Who Is The World’s Fastest Football Player?

We’ve already had a look at the world’s fastest rugby players, but now it’s time to head to the 11-man game to see which footballer holds the title for the fastest on the planet.

The following speeds were recorded by FIFA during matches.

10. Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean international has been a revelation for Premier League club Arsenal, a team known for its speedy players, and the 28-year-old forward makes the cut with his most impressive speed recorded by FIFA: 30.1 km/h.

9. Franck Ribery

Franck Ribery may be a veteran on the pitch, but he still has the pace to keep up with the youngest stars out there. The French international and Bayern Munich star has recorded speeds up to 30.7 km/h.

8. Wayne Rooney

While Wayne Rooney is often known for his bulk and power, the English striker is also one of the fastest on the pitch. The Manchester United goal-scorer has reached speeds of 31.2 km/h.

7. Lionel Messi

Arguably the best footballer on the planet, Lionel Messi is also one of the fastest. The Barcelona and Argentine star has hit speeds of 32.5 km/h, which in collaboration with his dribbling skills, has proved problematic for any defender.

6. Theo Walcott

Arsenal’s speedy winger Theo Walcott is always part of any fastest player discussion, and the England international comes in at No. 6 with his recorded speed of 32.7 km/h.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is fast becoming a legendary goal-scorer, and having a 33.6 km/h running speed definitely helps that cause. The 31-year-old Portuguese captain cracks the top 5 fastest players in the world.

4. Aaron Lennon

The Everton star creeps ahead of Ronaldo with a  33.8 km/h running speed, making him one of the fastest in the Premier League.

3. Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale has become a regular star for Real Madrid, and with the talent around him, it’s no real surprise. Bale has trained hard and now achieved speeds of 34.7 km/h with his La Liga team.

2. Antonio Valencia

Manchester United is home to another of the world’s fastest players, as Antonio Valencia dashes into the No. 2 spot with his 35.1 km/h sprints.

1. Arjen Robben

Even though he is now 32-years-old, Arjen Robben is the world’s fastest player after recording a 37 kilometres per hour run against Spain in the 2014 World Cup match, where Netherlands crushed the former World Champs 5-1.