The running speed of a soccer player is directly proportional to the performance in a game (depending on the position of the player). Soccer is one sport that strongly relies on the physical capacity of a player to cover a specific distance in every game. Some players run extremely fast and cover wide distances in a match.
Soccer players run at a speed of 11-15 mph depending on various factors like position, physical capacity, and the type of match. Alphonso Davies and Gareth Bale recorded the highest speed of 22.69 Mph.
In this article, we’ll look at the average speed of a soccer player along with a list of notable players who’ve made huge marks in history.
Do All Soccer Players Run Fast
Most soccer players run at an average speed of 10 mph, and the number increases based on the position of the player. However, some soccer players, like goalkeepers, have a minimum distance to cover and run comparatively slower.
Suppose you’ve ever wondered about the speed of soccer players compared to players in other sports. In that case, it’s essential to recognize that soccer players record better speeds compared to basketball players but are moderately slower compared to football players.
Here’s a list of positions that require players to run faster.
| Position | Expected running speed |
| Central defender | Moderate running speed |
| Winger | Maximum efficiency is needed |
| Striker | High speed is required |
| Midfielder | High speed is required |
Having said this, professional soccer players are still expected to remain athletic and record good running speeds, although not exceptional numbers. This is due to the nature of the sport.
Top 7 Fastest Soccer Players
Alphonso Davies is the fastest soccer player running at a speed of 22.69 Mph. He’s followed by other players like Acraf Hakimi, Adama Traore, Marcus Rashford, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Inaki Williams.
| Player name | Mph |
| Alphonso Davies | 22.69 |
| Acraf Hakimi | 22.67 |
| Adama Traore | 22.61 |
| Marcus Rashford | 22.55 |
| Kylian Mbappe | 22.42 |
| Erling Haaland | 22.39 |
| Inaki Williams | 22.13 |
Let’s look further into each player’s background.
Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich’s star player, Alphonso Davies, has recorded the highest speed in the Champions League. Over the years, his performance has persuaded soccer fans to consider his name synonymous with the left wing-back position.
He’s the fastest soccer player with exceptional potential to balance the ball and the pitch. Thanks to Davies’s exclusive dribbling style, he’s more likely to retain this position, considering his tactics and traits.
Acraf Hakimi
Acraf Hakimi is well-known for his tactical full-back. He’s a Moroccan speedster who never fails to add value to Inter and excels in his counterattacking style.
The player has been consistent over the years in national soccer and perhaps made it incredibly difficult for other players to overtake his position.
Adama Traore
As a talented Wolves winger, Adama Traore is synonymous with a physical beast who can transform a regular season into a game of pride, quickness, and interest with his physical potential.
Adama Traore maintains a track record of 22.61 mph.
Marcus Rashford
Let me be honest. Marcus Rashford, people’s favorite winger from Manchester United, has been winning hearts with his rapid actions and amazing running stat.
With his impressive stats, there’s a huge anticipation from his fans (including us) for him to make it to headlines going forward.
Kylian Mbappe
If one had to boast about the extraordinary acceleration of a player, Kylian Mbappe wins it undoubtedly. Young age, Mbappe is one of the fastest soccer players and also skillful when it comes to handling the ball.
Notably, his accomplishment at 19 years of age at the World Cup still stands tall!
Erling Haaland
Dortmund’s favorite, Erling Haaland, has constantly made it to the list of fastest soccer players. There are many aspects contributing to his performance – consistent speed, impressive goalscoring, and athleticism on the pitch.
Inaki Williams
As a spectacular goalscorer and one of the fastest soccer players, Inaki Williams is a Spanish professional who’s an excellent defender and enhanced the stand of his team with his ball strength and pace.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of soccer, you shouldn’t miss taking a closer look at the speed movement of players. Irrespective of the level of the game, you can notice how soccer players achieve rapid running speeds and also stay alert throughout the match.