Who Is The Fastest Footballer In The World?

In the modern footballing landscape, physicality and athleticism are more important than ever. From igniting a press, to keep up with an opposition’s winger, and getting in behind a defence, pace is key.

From the absurd acceleration of players such as Vinicius Jr and Ousmane Dembele to the surprising strides of defenders such as Virgil Van Dijk and William Saliba, the quickest players are not always the ones that you would typically expect.

So, with that in mind, who are the quickest players in world football, and who is the fastest footballer in the world?

That turn of pace from Karim Adeyemi 🔥

Enzo Fernandez is left behind as Adeyemi races past him and gives Borussia Dortmund the lead.#DORCHE | #UCL

🎥 @btsportfootballpic.twitter.com/JGC13pplvb

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 15, 2023

1. Karim Adeyemi
2. Micky van de Ven
3. Anthony Elanga
4. Jakub Moder
5. Carlos Forbes
6. Achraf Hakimi
7. Kylian Mbappe
8. Alphonso Davies
9. Ansgar Knauff
10. Erling Haaland

1. Karim Adeyemi (37.6 km/h)

Maybe somewhat of an unknown quantity for fans in the Premier League, Karim Adeyemi has quietly gone about his business in Germany, scoring 12 goals and assisting nine, including a hat-trick in the Champions League last season.

Joining from RB Salzburg, Adeyemi is a pacy wide man whose game relies on his pace and directness, taking on his opposite defenders and often kicking the ball past them before accelerating.

The quickest player in the world last season, the 23-year-old registered a top speed of 37.6 km/h that could give any defender in the world a nightmare, and it might not be long until some of Europe’s top clubs sit up and look towards signing Adeyemi.

2. Micky van de Ven (37.38 km/h)

You might not expect to see a defender on the list, especially not a centre half who would typically get spun and tortured by the rapid acceleration of strikers.

However, that is not the case for Micky van de Ven, a lengthy and mobile defender who can cover ground at an extraordinary rate. The Dutchman had a season filled with injury woes, making just 13 Premier League appearances, following a fantastic debut season in North London.

Despite that, van de Ven showcased his quick feet, registering a highest speed of 37.6 km/h, and staking his claim of being one of the world’s fastest players.

3. Anthony Elanga (36.91 km/h)

A lightning bolt in the Premier League, Anthony Elanga has quickly gained a reputation for his playstyle and blistering speed, which has taunted defenders in the English top flight.

The Sweden international had a phenomenal campaign in the 2024/25 season, scoring six goals and assisting 11 in 38 league appearances for Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side qualified for European football.

However, Elanga’s goal contributions are not the only impressive stat that the winger recorded, as he registered a top speed of 36.91 km/h, with several fans in England regarding him as the quickest player in the division.

Now, as we sit a month away from the new season, Elanga’s form has been rewarded with a £50m move as he prepares to make his debut in black and white for Newcastle United in August.

Incredible solo effort from Elanga against Manchester United 👏 pic.twitter.com/vUp4VJyvcf

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 1, 2025

4. Jakub Moder (36.84 km/h)

Arguably the most surprising name on the list, Jakub Moder is far from known for his pace, with the Polish midfielder only receiving a limited minutes at Brighton before signing for Feyenoord in January.

A technical midfielder, Moder made an instant impact in the Eredivisie, netting four goals and assisting two in 19 games in the Dutch top-flight.

Nevertheless, the Polish international has also made headlines with the speed of his feet, recording a top speed of 36.84 km/h, raising all eyebrows of opposition, and placing an impressive tag on the midfielder.

5. Carlos Forbes (36.6 km/h)

Carlos Forbes comes next, and the Manchester City academy graduate’s playstyle is all about pace, driving at defenders, and creating chances.

A player with a small stature, Forbes’ top speed last season was 36.6 km/h, but at the age of 21, the Portuguese winger offers the scary proposition of becoming quicker and even more talented.

As Forbes prepares for the 2025/26 season, the winger has put pen to paper, joining Club Brugge for a reported fee of £5.5m.

6. Achraf Hakimi (36.5 km/h)

One of the best players in the world last season, lifting the Ligue 1 title and Champions League trophy, Achraf Hakimi is outstanding in every department.

With four goals and six assists in Ligue 1, Hakimi’s game is all about attacking and defending, constantly getting back and forth – his movement is all about pace. As you’d expect, Hakimi is more than able, registering a highest speed of 36.5 km/h.

In terms of full-backs, with Kyle Walker seemingly on a constant decline, it is fair to say that Hakimi might be the fastest full-back in the world.

7. Kylian Mbappe (36.5 km/h)

Since breaking onto the scene in 2015, Kylian Mbappe has been constantly known for his rapid pace, running in behind from the left wing or as a striker.

Overall, many may have said that the France international slightly disappointed in his debut season in Madrid, in terms of silverware. However, Mbappe netted 31 goals in 34 La Liga appearances, and his pace was a key reason for his success.

The 26-year-old is unstoppable when running towards goal, and his speed also gives him a second to compose, compared to defenders who are simply attempting to catch up.

🗣️ Igor Tudor: "Real Madrid goes at 200 km/h. With Mbappé, they go at 250 km/h." pic.twitter.com/rrpPJg535b

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 2, 2025

8. Alphonso Davies (36.41 km/h)

The definition of a marauding left back, Alphonso Davies has been an instant hit since moving to Europe and Bayern Munich, with his pace crucial on both ends of play.

With only 19 appearances made in the Bundesliga, the Canadian’s career has been heavily affected by injuries in recent times.

However, Davies, nonetheless, remains one of the quickest players in football, registering a top speed of 36.41 last season.

9. Ansgar Knauff (36.38 km/h)

Similar to Adeyemi, Ansgar Knauff is another player who has quietly impressed in the Bundesliga, scoring four goals and assisting five in 30 appearances last season.

A versatile attacker, Knauff can play anywhere on the wings, operating as a winger and a wing back, but the German is also able to play centrally as an attacking midfielder.

Overlapping and underlapping is Knauff’s game, and this is fuelled by his superb pace, clocking a speed of 36.38 in his last campaign.

10. Erling Haaland (36.32 km/h)

An out-and-out goal-scorer and a brute of a specimen, there is not much that Erling Haaland can’t do. Nevertheless, one of his major strengths is his pace and his ability to accelerate past struggling central defenders.

22 goals scored in 31 Premier League matches, but Haaland’s game is not all about goals, with the striker reaching a speed of 36.32 to sneak him onto this list.

The Norway international might not be the best player in terms of build-up play. However, in terms of pace, there aren't many better.