That is not all skill. Football is also about speed. The modern game so far has become all about quick tempo play; quick transitions, rapid counter-attacks, and players able to in the blink of an eye burn past defenders. In the year 2024, these athletes are no longer just fast but more lightning on the pitch. Here is the top 15 fastest footballers to have, so far, regularly shown their ability to reach quite incredible speeds.
Why Does Speed Matter In Football?
Fast players are good assets in that teams with these players easily and swiftly make transitions from defense to attack, leaving sometimes the opposition defenders flatfooted. The players’ speed is important in breaking the defensive lines, offering scoring opportunities, and tracking back in the event of ball recovery. In many instances, being a fast footballer means you are a threat, and that simply makes the opposition wary of leaving open space.
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Fastest Soccer Players In The World
Let’s now head over to the top 15 fastest footballers in 2024 and what makes them stand out from others.
15. Sheraldo Becker – 36.57 km/h
Another case in point is Becker: he runs rapidly at 36.57 km/hr, which has become a sizzling speed and helped the German club rise to Bundesliga; besides, it has also terrorized defenders with his velocity. His ability to make those runs behind the defense has seen him being a darling of the fans and his contributions to the recent successes of the club.
14. Mohamed Salah — 36.6 km/h
A cacophony for pace and precision, Salah has been sensational since coming in 2017. With an excellent dribbling ability and topping off at a high speed of 36.6 km/h, the Egyptian star has been one of the most dangerous attacking talents in the Premier League. Many times, he uses that pace to fly past defenders along the wing before cutting inside to score or be creative.
13. Jeremiah St. Juste – 36.63 km/h
St Juste gains the privilege of appearing on this list as the central defender. With a pace reading of 36.63 km/h, it is a speed very befitting of an unexpected weapon. Chasing from behind is very much permissible, hence he has been a very good asset to his team, Mainz, in the counter-attack.
12. Karim Adeyemi – 36.65 km/h
Karim Adeyemi has achieved wonders unlike other footballers at just 21. He has successfully put himself up in the ranks, with his top speed at 36.65 km/h. His speciality are his quicks runs which are very difficult to cut through by any defender facing him. These qualities make him one of the most promising talents for Borussia Dortmund and one has to keep watching him to see how much more he grows in his sports journey.
11. Adama Traore – 36.6 km/h
Hence, the speed and physical presence of Adama Traore make him a nightmare for any defender. Making those bulldozing runs down the right wing at top speeds of 36.6 km/h, Traore is simply legendary. Whether he is cutting inside or delivering crosses, Traore’s pace is crucial to breaking through opposition defences.
10. Ousmane Dembele – 36.6 km/h
A fine blend of pace and skill, this man clocks his speed at 36.6 km/h. It is an understatement to say that he is an explosive right-footed winger. He is skilled at beating any defender that comes his way and creates a chance for himself and his team to score. Even after a spate of injuries trying to push him down, this man has risen up to create a name for himself in this sport.
9. Mykhailo Mudryk: 36.63 km/h
Chelsea was blessed when this Ukrainian winger joined them. Mykhailo has a stunning top speed of 36.63 km/h and his best skill is his quicking off blocks. His skills hold the power to change the pacr and course of the game. It is these qualities that make the man a worry for others present on the field. Hence, it is very safe when we say that he is one of the new age weapons in Chelsea’s team.
8. Antonio Rudiger — 36.7 km/h
Antonio Rudiger is not only a powerhouse but also the fastest runner in the world in Real Madrid’s defense. His top speed of 36.7 km/h allows him to recover quickly from missteps to put in a last-ditch tackle and support his team in transition.
7. Amadou Onana – 36.65 km/h
Dynamic Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has the top speed of 36.65 km/h and is one of the most influential players at the Toffees. With his pace, he’ll be able to dominate the midfield by breaking up play often over incredible distances and at great speed.
6. Anthony Gordon – 36.68km/h
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was as quick as 36.68 km/h in the top flight. He possessed a good technical skill level, and he was swift – hence, good to have in Newcastle’s armory because he often looked to stretch play on the flanks and get in behind opposing defense lines.
5. Dara O’Shea – 36.73km/h
Irish full-back Dara O’Shea sprints at an outstanding 36.73 km/h while playing for Burnley in one of the games during the 2023-24 season of Premier League. This gives him the energy he needs to get back and forth down the flank.
4. Dominik Szoboszlai- 36.76 km/h
The signing of Dominik Szoboszlai has turned into a game-changer for Liverpool. He can manage a sprint speed of as high as 36.76 km/h—this Hungarian midfielder has the combination of speed and tactical wit to make those telling runs that carve open opposition defences and provide something tangible for Liverpool in attack.
3. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/h
Pedro Neto comes third, also considered one of the speedsters in the League, with 36.86 km/h for the Wolves. He has always hogged on the wings, continuing with his pace and wits to loom like a nightmare for the defenders whose backs he often beats to produce numerous goal-scoring chances for his team.
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2. Kyle Walker – 37.31 km/h
Kyle Walker has been one of the world’s fastest defenders for quite some time now. In 2024, Walker’s top speed was registered at 37.31 km/h. Playing with zeal in his back stride, he does very well during the recovery runs and sprints down the right flank as City time and again effectively move from one phase to another.
1. Micky Van De Ven – 37.38 Km/h
The young Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven makes it to the top of this list, with a running velocity of 37.38 km/h. The most unbelievable part is the way this Dutchman marshals the backline for Spurs, able to kill off any counter before instigating it himself with amazing athleticism.
Why Speed Matters In Modern Football
As far as today’s game of football is concerned, pace is more vital than ever. Besides using quick players to launch some sort of counter-attack, teams also make use of them for high press that catches the opponents by absolute surprise. Whether a full-back is bombing down the flank or a winger comes inside or a striker in behind, the racing speed gives teams the edge.
Conclusion
These same speedsters still manage to run this world of football by the year 2024. Speed for them is not the aspect of running; it is all about knowing where to accelerate, when and how to make runs, and change the pace of the game. So, while the game gets better, this shall forever be the helm that ensures the game of football remains fast, thrilling, and fairly unpredictable. So, which of them is your favorite speedster? Do let us know down in the comments below!