Throughout history, exceptional speed has been a hallmark trait among the greatest players.
The ability to outpace opponents has particularly favored attacking players, allowing them to effortlessly bypass defenders. Witnessing incredible displays of speed has often left fans in awe.
Comparing speed across different eras of football presents challenges due to the lack of readily available stats from earlier years.
Nevertheless, by analyzing available data, we’ve assembled a list spotlighting the fastest footballers in history.
So, who claims the title of the fastest soccer player in the world among these rankings?
20. Erling Haaland– 22.55577 MP/H (36.3 km/h)
His pace on the pitch sets him apart, offering more to the game than mere goal-scoring prowess.
Haaland’s speed distinguishes him among fellow number nines, evidenced by his remarkable recorded speeds.
In a match for Manchester City against Brighton, he clocked an impressive 36.2 km/h, surpassing even his previous top speed of 36.3 km/h during his time with Borussia Dortmund.
This exceptional speed grants him the edge, enabling him to consistently find prime positions to score before opposing defenders can react.
It’s a pivotal factor behind his impressive tally of over 20 Premier League goals this season.
Barring any setbacks due to injuries in the 2022-23 season, Haaland seems destined to surpass the 30-goal mark for the reigning champions.
While the prospect of another British Ballon d’Or recipient may seem unlikely soon, Haaland is a strong contender to secure this prestigious accolade in his career.
19. Federico Valverde- 22.55577 MP/H (36.3 km/h)
Federico Valverde has swiftly emerged as one of Real Madrid’s premier central midfielders on the global stage.
Throughout the season, he’s been the go-to player for pivotal moments, earning favor with fans due to his relentless box-to-box style, which has become a trademark in the Spanish capital.
While predominantly a central midfielder, Valverde’s adaptability has seen him deployed as a winger by Carlo Ancelotti, a move prompted by Real’s injury woes since the season’s outset.
Surprisingly, he seamlessly transitions into this role, leveraging his exceptional speed, which ranks him among the fastest players in the squad.
Valverde’s recorded speed of 36.3 km/h this season solidifies his status as the quickest player at the reigning champions in 2022.
Additionally, his impressive sprint of 35.1 km/h in La Liga further highlights his lightning-fast capabilities on the pitch.
18. Gabriel Veron- 22.64 MP/H (36.4 km/h)
Veron, the Brazilian winger shining at Porto, has emerged as a sought-after talent in European football.
His explosive speed and rapid acceleration make him a formidable threat on the flanks.
Operating much like the classic wide players, he burst into the spotlight last season with unforgettable performances, contributing significantly to Porto’s thrilling journey to the Champions League Last 16.
Distinguishing himself with an impressive top speed of 36.4 km/h, Veron stands out as one of the most fearsomely swift footballers on our radar.
Given his youthful vigor, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness him climbing higher on future iterations of such rankings.
17. Claudio Caniggia- 22.64 MP/H (36.4 km/h)
Claudio Caniggia, a winger who traversed various European clubs in the 90s and early 2000s, might not be a household name for many football fans.
Yet, one of his most defining attributes was his astonishing speed, earning him the nickname El Hijo del Viento (Son of the Wind).
Despite the absence of official records, reports suggest he reached an incredible speed of 36.4 km/h during his career.
Throughout his playing days, Caniggia showcased his versatility by occupying positions on the wing and as an advanced number ten.
His journey saw stints at clubs like Benfica, Roma, and Atalanta.
He remained a consistent presence for Argentina, representing his nation across three World Cups, notably netting twice during the 1990 tournament but missing out on the final against West Germany due to suspension.
While not contending for the world’s fastest soccer player title, Caniggia’s noteworthy speed and memorable nickname certainly make him a mention in football’s history books.
Fastest Soccer Player Ever
Speed undeniably stands as a crucial attribute in modern soccer, serving a pivotal role across various positions on the field.
Whether it’s creating space from defenders, rapidly advancing the ball up the field, or swiftly intercepting passes, speed remains an invaluable asset in the game.
When contemplating the title of the fastest football player ever, there’s a singular individual who truly stands out:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo- 24.854848 MP/H (40 km/h)
When considering the fastest football players globally, several stand out prominently.
Among them is Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid sensation.
Even at 37, Ronaldo maintains his position among the quickest players worldwide, evident when he reached a staggering top speed of 40 km/h during a Premier League match against West Ham United in the 2021-22 season.
Ronaldo’s pace has long been a defining attribute that set him apart from other top talents when he first emerged on the global stage.
It played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s strategies under Sir Alex Ferguson, coinciding with the club’s successes, including three Premier League titles, a Champions League victory, and the EFL Cup during his initial tenure at the club.
A telling display of United’s reliance on his pace manifested in Ronaldo’s goal against Arsenal in the club’s 3-1 Champions League second-leg win in April 2019.
While his days of reaching such incredible speeds as 40 km/h may be in the past, Ronaldo undeniably remains one of the most significant stars in football history.
Regarding the title of the fastest soccer player in the world, Ronaldo’s feats place him at the forefront, a position that hardly surprises anyone familiar with his illustrious career.
Early life and career
Ronaldo’s father, José Dinis Aveiro, worked as the equipment manager for the local club Andorinha. Interestingly, Ronaldo’s name gained the “Ronaldo” addition in tribute to his father’s favorite actor, Ronald Reagan, the U.S. president during Cristiano’s birth.
At 15, Cristiano faced a heart condition that required surgery, briefly sidelining him. However, he made a swift and complete recovery.
His early football journey began with Clube Desportivo Nacional of Madeira before transferring to Sporting Clube de Portugal, commonly referred to as Sporting Lisbon.
At Sporting, he honed his skills in the club’s various youth teams before earning his debut with Sporting’s first team in 2002.