Ranking the 20 Fastest Footballers in History
Speed stands as one of football's most valuable traits. It plays a key role for every position, whether stopping attackers, outpacing defenders, or helping midfielders cover ground quickly. Players lacking pace often get exposed as opponents run past them relentlessly, while those blessed with speed become constant threats their teams exploit.
Throughout history, some footballers have reached speeds comparable to Olympic sprinters, making this list tough to finalize. Legends like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo were among the quickest of their time. In 2025, stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies, and Achraf Hakimi shine in terms of speed. Here are the 20 fastest players ever recorded in football.
How Rankings Were Determined
- Statistics from matches and training
- Their apparent speed on the pitch
- Available measured top speeds
20. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Known for his early promise at Ajax and then Arsenal, Quincy impressed with 17 goals in 20 U17 games during the 2002/03 season, including a double hat-trick. His pace stood out, and his highlight came when scoring his first Arsenal goal against Everton in the 2004/05 League Cup.
19. Karim Adeyemi
Emerging as a modern speedster, Adeyemi made waves at RB Salzburg before moving to Borussia Dortmund. He set the Bundesliga record for fastest player at 36.7 km/h during a 2023 game against Freiburg.
18. Aaron Lennon
Despite his small frame, Lennon was notoriously difficult to defend in the Premier League. His quickness allowed him to repeatedly beat full-backs and deliver precise crosses, becoming a staple winger for clubs like Leeds United and Tottenham.
17. DaMarcus Beasley
The American left-back dazzled as a teenager at the 1999 U17 World Cup. Although he shone at Chicago Fire, his brief Premier League stint with Manchester City showed the step up was challenging despite his speed.
16. George Best
A football legend and 1968 Ballon d'Or winner, Best combined dazzling dribbling with remarkable speed. The Northern Irishman could carry the ball effortlessly across the pitch, using his pace along with skill and vision to dominate opponents.
15. Hector Bellerin
After joining Arsenal's first team from La Masia, Bellerin quickly gained fame as one of the fastest players worldwide. His rapid runs down the right flank earned him a spot in the 2015/16 PFA Team of the Year before an ACL injury slowed his trajectory.
14. Arjen Robben
The Dutch winger was famous for cutting inside and firing shots with blistering pace. Having played for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, Robben maintained his athleticism post-retirement, running a sub-3-hour marathon in 2024, illustrating his ongoing speed and fitness.
13. Cristiano Ronaldo
One of football’s all-time greats, Ronaldo combined lethal finishing with exceptional pace early in his career at Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United. Though his speed has waned with age, his earlier bursts past defenders were breathtaking.
12. Gareth Bale
The Welsh star transformed his national team and earned a record transfer to Real Madrid. His pace peaked memorably during the 2014 Copa del Rey final, where he outran a defender even after being shoved off the pitch to score.
11. Kyle Walker
Frequently cited as one of the toughest Premier League opponents due to his speed, Walker has been a defensive cornerstone for Manchester City. His explosive recovery runs frustrate attackers, making him one of the fastest right-backs in league history.
