccer sprints cover varying distances and conditions. Still, his top speeds suggest he would perform well in such a test. Trainer Gareth Sandford analyzed Mbappe’s Champions League sprinting data and found his maximum speed around 10.19 meters per second. While that’s about two meters per second slower than Usain Bolt, it’s comparable to some elite 800-meter runners rather than short-distance sprinters.
His speed aligns closely with athletes like Tyreek Hill, who clocked 23.24 mph in 2017. Mbappe might not match the fastest 40-yard dash specialists like John Ross or Xavier Worthy, but we think he’d hold his own if given a chance.
Mbappe’s Recorded Top Speeds
Sports Illustrated noted that in a 2019 match against AS Monaco, Mbappe hit 38 km/h (23.6 mph), ranking him among the fastest soccer players ever, according to Tuko and Zonal Sports.
Fastest Players at the 2026 World Cup
Mbappe clearly leads the pack in terms of raw sprinting ability during this World Cup. His blend of speed and skill makes him a constant threat on the field.
