Top 10 Fastest Football Players of All Time - 2025 Ranked

• Notable Clubs: PSG, Real Madrid
• Peak Speed: 38 km/h (2025)
• SB Score: 99 | SB Market Index: 98

Clocking an unbelievable 38.00 km/h, Mbappe confirmed his reputation as football’s ultimate speedster. His elite burst acceleration and Olympic-level stride efficiency make him dominant in attacking transitions. His ability to combine raw pace with clinical finishing terrifies defenders worldwide. Few defenders can match his explosive bursts and precise timing to arrive onto a well-timed through ball. Watching Mbappe glide across the turf is pure spectacle, a true reminder that football can be poetry in motion.

• Notable Clubs: Bayern Munich
• Peak Speed: 37.1 km/h
• SB Score: 96 | SB Market Index: 97

The Canadian defender is the benchmark for modern full-backs with plenty of pace to burn, who love joining in the attack. Reaching 37.1 km/h, Davies is continuously making himself a nuisance in the opposition half, constantly challenging opponents with rapid attacking transitions. Nicknamed ‘The Roadrunner,’ Davies epitomizes speed as a weapon, combined with agility and intelligence to track back and do his primary task, be defensively solid.

Achraf Hakimi/Getty Images

• Notable Clubs: PSG, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund
• Peak Speed: 36.3 km/h
• SB Score: 94 | SB Market Index: 95

The Moroccan’s 36.3 km/h sprinting prowess makes him one of the premier full-backs/wing-backs in world football. Recently reaching the pinnacle of club football by delivering a first UEFA Champions League title to his club, Paris Saint-Germain. Hakimi’s precision passing, clever positioning, and ability to recognize when to utilize his raw speed make him very dangerous on the pitch, devastating even the very best players to establish himself in recent years.

• Notable Clubs: PSG, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund
• Peak Speed: 36 km/h
• SB Score: 89 | SB Market Index: 90

Clocking 36 km/h, Dembele completed one of football’s most remarkable comebacks. After a few turbulent years at Barcelona that were marred by injuries and inconsistency, the French winger’s move to PSG reignited his career. His explosive acceleration and elite sprinting efficiency dominated the 2025 season, earning him the Ballon d’Or. Dembele’s lightning-quick sprints, skilful dribbling ability, and precision to finish in the 18-yard area showcased a vivid reminder that speed combined with intelligence can be brilliant on the pitch.

• Notable Clubs: AC Milan, Sporting Lisbon
• Peak Speed: 35.8 km/h
• SB Score: 89 | SB Market Index: 90

Leao’s (35.8 km/h) speed makes him a constant threat during counter-attacks for AC Milan and Portugal. Renowned for his jet-like acceleration and ability to easily glide past defenders, Leao combines power with balance and skill to display that he’s a complete weapon along the flanks. His undeniable intelligence when timing runs and exploiting spaces, to terrorize opposition full-backs, is a very valuable skill set that clubs across Europe are searching for.

 Mohamed Salah of Liverpool /Getty Images

• Notable Clubs: Liverpool, Roma, Chelsea
• Peak Speed: 35.7 km/h
• SB Score: 87 | SB Market Index: 89

Blistering down the right wing at 35.7 km/h, Salah continues to be one of football’s deadliest wide players, scoring more goals than strikers would have netted in the past. Revolutionizing Premier League football and the winger position under the tutelage of former manager Jurgen Klopp, Salah’s ability to reach top speed within seconds makes him a nightmare for defenders. Combining acceleration with close control and a powerful shot, Salah turns narrow spaces into threatening goal-scoring opportunities.

• Notable Clubs: Borussia Dortmund
• Peak Speed: 35.6 km/h
• SB Score: 85 | SB Market Index: 87

Hitting 34.6 km/h, Adeyemi electrifies Bundesliga pitches with his lightning-fast acceleration and forward-thinking awareness. During his breakout 2024/25 season for Borussia Dortmund, the 23-year-old showcased impressive pace and precision reminiscent of former BVB speedsters. His explosive runs and sharp movement have already attracted attention from top clubs across Europe, marking Adeyemi as one of the most sought-after wingers in world football.

• Notable Clubs: Arsenal, Everton
• Peak Speed: 35.2 km/h
• SB Score: 83 | SB Market Index: 82

Making his Arsenal debut at only 17 years old in 2006, Walcott instantly became one of England’s most exciting young prospects. Reaching speeds of 35.2 km/h, his raw pace and fearless dribbling stretched defensive lines and transformed the Gunners’ counter-attacking game. Walcott’s blistering acceleration and direct running style brought unpredictability and width to Arsene Wenger’s system, providing Arsenal with a rapid outlet that perfectly complemented their fluid, attacking approach.

• Notable Clubs: Inter Milan, Newcastle United
• Peak Speed: 35 km/h
• SB Score: 82 | SB Market Index: 80

“Do you know Maldini called to find out if I was going to play?” the former Nigerian winger proudly claimed. During his time in the Italian Serie A representing Inter Milan, Martins was feared for his pace and power that would have defenders rueing their impending long day at the office. His explosive burst and sharp timing gave his opposition zero margin for error.