10 Fastest Defenders in Football History [Ranked]

When you think of speed on a football pitch, your mind likely turns to attacking players—wingers or strikers who break lines, sprint in behind defenses, and wreak havoc as they charge toward goal. However, it’s often overlooked that the defenders tasked with stopping these speedsters must also possess remarkable pace to succeed.

For various reasons, defenders are more commonly praised for physical attributes like strength or aerial ability rather than their speed across the ground. That’s why Betimate has chosen to spotlight these underrated athletes by ranking the 10 fastest defenders in football history.

10. Antonee Robinson

Top speed: 34.7 km/h

The most recent addition to the top 10 is Antonee Robinson, whose impressive speed of 34.7 km/h was recorded during the 2024/25 season. Recognized as one of the Premier League's top left-backs, the American has consistently impressed since his move from Wigan Athletic, displaying steady growth and versatility.

Robinson’s dynamic playing style allows him to navigate challenging situations with ease in the fiercely competitive English top flight. While he doesn't solely rely on his pace to escape danger, the fact that he possesses such speed makes it a valuable asset when needed.

9. Hector Bellerin

Top speed: 34.74 km/h

Cast your minds back to the mid-2010s, and you'll recall the excitement surrounding the potential of Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard burst onto the scene and provided a much-needed spark for the Gunners during a challenging period.

Though his top speed of 34.74 km/h may not rival some of the others on this list, it was still remarkable at the time. In fact, his speed sparked debates about whether he could outrun 100m world record holder Usain Bolt, as Bellerin completed a 40m sprint faster than the Jamaican did when he set the record in 2009.

8. Jeremie Frimpong

Top speed: 35.96 km/h

Jeremie Frimpong was a key player under Xabi Alonso during Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten season, which culminated in their long-awaited Bundesliga title. As a wing-back, the former Celtic and Manchester City talent was responsible for charging up and down the right flank, contributing both to attacks and defensive duties.

To excel in this demanding role, the Dutchman required exceptional stamina and the pace to pose a constant threat. While stamina is harder to quantify, his blistering top speed of 35.96 km/h clearly demonstrates his impressive pace.

7. Maxence Lacroix

Top speed: 36.13 km/h

French defender Maxence Lacroix has gained recognition in German football for his remarkable speed, which quickly caught the eye of many. The centre-back began to make a name for himself at Wolfsburg, where, in his final season at the club, he clocked an impressive top speed of 36.13 km/h.

His physical presence and dominance on the field likely drew the attention of Crystal Palace, leading to his move to Selhurst Park in 2024. While he has yet to display the same blistering pace in the Premier League, Lacroix has firmly established himself as a key player for the Eagles.

6. Alphonso Davies

Top speed: 36.53 km/h

Alphonso Davies made an immediate impact during his breakthrough 2019/20 season, dazzling Bayern Munich fans with his incredible speed. Towards the end of the campaign, he made history by becoming one of the Bundesliga's fastest-ever players in a match against Werder Bremen. But that was just the beginning, as he continued to display even more frightening pace.

In the following season, Davies recorded his fastest speed of 36.53 km/h during a 1-0 away win over Freiburg on Matchday 27. His extraordinary pace, coupled with his on-field contributions, has firmly established him as one of football's most exciting young talents and a key figure in Bayern's success. His performances have also attracted interest from top clubs like Manchester United, who could greatly benefit from his explosive style to spark a new era at Old Trafford.

5. Achraf Hakimi

Top speed: 36.55 km/h

Achraf Hakimi, a former Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund star, has had an exceptional football education, thanks to the prestigious clubs he's represented. This has shaped him into one of the most well-rounded defenders in modern football, earning him a reputation as one of the best full-backs in the game.

While his tactical understanding and technical skills were honed at top clubs, his remarkable pace is a natural gift. Hakimi has always been quick to showcase this asset. According to UEFA's database, the Paris Saint-Germain star has recorded a top speed of 36.55 km/h, consistently maintaining speeds over 34 km/h in his Champions League appearances during the 2024/25 season.

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4. Antonio Rudiger

Top speed: 36.72 km/h

Antonio Rudiger is widely regarded as one of the best active defenders, and much of his success can be attributed to his explosive pace, which has seen him reach a top speed of 36.72 km/h. This incredible speed, combined with his agility, allows him to cover ground quickly and make crucial defensive interventions.

Rudiger's ability to recover rapidly and track back effectively plays a key role in disrupting opposition attacks, underscoring his importance as a dependable defender. His physical attributes, alongside his defensive acumen, make him an essential player for both Real Madrid and the German national team. In one-on-one situations, he thrives, and his confidence in his ability to outrun forwards is so high that he’s even been known to mock them as he chases down loose balls.

 “If you saw Rudiger…he outpaced someone and gave it the horse kicking legs!”

 “I thought: 'There was no need for that!' And boy did it come back to bite him.”

 “It was beautiful to see Japan win!”

Ally McCoist slams #GER’s Rudiger for running like a horse vs #JPN  pic.twitter.com/fZm9vKqLx1

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 24, 2022

3. Dara O'Shea

Top speed: 36.73 km/h

One name that may come as a surprise to some on this list is Dara O’Shea. Despite a tough season for Vincent Kompany's Burnley, the summer 2023 signing from West Bromwich Albion provided a rare highlight with his exceptional speed.

With Burnley's defense under constant pressure from Premier League powerhouses like Manchester City and Arsenal, O'Shea’s blistering pace – reaching a top speed of 36.73 km/h in a match against Crystal Palace – was a standout, even though it wasn't enough to prevent relegation.

Since then, O’Shea has returned to the Premier League after joining Ipswich Town, but he has yet to replicate the same level of performance that he displayed at Burnley.

2. Kyle Walker

Top speed: 37.31 km/h

It’s no surprise to see Kyle Walker make this list. Known for his explosive runs down the flank and his crucial last-ditch tackles, the English defender is a constant contender when discussing the fastest players in the Premier League. While he reached a top speed of 35.3 km/h in the 2023/24 season, it was his sprint against Everton in 2022/23 that truly made waves.

In that match, Walker hit an incredible speed of just over 37 km/h, setting a new record for the fastest player in Premier League history — a mark that would later be surpassed by Micky van de Ven. Now at 34, the Sheffield-born Walker remains a vital figure in Pep Guardiola's dominant Manchester City team and the England national squad. As long as his lightning pace continues, his value on the pitch remains unquestionable.

1. Micky van de Ven

Top speed: 37.38 km/h

Micky van de Ven made Premier League history with a blistering sprint of 37.38 km/h against Brentford in late January 2024, securing his place as the fastest player the league has ever recorded. Since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Wolfsburg, the determined and dynamic Dutchman has become a key figure in the club's resurgence.

In his debut season, Van de Ven quickly established himself as one of the league’s top centre-backs, with his remarkable speed proving crucial in Spurs' high defensive line. However, being blessed with such pace does come with its challenges, and the Dutch international has struggled with muscle injuries, particularly hamstring issues, throughout his time in English football.