Fastest Football Player: Top 10 Quickest Footballers in the World (2026)

As Football continues to be a phenomenon all around the world, speed is one metric that seems to evolve over the years. There have been several players who have been hailed as the fastest football player at the moment, but that metric keeps changing. While it is difficult to track the speeds of each player in every match, some top speeds recorded in top football leagues in the world, might make the comparison easier for everyone, hence giving out a single answer rather than various choices.

In past, players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry and many more legends might have been called some of the fastest footballers in the world, given their tremendous pace and agility. So, as of 2026, who is the fastest football player? Join us as we take a look at the list of the fastest football players at the moment, according to several sources and matchday reviews.

Fastest Football Players: Top 10 List

While Kylian Mbappé might have been the fastest football player during his initial years, clocking at 38 km/h, 2025 might not be the time for him to top this list. Check out the list of the fastest football player in the world.

Who is the Fastest Football Player in 2026?

As mentioned in the list above, Micky van de Ven is currently the fastest football player in football right now with a top speed of around 37.3 km/h. The list also has some huge names in the football realm, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Achraf Hakimi, etc.

10. Yankuba Minteh (Forward)

The 20-year-old Gambian footballer has been one of the most effective forwards for Brighton & Hove Albion so far. Given his pacy runs forward and overall athleticism, he might become a top player in the years to come. Being a young prospect in the Premier League. Yankuba Minteh has recorded a top speed of around 36.4 km/h during a Premier League appearance for his side.

While the young player has only scored twice in his debut season for the Seagulls, his quickness and sprint speed might become a huge advantage for the Premier League side in the upcoming seasons.

9. Kylian Mbappé (Forward)

Real Madrid’s star Kylian Mbappé had a tremendous debut season with the Spanish giant Real Madrid finishing as European top scorer and winning the European Golden Boot. He has been providing his side with some magnificent assists and goals so far. While Real Madrid were not able to win anything in the 2024-25 season,

The Frenchman made his presence felt by making pacy runs in the attacking third, averaging a top speed of around 36.4 km/h. Mbappé’s record holds at 38 km/h, which might be tough to beat in the years to come, but his current pace is also phenomenal, considering how his role, alongside high-profile teammates. Currently, he is among the best strikers in the world.

8. Alphonso Davies (Defender)

The Canadian star Alphonso Davies has always been in the spotlight for his unmatched pace and speed as a fullback, which is certainly the fastest football players. And over the years, he has evolved as a defender playing for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national football team. The 25-year-old most recently recorded a top speed of 36.5 km/h, which is extremely high given his role as a left-back.

Davies’ natural game lets him showcase his tremendous pace as he makes several counter-attacking runs forward, demolishing opponents with his breathtaking pace. The Bayern Munich defender also represents the Canadian men’s national soccer team and displays immense dribbling and creative abilities, hence earning the nickname “The Roadrunner”.

7. Bryan Mbeumo (Forward)

The Man United star Bryan Mbeumo has been among the fastest footballers in the world with his pacy runs, commendable dribbling, and exquisite ball control. The Cameroonian forward registered 20 goals in his most recent Premier League campaign with the Bees. His exploits gained the interest of Manchester United in the summer of 2025.

With a top speed of 36.6 km/h in the English top flight for his new club, Bryan Mbeumo has been a huge asset for the side. His sprint speed further carves several goal-scoring opportunities, which makes him one of the best players in the world right now. The winger has been a key player for the Red Devils on the right flank.

6. Anthony Gordon (Forward)

The English footballer Anthony Gordon might be the fastest football player at Newcastle United as of now, courtesy of his immense pace and sprint speed. The winger has been a huge asset for the Premier League side Newcastle United since joining from Everton. He continues to perform at the top level by scoring several goals and making beautiful assists for his side.

Additionally, Anthony has also represented England at the international level and has emerged as one of the best English players in the world. He has showcased his speed on the pitch against formidable sides. The 24-year-old is considered to be keen and sharp on the field and has recorded a top speed of around 36.6 km/h during one of his games in the EPL.

5. Erling Haaland (Forward)

Manchester City star Erling Haaland stands among one of the best strikers in the Premier League at the moment. He has already created a lot of records for scoring some tremendous goals since joining the club a couple of years ago, and continues to be in his top form. The Norwegian recorded a top speed of 36.6 km/h, making him one of the fastest football players in the world

Haaland’s unprecedented form was also seen in the UEFA Champions League, helping Manchester City to get back on track in the 2025-26 campaign, making him one of the most important players in the squad. The 25-year-old is currently one of the best Man City players due to his importance.

4. Matheus Nunes (Defender)

Being a defensive midfielder or a right-back, Portuguese international Matheus Nunes has emerged as one of the fastest football players. Since switching to the full-back role at Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola. He's been using his pace and acceleration to make attacking and overlapping runs on the wide channels.

He recorded 36.7 km/h during one of his matches in the English top tier, which further made him one of the quickest players in the Premier League as well. Nunes offers an unmatched pace, which further fuels his defensive prowess in the opposition’s attack. The Portuguese also creates pacy counter-attacking runs forward, hence helping his side in crucial moments.

3. Loïs Openda (Forward)

The Belgian forward Loïs Openda is one of the most dangerous attackers at the moment in Europe. He had been a huge asset for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga in recent seasons. His lightning-fast pace has earned him some fabulous goals for his side in the Bundesliga as well as the UEFA Champions League.

The 26-year-old is now plying his trade at Serie A club Juventus, and the Belgian international has been making huge headlines for his speed, recording a top speed of 36.8 km/h during a European clash vs Bodo Glimt in the Champions League, making him one of the fastest football player across Europe.

2. Achraf Hakimi (Defender)

The Moroccan star defender Achraf Hakimi has displayed some magical moments on the pitch in recent memory alongside the French giants Paris Saint-Germain. The UEFA Champions League winner is known for his pace and attacking ability, being a right-back, which further makes him one of the fastest football players in the world.

Hakimi is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world. He recorded his top speed during a match in the recent campaign, clocking around 36.9 km/h. As he continues to produce magic for the Parisians, it remains to be seen how he performs for the club ahead during the final stretch of the 2025-26 season.

1. Micky van de Ven (Defender)

The Dutch defender Micky van de Ven is, without a doubt, he is the fastest football player at the moment with a top speed of 37.3 km/h, making him the fastest football player in football. His defensive prowess has been put on display for Tottenham Hotspur as he has been a key player in the side’s success in the recent campaign.

Though, Spurs are struggling with the relegation scare in the 2025-26 EPL campaign, but it's safe to say that Micky Ven’s calculative passes, ball control, and lightning-fast pace make him an all-rounder for the club. He also represents the Netherlands national football team and has produced some wonderful results for his nation as one of the best Dutch footballers currently.