15 Fastest Shots in Football History (2024)

There's nothing quite like a thunderous strike in football—the kind that crashes into the back of the net while still rising, leaving goalkeepers relieved it wasn't aimed directly at them.

Over the years, fans have been treated to some breathtaking rockets, whether from a volley, a free-kick, or a perfectly struck shot from open play. Ranking these spectacular efforts might seem daunting, as each has its unique brilliance, but there is a way to do it: by measuring the speed of the strike.

With that in mind, let's delve into the archives and highlight 15 of the fastest shots ever recorded on a football field.

15. Obafemi Martins - 135km/h

14th January 2007

In the ever-evolving theatre of the Premier League, few moments remain etched in fans' memories as vividly as Obafemi Martins' blistering strike against Tottenham Hotspur. Recorded at a staggering 135 km/h, it was more akin to a missile launch than a football shot, epitomizing the Nigerian's audacious talent during his spell in England's top tier.

Martins' thunderbolt undoubtedly belongs in the hall of fame. This wasn't just a goal; it was the Premier League served with a side of showmanship, flair, and sheer power. Martins had a unique blend of agility, footballing IQ, and a penchant for the dramatic. Every touch, every sprint, every shimmy was laced with the promise of something memorable. And that's precisely what he delivered against Spurs – an unforgettable piece of football history.

14. Tugay - 135.5km/h

3rd November 2001

Players and managers who spent time alongside Tugay Kerimoglu at Blackburn Rovers in the early 2000s are always quick to laud the midfielder's technical quality. Robbie Savage was convinced that Tugay "could have played for any team in the world," while manager Mark Hughes—who had a revered playing career with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona—dubbed Tugay the "best I've played against."

Goals were not a priority for the commanding defensive midfielder. Across eight Premier League seasons, arguably the greatest Turkish player of all time scored just 10 times. However, Tugay can claim one of the fastest on record in the competition, with a blinding strike against Southampton during his debut campaign in Lancashire.

13. Roberto Carlos - 138km/h

3rd June 1997

Certain scenes play in our minds with the clarity of 4K resolution. One such moment? Roberto Carlos' mind-boggling free-kick rocketing at a jaw-dropping 138 km/h. A strike that didn't just challenge goalkeepers, but seemingly, the laws of physics themselves.

When the former Brazil international stood poised to take the shot, there was a palpable electric charge in the air. This wasn't just any free-kick; it was a Roberto Carlos free-kick. Fans and pundits alike, even now, often whisper: "Did he really just do that?"

It's not the speed alone that amazes—although 138 km/h is nothing short of phenomenal. It's the audacious curve, the sheer audacity to think it possible, to send the ball on such a wild, serpentine journey, only to find its home in the back of the net. It was a shot that defied logic, a shot that left us mere mortals questioning our understanding of geometry. No wonder Fabien Barthez never got near it.

12. Alan Shearer - 138km/h

2nd February 1997

Ever the perfectionist, even after scoring a hat-trick to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory against Leicester City in 1997, Newcastle's Alan Shearer admitted: "By my own standards, I didn't think I had a good game. Sometimes goals cover up poor performances."

Trailing the Foxes 3-1 with less than 15 minutes to play, Shearer reduced the deficit with a 77th-minute penalty. The free kick that Les Ferdinand teed up on the edge of the box earns Shearer a place on the list, battering the cover off the ball to fire Newcastle level. While it didn't reach quite the same speed, his 90th-minute tap-in secured a famous three points for the Magpies.

11. Matt Le Tissier - 140km/h

18th January 1997

One of the Premier League's great technicians, Matt Le Tissier was known for a velvet touch more than a steely shot. But when the moment called for a flash of power, Southampton's talisman could deliver.

