The 5 Fastest Footballers in World Football

Football teams are becoming increasingly reliant on players that possess blistering speed, due to the changes of how the modern game of football is played. Most managers now want two full backs that can cover both ends of the pitch quickly, in addition to pacey wingers and a dynamic striker that can expose space on counter attacks.

These demands have resulted in some of the fastest players of all time now taking to the field on a weekly basis. This list comprises of players playing in Europe's 'Big Five' leagues, and they are ranked by their maximum sprint speed.

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#5 Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo recently swapped Madrid for Juventus

Not only does Cristiano Ronaldo possess one of the greatest football skill-sets of all time, he is also one of the fastest players to have graced the beautiful game.

The Portuguese superstar has a sprint speed of 33.60 km/h, which is remarkable considering that the Juventus player is 33. Due to his age Ronaldo will most likely drop out of the top five soon, but even if he loses a yard of pace, he is still likely to be among the fastest in Italy.

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#4 Aaron Lennon

Lennon has spent the majority of his career with Tottenham

Burnley invested in Lennon this summer, due to the players reputation of being one of the most consistent wingers in the Premier League over the last decade.

Lennon combines his 5'5 frame with blistering pace to evade opposing defenders, however his lack of end product has always held him back from becoming one of the league's top players. The 31 year old's top speed clocks in at an incredible 33.80 km/h, and Lennon has quickly added speed and directness to his new teams frontline.

#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabon international has been prolific so far in London

Aubameyang has tormented teams in France and Germany over the past six seasons, and now Premier League defenders are about to become his latest victims.

He has already made a fantastic start to life in England, scoring 11 League goals in just 18 games. His speed maxes out at an electrifying 34.60 km/h, which makes the Gabon international the fastest striker in England.

#2 Antonio Valencia

Valencia has been at Manchester United for 9 years

In addition to being one of the Premier League's most consistent players, Antonia Valencia is the fastest player in England. The Ecuadorian has a top speed of over 35 km/s, which comfortably puts him ahead of Aaron Lennon.

The 33 year old has been a mainstay in the Manchester United team, despite an influx of expensive signings and regular changes in management over the past few years. Valencia has recently dropped to a deeper role for United, however his pace is always on show as he darts down United's right flank.

#1 Gareth Bale

The Welshman is known for his speed and power

If you have ever watched Gareth Bale during his time in Real Madrid or Tottenham, this one will not come as a surprise. Clocking in at 36.90 km/h, the Welshman easily reigns supreme in the speed rankings.

Injuries seem to be the only thing that can stop the Welshman, as his speed, power and dynamic dribbling make him virtually impossible to play against. After spending five years in Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo, the 29 year old's time has come to lead the world's most famous club.