10 Fastest Players in Football History [Ranked]

Pace is one of the most vital attributes a footballer can have. It plays a crucial role across all positions—whether it's helping defenders thwart attackers, allowing midfielders to cover ground quickly, or enabling forwards to beat their opponents and create goal-scoring opportunities. When a player lacks pace, it can become a significant liability, with opponents often exploiting it by running behind them, making their performance difficult. On the other hand, a player with exceptional speed becomes a key asset, forcing opponents to stay on guard throughout the game.

Throughout history, some players have demonstrated such incredible speed that they’ve rivaled Olympic sprinters, making it difficult to narrow down the fastest footballers of all time. With that in mind, here are the 10 fastest footballers ever.

Ranking Factors

• Speed statistics
• Perceived speed on the pitch
• Iconic moments that showcase their pace

10. Arjen Robben

Notable Clubs Played For: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

Renowned for his signature move—cutting in from the right flank to curl a shot into the far corner—Arjen Robben was one of football's greatest wingers. The Dutchman shone at some of Europe’s top clubs, showcasing his elite skills and blistering pace.

With his ability to burst down the wing and leave defenders trailing, Robben enjoyed a glittering career filled with trophies. Even after hanging up his boots, the legendary winger has continued to exhibit his athleticism. In the summer of 2024, he completed the Rotterdam Marathon in an impressive time of 2:58:33. Known for excelling in various races post-retirement, Robben’s enduring speed and athleticism reflect the excellence he displayed throughout his remarkable footballing journey.

9. Adama Traore

Notable Clubs Played For: Barcelona, Wolves, Fulham

If Adama Traoré’s technique matched his extraordinary physicality, he could have been one of the greatest players in football history. Combining immense strength with blistering pace, the Spaniard in full flight is nearly impossible to stop. However, while his raw athleticism is unmatched, Traoré has often been criticized for lacking end product and composure in the final third.

During his time at Molineux, Traoré's pace was a nightmare for defenders, who often resorted to fouling him to halt his progress. This prompted him to start applying baby oil to his arms, making it harder for opponents to grab hold of him—a testament to the lengths players went to contain him.

A true athletic marvel, Traoré’s explosive speed and power have left many wondering if his skillset could translate to a different arena, such as the NFL. Whatever the sport, his pace remains nothing short of astonishing.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

Notable Clubs Played For: Man United, Real Madrid, Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time, a player who transcends the sport. A lethal finisher, masterful dribbler, and driven by unmatched determination, there’s little left to say about the Portuguese phenomenon that hasn’t already been said.

As he has aged, Ronaldo’s game has evolved. His once-blistering pace has diminished, and he now thrives closer to goal, where his elite finishing abilities shine. But in his younger years, particularly during his time at Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, Ronaldo's speed was nothing short of remarkable.

Gliding past opponents with a blend of skill, agility, and raw pace, he was virtually unstoppable. Defenders struggled to contain him, and this dominance continued throughout his illustrious career. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner who has achieved it all, Ronaldo’s legacy as a footballing phenomenon is firmly cemented.

7. Gareth Bale

Notable Clubs Played For: Tottenham, Real Madrid

Gareth Bale is undoubtedly one of Britain's finest-ever footballers, a player who transformed Wales from a modest footballing nation into European Championship semi-finalists. Possessing a combination of power, skill, and blistering speed, Bale stood out in every team he played for, earning him a world-record transfer to Real Madrid in 2013.

In a team brimming with stars, Bale often stole the spotlight, and his exceptional pace was immortalized in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. Operating from the left flank, Bale famously flicked the ball past Marc Bartra, who resorted to shoving him off the pitch. Undeterred, Bale sprinted back onto the field, outpacing Bartra to retrieve the ball and score a stunning solo goal.

It remains one of the most iconic displays of raw speed ever seen in football. A phenomenal athlete whose career was somewhat marred by injuries, Bale had it all, and his extraordinary pace set him apart as one of the game's greats.

6. Kyle Walker

Notable Clubs Played For: Tottenham, Man City

When modern Premier League wingers are asked about their toughest-ever opponent, one name frequently comes up: Kyle Walker. The England full-back has been an integral part of Manchester City's dominance, playing a key role in their four consecutive Premier League title wins. His exceptional pace and physicality have been vital to City's defensive solidity.

Renowned for possessing some of the best recovery speed in football history, Walker has a knack for appearing out of nowhere to thwart attackers, leaving them stunned by his unmatched acceleration. Whether surging forward in attack or tracking back to defend, the former Spurs star is always a step ahead, making him nearly impossible to outrun.

