hero-image

Top 10 fastest footballers in the world right now

Where does Gareth Bale rank amongst the world's fastest footballers?
Where does Gareth Bale rank amongst the world's fastest footballers?

In order to be a professional, a player needs to have a bunch of attributes in his basket of skills. Speed is one such skill that helps a lot in being a better footballer.

Pace has different benefits for footballers operating in different positions. It is a facet that comes extremely handy during tracking back to defend. It is a deadly weapon that can help a team transition from defence to attack in the split of an eye.

While not every player can boast about having a good speed, some do have that happy privilege. That being said, let's have a look at the 10 fastest footballers around the globe right now.


10. Karim Bellarabi (35.27 km/hr)

Karim Bellarabi scored the fastest goal in the history of the Bundesliga
Karim Bellarabi scored the fastest goal in the history of the Bundesliga

No. 10 in our list of Fastest Footballers in the world is Karim Bellarabi. He currently plies his trade at German club Bayer Leverkusen since joining them in 2011. The 28-year-old is extremely fast during counter-attacks. His pace is crucial in his attempts to make successful dribbles.

Apart from displaying his explosive speed on the pitch, Bellarabi also holds the record of scoring the fastest goal scored in the history of the German Bundesliga. He found the net against Borussia Dortmund in just 9 seconds. He is also known for scoring the 50,000th goal in the history of the German top-tier.

Although he scored that goal four years ago, his pace doesn't seem to have deserted him yet; the German of Moroccan descent clocks enough speed to beat a number of speedsters to be counted amongst the fastest players in the world at the moment.

9. Moussa Sissoko (35.33 km/hr)

Moussa Sissoko(R) has a fine history when it comes to speed charts
Moussa Sissoko(R) has a fine history when it comes to speed charts

No. 9 on our list of fastest footballers in the world is Moussa Sissoko. He might not be having enough game time under his belt right now, but his absence on the pitch hasn't stopped Moussa Sissoko from being considered amongst the world's best speed demons.

The Tottenham midfielder has a fine history when it comes to the speed charts. He was the fastest player in the Premier League in season 2014-15. Also, he finished as the third fastest player in the English top flight last season.

Moussa Sissoko's pace is an asset given the fact that he operates as a centre or a right midfielder. The Frenchman is a threat from the middle. His speed enables him to be a fine dribbler and allows him to split the opposition defence apart in no time.

The 29-year-old has played a minimal role since for Tottenham since the start of this campaign, but he will be a crucial contributor for the team as the season unravels.

8. Patrick van Aanholt (35.42 km/hr)

Patrick van Aanholt is one of the nimblest players in the Premier League
Patrick van Aanholt is one of the nimblest players in the Premier League

No. 8 on our list of fastest footballers in the world is Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt, he has built quite a reputation for his momentum in the English top tier. Like Moussa Sissoko, the 28-year-old is a mainstay amongst the Premier League's speed kings.

Functioning on the left, Van Aanholt is well-adept at beating opponents with a combination of his pace and dribbling. He is also an indirect set-piece threat and a fine distance shooter. As a left-back, he specializes in making crucial interceptions.

The Dutchman finished as the second fastest player in the Premier League in the 2017/18 campaign, clocking a speed of 35.42 km/hr. Since season 2013/14, he has been the 4th fastest player in the league.

You may also like