How Fast Are Pro Soccer Players? We Pulled the Data (2022)


Soccer is a demanding sport, so players spend much of their time in the gym and on practices when they are not playing. This helps them improve certain aspects of their game, physical shape, and – speed.

In modern times, soccer is played fast, resulting in teams imposing high-pressure tactics and relying on counterattacks to score. 

This is where the fast players thrive, as the speed, acceleration, and ability to go from one end of the pitch to another make more chances for their teams.

While speed is not the only thing that matters, it’s an important attribute for a soccer player.

Generally, the speed of soccer players is measured in kilometers or miles, not meters or feet per hour. 

This is because the game is played on a large field, and the players need to be able to run long distances. In addition, the ball moves quickly, and players need to be able to keep up.

Soccer players are some of the fastest athletes in the world, and they are also able to run at high speeds for extended periods of time. Professional soccer players’ average speed is around 10-11 mph, with the fastest players reaching speeds of up to 18 mph. 

In this article, we’re researching how fast are pro soccer players and who’s the fastest in the game.

Many Great Soccer Players Are Also Very Fast – Coincidence or Not?

Soccer is a team sport, and players need to be able to work together to achieve success. A fast player who cannot pass or shoot accurately will not be very useful to his team.

But we can’t deny the fact that some of the best soccer players were also… fast.

If we go a bit back in time, one of the best players in soccer history (claimed by many) is undoubtedly the Brazilian phenomenon, Pelé. He was known for his incredible speed and dribbling ability, which helped him score an amazing 1,283 goals in his career.

If you live on the planet earth, the chances are that you heard of Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, who has been clocked running at speeds of up to 18 mph. This is incredibly fast, and it’s no wonder that he has scored so many goals during his career.

A number of other great players have been recorded as reaching speeds of over 16 mph, including Arjen Robben (when in Bayern Munich), Franck Ribéry (when in Bayern Munich), and Christian Pulisic (when in Borussia Dortmund).

An excellent soccer player is also Gareth Bale, who, when playing for Real Madrid, clocked speeds of up to 18 mph.

Another player who is known for his speed is Frenchman Thierry Henry. He was able to run the 100-meter dash in just 10.8 seconds, which is incredibly fast for a soccer player. This speed has helped him score some of the most amazing goals in history.

How Does Soccer Compare to Other Sports in Terms of Players’ Speed?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the specific players involved and their level of fitness.

In general, soccer players tend to be slower than football players. This is because soccer requires players to have excellent stamina and endurance. On the other hand, football is a more physically demanding sport that often relies on brute force and speed. 

There is a common perception that soccer players are faster than basketball players. This is likely because soccer is a global sport, and many of the world’s best athletes come from countries where basketball is not as popular. 

However, when comparing the top speed of both types of athletes, it is clear that basketball players are actually faster. 

In a study conducted by the University of Colorado, it was found that the average top speed of a soccer player is around 11 miles per hour, while the average top speed of a basketball player is around 15 miles per hour. 

This difference may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference on the court or field. This can be a significant advantage in a game where seconds can make the difference between winning and losing.

Fastest Soccer Players in 2022

When it comes to beating their opponents to the ball, these players have proven that they can hit top gear.

Soccer necessitates a great deal of physical exertion on the field. We’ve all seen our favorite players spend hours on the court and in the gym and on the practice field honing their ability to propel themselves, past opponents.

With teams fast to press and counterattack, players with blistering quickness and acceleration to bolt forward have become an inextricable part of soccer.

Over the years, many players have mesmerized crowds with their breathtaking speed, both with and without the ball. They have been able to defeat opponents in one-on-one situations due to this.

Today, ProfessionalsHQ takes a look at the world’s top ten fastest soccer players:

10. Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane – 21.8 mph

Leroy Sane is a talented player, but his ability to get past his opponents with his speed and ball control is arguably the most important aspect of his game.