Trailing Newcastle United by two goals heading into the final two minutes of a league game in 1997, Neil Maddison halved the deficit for Southampton before the spotlight fell on Le Tissier. The ball sat up for the dextrous playmaker to let rip from 25 yards, thundering an uncharacteristically venomous effort beyond Shaka Hislop. Such is the rich catalogue of Le Tissier's great goals, that one of the fastest strikes ever recorded doesn't even feature prominently.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 150km/h

23rd October 2013

There are goals, and then there are Zlatan goals. When discussing ferocious shots that have graced the beautiful game, missing out on Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be akin to a football match without fans – unthinkable. This Swedish titan's Champions League howitzer for Paris Saint-Germain, a staggering strike measured at 150km/h, stands as a testament to his legendary prowess on the pitch.

Time and again, Zlatan's audacious exploits have grabbed headlines. But even by his larger-than-life standards, this particular goal was special. It wasn't just the sheer speed of the strike; it was the embodiment of Zlatan's unyielding belief in his own abilities, his penchant for producing magic when it matters the most.

Consider the context: the Champions League, a stage where legends are forged and tales of heroics passed down through generations. Now, introduce a ball travelling at a jaw-dropping 150km/h, bypassing defenders and leaving the goalkeeper a mere spectator. "Pick that one out" seems almost an understatement, for it was not merely a goal; it was a spectacle, a statement, a Zlatan-esque marvel.

9. Tony Yeboah - 154km/h

23rd September 1995

Tony Yeboah was renowned for his ability to produce stunning goals, making him responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Premier League history. One strike, in particular, stands out as truly remarkable—the 154km/h rocket he unleashed for Leeds United against Wimbledon. This goal was nothing short of breathtakingly brilliant and left even the most unimpressed football fan in awe of Yeboah's incredible feat.

What made this goal even more extraordinary was that it came just a month after Yeboah had scored a stunning winner against Liverpool at Elland Road. However, he managed to surpass that moment of brilliance with this absolute screamer at Selhurst Park, all while basking in the South London sunshine.

The 1995/96 season witnessed Yeboah's spectacular form and goal-scoring prowess, as he netted an impressive 11 goals in just 10 games by the end of September. His remarkable start to the campaign showcased his undeniable talent and left fans eagerly anticipating his future exploits on the field.

8. Ritchie Humphreys - 154km/h

17th August 1996

In the midst of David Beckham's iconic halfway line goal in the Premier League, Sheffield Wednesday's Ritchie Humphreys managed to produce a strike that was even more potent. At the tender age of 18, Humphreys announced himself to the wider world of English football with a powerful and memorable goal. This remarkable strike marked the beginning of a prolific spell for the young midfielder, as he went on to score three goals in just four games.

Regrettably, Humphreys was unable to replicate the same level of success in terms of goal-scoring for the remainder of his career. Although he carved out an impressive journey in England's Football League, accumulating over 600 professional appearances, he only managed to score one more goal in the top-flight. Despite his continued contributions on the pitch, Humphreys was unable to reach the same heights or showcase the incredible speeds exhibited during that glorious summer in 1996.

7. David Trezeguet - 154.4km/h

18th March 1998

While David Trezeguet is often remembered for his crucial penalty in a World Cup final, it is important not to overlook the sheer power of his right foot. A prime example of this was his goal against Manchester United in the 1998 Champions League knockout phase, which showcased the immense force he possessed.

Trezeguet's strike remains etched in memory due to its resounding impact. The ball was launched like a cannonball, reaching an incredible speed of 154.4km/h. In that split second, the sheer ferocity of the shot seemed to distort the very fabric of time and space. It was not just a goal; it was a statement—a powerful reminder of the raw strength that the Frenchman possessed and could unleash at any given moment.

6. David Beckham - 157.5km/h

22nd February 1997

The 1996/97 season marked David Beckham's breakthrough as a footballer. It was a campaign that kicked off with his unforgettable halfway-line strike against Wimbledon and continued to be illuminated by his impressive tally of eight goals in the top-flight. Among Manchester United's squad, only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and captain Eric Cantona managed to surpass Beckham's goal-scoring record.

While Beckham's sensational goal on the opening day remains etched in memory, his strike against Chelsea in February was equally satisfying. After Frank Sinclair's weak clearance fell perfectly onto his laces, Beckham unleashed a powerful volley that rattled off the underside of the crossbar. Although Chelsea had substituted their first-choice goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock with backup Frode Grodas just 15 minutes earlier, no goalkeeper would have stood a chance against the sheer precision and power of Beckham's strike.

