The 13 Fastest Football Players Worldwide in 2026

Footballers today combine skill with athleticism to outperform their opponents. Speed helps players reach the ball quicker and outpace rivals during attacks or defensive plays. This list spotlights the fastest footballers globally in 2026, detailing their clubs and how they harness their speed on the pitch.

What Affects a Player's Speed?

Several elements determine an athlete's speed, including natural genetics, training methods, muscle fiber composition, acceleration capability, stride length, and frequency. These factors together shape a player's running pace.

Measuring Speed in Football

Player speed is evaluated by timing sprints over various distances like 10m, 20m, or 50m, tracking running with the ball, and analyzing speeds during matches. Technologies such as GPS and stopwatches provide accurate readings both in training and competitive games.

Meet the 13 Fastest Footballers in 2026

1. Achraf Hakimi – 36.48 km/hRight-back for Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan star uses his pace to surge forward from defense, adding width and options in attack. His speed aids quick counterattacks.
2. Alphonso Davies – 36.51 km/hThe Canadian left-back at Bayern Munich impresses with blistering runs and rapid recovery on defense, showcasing exceptional acceleration in Bundesliga matches.
3. Ousmane Dembele – 36.6 km/hNow revitalized at PSG, Dembele’s ball control and pace helped him become the first PSG player aside from Mbappé to score hat-tricks in three straight games during the 2024/25 season.
4. Karim Adeyemi – 36.65 km/hThe German winger at Borussia Dortmund boasts top Bundesliga speed and has collected multiple league titles and cups during his time in Austria before moving to Germany.
5. Amadou Onana – 36.65 km/hA towering defensive midfielder playing for Aston Villa, Onana combines height with pace, enabling him to disrupt fast attackers and contribute offensively on set pieces.
6. Anthony Gordon – 36.68 km/hNewcastle United's winger, Gordon, has quickly gained recognition for his speed and dribbling, also becoming England's fastest player after making his senior international debut in 2024.
7. Matheus Nunes – 36.7 km/hPortuguese attacking midfielder currently at Manchester City, known for driving forward with power and pace, supported by strong passing skills praised by Pep Guardiola.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai – 36.76 km/hThe Hungarian midfielder, now at Liverpool, ranks among the Premier League's fastest. He creates numerous chances and holds the record for top speed at Anfield.
9. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/hThe Portuguese winger moved to Chelsea in 2024, using his quickness to thrive in tight spaces and launch rapid counterattacks effectively.
10. Chiedozie Ogbene – 36.93 km/hThough less famous, this Nigerian-born Irish winger impresses with speed. After stints across several English clubs, he's now with Ipswich Town but sidelined by injury since late 2024.
11. Kyle Walker – 37.31 km/hExperienced right-back formerly of Tottenham and Manchester City, Walker reached peak speed during the 2022/23 season and continues to perform at a high level, recently loaned to AC Milan.
12. Micky van de Ven – 37.38 km/hThe Dutch center-back for Tottenham Hotspur stands out for his pace, setting the Premier League speed record while making aggressive forward runs.
13. Kylian Mbappé – 38.00 km/hThe French forward, now at Real Madrid, tops this list with breathtaking speed that breaks defensive lines and combines lethal finishing skills. His World Cup success underscores his elite status.

Common Questions About Football Speed

Who is the fastest footballer in the world?

Kylian Mbappé leads with a recorded top speed of about 38.00 km/h.

Which player holds the Premier League speed record?

Micky van de Ven currently holds that title, reaching 37.38 km/h.

How can footballers improve their speed?

Training should focus on short sprints (10–30 metres), explosive gym exercises like squats and lunges, plus plyometric drills such as box jumps. Regular sessions combined with proper rest bring noticeable improvement.

Why is speed important in football?

Speed helps attackers get past defenders, create space, and deliver crosses. Defenders use it to recover and intercept. It plays a key role in both offensive breaks and defensive stability.