With a top speed of 21.8 mph, the young German winger will be a key player for Bayern Munich in the coming seasons.

9. Man City’s Kyle Walker – 21.89 mph

Kyle Walker is a full-back in the truest sense of the term. On the right side, he is Manchester City’s most dependable player.

Walker, who can play both offense and defense, has a top speed of 21.89 mph.

8. Bayer Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi – 21.98 mph

Karim Bellarabi is the latest in a long line of explosive German attackers, boasting incredible speed, acceleration, and overall speed.

In 2022, the 30-year-old hit a top speed of 21.98 mph.

7. Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 22.08 mph

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a Gabonese international and Arsenal captain, is one of the game’s most clinical forwards.

Aubameyang has incredible stamina and jumping ability and a top speed of 22.08 mph.

6. Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams – 22.13 mph

Inaki Williams, the main man of Athletic Club de Bilbao, has proven to be a capable goalscorer and dribbler.

The Spaniard reached a top speed of 22.13 mph, allowing him to pass the competition easily.

Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland – 22.39 mph

We have Dortmund’s wunderkind Erling Haaland, who has taken to professional soccer like a duck to water, in our top ten fastest soccer players in the world. Only Robert Lewandowski has made more goals in 35 games last season than Haaland.

Haaland’s prolific goalscoring combined with his massive frame may lead one to think he is a boxing beast. However, this season, Norwegian has proven to be an athletic striker, consistently clocking speeds of 20-21 mph and reaching a top speed of 22 mph.

4. PSG’s Kylian Mbappe – 22.41 mph

Kylian Mbappe, the wunderkind of PSG, has already been glorified for his lightning-quick speed on the wings. 

The winger has a tradition of running at breakneck speeds, which has become his game’s trademark.

He has been established to be a handful for defenders, and when blended with his dribbling ability, he will undoubtedly be the difference and drive more headaches for European defenses.

3. Wolves’ Adama Traore – 22.52 mph

Adama Traore shows what’s it like to be a physical beast. The Wolves winger has a robust frame with a lot of muscle. His driving runs have made him a problematic commodity in the Premier League.

The winger had a breakout season and is widely considered as the Premier League’s most challenging opponent in a one-on-one match. It shows his physical prowess, long strides, and quickness.

2. Inter’s Achraf Hakimi – 22.66 mph

When it comes to sprinters, Achraf Hakimi is infrequently mentioned. However, the Moroccan has always stepped it up a notch and possesses all of the characteristics of a modern full-back.

The Moroccan is a great addition to Inter’s team, with quick feet and the ability to turn fast. He will be especially useful in Antonio Conte’s low-block, counterattacking system.

This season, Hakimi achieved a top speed of almost 22.6 mph, demonstrating that he is among the quickest on the globe and can be a difficult prospect to outrun when encountered alone.

1. Alphonso Davies – 22.68 mph

Last season’s wonder story has been Alphonso Davies. In what has been an amazing first season, the Canadian has rarely put a foot wrong, as evidenced by his vicious runs up and down the left wing for Bayern.

Davies has shown that, due to this trait, he can be deployed further up the pitch if required. 

Davies, dubbed “The Roadrunner” by Thomas Muller, is quickly establishing himself as a prototype for the modern wing-back. Busting out at a breakneck speed after a quick shift. Davies incorporates these characteristics with a bold dribbling style, making him an even more dangerous prospect.

Davis’s top-gear runs have made him a household name in soccer, and at the age of 21, he literally has the world at his feet.

So, if you want to be fast like a soccer player, you need to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. You should also try to run as often as you can to get used to running long distances. 

Here is the equipment (affiliate link) we found to be the best choice for improving soccer speed and agility for a fair price. Highly recommended.

Recommended reading

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Professionals HQ

Hi, my name is Jim. I'm a hardcore sports enthusiast and also the founder of ProfessionalsHQ, where my team and I will share our knowledge and provide you with the best and up-to-date information about professional sport.

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