5. David Hirst - 183km/h

16th September 1996

David Hirst's inclusion in the list of memorable strikes was unfortunately marked by a near miss rather than a goal. His remarkable volley for Sheffield Wednesday against Arsenal in 1996 crashed off the woodwork and ultimately did not result in a goal. The sheer power and accuracy of Hirst's strike left goalkeeper David Seaman struggling to even see the ball, let alone attempt to save it.

This incident serves as a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of football. Even non-goals can become iconic moments that are remembered and discussed. The lingering question that often arises is how the crossbar managed to withstand the force of Hirst's strike without snapping in two. Given the sheer ferocity behind his shot, it felt like a genuine possibility. The moment remains etched in the minds of many, showcasing the beauty and excitement that can be found in the game of football, even in instances where the ball doesn't find the back of the net.

4. Ronald Koeman - 188km/h

Ronald Koeman's memorable free-kick for Barcelona during the 1992 European Cup final stands as the goal that secured their first-ever triumph in the competition. In a moment of high intensity, with Sampdoria players pressing forward, the Dutch center-back unleashed a darting strike towards the side of the goal defended by Gianluca Pagliuca. The ball beat the floundering goalkeeper before he could even utter the words, "How do you do?"

Koeman's free-kick was a testament to the art of dead-ball strikes. It possessed not only incredible speed but also impeccable timing and immense significance, forever etching it into the annals of football folklore. It comes as no surprise that Koeman is recognized as one of the highest-scoring defenders in the sport's history, given his ability to produce such remarkable moments on the pitch.

3. Steven Reid - 189 km/h

31st December 2005

Steven Reid's inclusion on this list may come as a surprise to some, but it is well-deserved. His remarkable strike for Blackburn Rovers against Wigan Athletic in 2005 left an indelible mark on football history. The sheer power and trajectory of his shot were such that the ball was still rising as it thundered into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper diving in vain long after the ball had rocketed past him.

While Reid's name may not have frequently graced the headlines, this unforgettable strike ensured that he would forever be remembered in football folklore. In a game that often celebrates celebrated maestros and textbook plays, Reid's goal serves as a testament to the unexpected, exhilarating moments that make football the beloved sport it is. It reminds us that the beauty of the game lies not only in the well-known stars but also in the incredible feats achieved by players like Reid, who seize their moments to leave an everlasting impression.

2. Arjen Robben - 190km/h

19th August 2009

Arjen Robben indeed had a distinctive style of scoring goals, often cutting in from the right flank and curling shots with his favored left foot. However, he also possessed the ability to unleash unstoppable strikes with sheer power. One such example was his volley for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his versatility beyond his trademark curved shots. Instead of opting for finesse, Robben opted for raw power, resulting in a pure connection and flawless execution. The ball was propelled into the net with such ferocity that it left spectators, players, and even the goalkeeper in awe of the strike.

Unfortunately, Robben's career was marred by injuries, which significantly impacted his playing time and limited his overall potential. Despite representing prestigious clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona, the Dutchman was forced to retire at the age of 37 due to persistent injury issues. Nevertheless, Robben's contributions to the game, including his remarkable goals and unique style of play, have left a lasting impression on football fans worldwide.

1. Ronny Heberson - 210km/h

26th November 2006

Heberson's incredible strike for Sporting CP in 2006 rightfully earns him the title of the true king of power. With a jaw-dropping speed of 210km/h, his shot posed an extraordinary challenge for any goalkeeper. While it may initially seem like a missed save would be a mark against the goalkeeper's record, the reality is quite different. In fact, the goalkeeper may have dodged a literal bullet.

The sheer velocity behind Heberson's strike was so immense that if Naval's goalkeeper Pedro Taborda had managed to get even the slightest touch on the ball, the consequences could have been unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Every spectator, player, and official present that day would have silently expressed their gratitude that they were not the ones standing between the posts facing that formidable shot. It serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of Heberson's strike and the immense challenge it presented to anyone in its path.