Speed is one of the most crucial qualities a footballer can possess. While not the only factor in determining a player’s success, it provides a significant advantage on the field, enabling players to outrun defenders and assist in defensive situations.
According to Sportbrief, here are five players who have recorded the fastest speeds in football history:
Thierry Henry
Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry is regarded as one of the best players in football history. Known for his blistering pace, Henry used his speed to outrun defenders and score goals. He set a record with a top speed of 39.2 km/h in 1998. Despite his speed, Henry admitted in a 2023 documentary that he could never have been an Olympic sprinter because he couldn’t stay in his lane.
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven, at 22 years old, registered the fastest-ever sprint by a player in the Premier League during the 2023–24 season. He recorded an astounding top speed of 37.38 km/h (23.22 mph) during a 3-2 victory over Brentford in February, marking the fastest speed by a player in England’s top flight since records began in 2020.
Kyle Walker
Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker, at 33, is still one of the fastest players in football. He and Micky van de Ven are the only players to hit the 37 km/h mark. Walker achieved a speed of 37.31 km/h in a Premier League game during the 2022–23 season. In a 2023 interview, Walker credited his family for his pace, saying, “I’ve kept myself in good shape, I look after myself off the field. I work in the gym. I have to thank my parents and their genetics; some players start to slow down.”
Arjen Robben
Former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben is known for his dribbling skills, ball control, and long-range shots. In the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Spain at the 2014 World Cup, Robben reportedly registered a speed of 37 km/h. Robben admitted that his runs are intuitive, saying, “Everything happens intuitively, when I go on a run, I don’t know where it will end.”
Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene, who currently plays for the Republic of Ireland and English Championship side Luton, was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents. The 27-year-old was once ranked the fastest player in the Premier League when he clocked 36.93 km/h against Fulham in September 2023. Ogbene, in an interview, mentioned that he grew up watching Usain Bolt and has two brothers who also perform in track and field events.