With numerous trophies to his name, Walker is firmly established as one of the greatest right-backs in Premier League history. While his on-the-ball ability is occasionally questioned, his remarkable speed has never been in doubt and continues to set him apart from his peers.

5. Micky van de Ven

Notable Clubs Played For: Wolfsburg, Tottenham

Tottenham's Micky van de Ven holds the record for the fastest speed ever recorded in the Premier League since tracking began in the 2020/21 season. A phenomenal athlete, the Dutchman is redefining what it means to be a modern centre-back. Gone are the days when defenders were expected to be slow and cumbersome; players like Van de Ven have transformed the role entirely.

Strikers can no longer rely on pace to outmaneuver defenders, especially with Van de Ven on the pitch. Clocking an incredible top speed of 37.12 km/h against Manchester United in 2024, he has quickly become a nightmare for opposing forwards. Beyond his blistering pace, he is composed on the ball, tactically astute, and relentless in his defensive duties—everything attackers fear.

At just 23 years old, Van de Ven’s exceptional speed and well-rounded game have already marked him as one of the fastest and most exciting players ever to grace the sport.

4. Ronaldo Nazario

Notable Clubs Played For: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan

When thinking of Ronaldo Nazário, two things immediately stand out: his unparalleled talent and the lingering question of how much more he could have achieved without the injuries that plagued his career.

A symbol of footballing perfection, the Brazilian striker had it all—skill, strength, precision, and breathtaking pace. At his peak, there was no one quite like him. Regularly slicing through defenses with explosive runs, rounding goalkeepers, and effortlessly finding the back of the net, "R9" was a nightmare for defenders who simply couldn’t match his speed or agility.

His electrifying pace was a cornerstone of his game, but it was just one of many extraordinary attributes that defined his illustrious career. Despite the setbacks caused by injuries, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s all-time greats remains firmly intact, leaving fans to wonder how much more he could have dazzled had fate been kinder.

3. Theo Walcott

Notable Clubs Played For: Southampton, Arsenal, Everton

Theo Walcott burst onto the scene as explosively as he ran. At just 17 years old, he was a surprise inclusion in England’s 2006 World Cup squad, having already made waves at Southampton. Signed by Arsenal at the age of 16, Walcott was brimming with potential and possessed blistering pace that left defenders in his wake.

Known for his electrifying speed, Walcott could effortlessly drive his team forward, darting past opponents with ease. However, his career was often hindered by an ongoing debate over his best position—whether as a winger or a striker—which perhaps prevented him from fully reaching the heights expected of him.

Despite this, Walcott enjoyed a successful career, becoming a regular for England and a key player for Arsenal for many years. His pace remained his most defining attribute, with reports suggesting he clocked the 100m in 11.58 seconds at just 14 years old. If football hadn’t worked out, it’s easy to imagine Walcott excelling as a professional sprinter.

2. Kylian Mbappe

Notable Clubs Played For: PSG, Real Madrid

One of the few players in history to score a hat trick in a World Cup final, Kylian Mbappé has been a hot topic in football ever since bursting onto the scene at just 17 years old.

Composed, powerful, and lightning-fast, Mbappé possesses all the qualities needed to be considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. A prolific goalscorer wherever he plays, the Frenchman is a nightmare for defenders, with his electric pace being a crucial part of his game. His ability to accelerate from a standing start to full speed in an instant leaves opponents struggling to keep up. Particularly dangerous when deployed out wide, Mbappé thrives on running in behind defenses and cutting inside to score with clinical precision.

A generational talent with all the tools to one day win the Ballon d'Or, Mbappé's blistering pace is just one of the many reasons he remains one of the most feared attackers in the world.

1. Thierry Henry

Notable Clubs Played For: Arsenal, Barcelona

The title of "fastest footballer of all time" could be debated endlessly, but Thierry Henry stands out for using his blistering pace more effectively than perhaps anyone in the sport. The French forward, often compared to Kylian Mbappé in style, is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever grace the Premier League, with his speed being a key factor in his dominance.

During his prime, Henry was unstoppable. His exceptional close control, dribbling, clinical finishing, and electrifying pace set him apart, leaving defenders helpless as he consistently humiliated opponents and scored goals at an astonishing rate. With unmatched skill and confidence, Henry often started deep inside his own half, weaving past entire defenses before calmly slotting the ball into the net.

Praised by many as the best player they ever faced, Henry's ability was otherworldly, and his pace rivaled that of a champion sprinter. His remarkable career saw him win numerous trophies, including the Premier League title as part of Arsenal's legendary Invincibles, solidifying his place among football's all-time greats.