Top 10 fastest footballers in the world according to FIFA

Speed is a desired trait for every footballer.

Here are the top 10 fastest footballers in the world.

Note: The official stats by Football’s governing body FIFA are based on the highest speed recorded in a game , while running with the ball

10. Alexis Sanchez (30.1 kmph)

At number ten, we have Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean usually plays on the wings and combines well with Dani Alves at Barcelona. Although Sanchez has been criticised for other aspects of the game from time to time, one really can’t find fault when it comes to his pace with or without the ball.

9. Arjen Robben (30.4 kmph)

Following Sanchez on the list is European champion Arjen Robben. Running full throttle against full-backs is a virtue of the Dutchman’s game and it’s no surprise to see him in the top ten here.

8. Franck Ribery (30.7 kmph)

Franck Ribery does one better than his Bayern teammate Robben on this list. The French winger is very quick with the ball at his feet and is considered the favourite for this year’s Ballon d`Or.

7. Wayne Rooney (31.2 kmph)

Manchester United’s star striker is next on the list. Although Wayne Rooney doesn’t look like the fittest footballer, he sure has some serious pace to burn.

6. Lionel Messi (32.5 kmph)

Widely considered as the best player in the world, it’s safe to say Lionel Messi doesn’t have a weakness in the attacking half of the pitch. Messi’s ability to accelerate with the ball at his feet is a big feature of his game.

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5. Theo Walcott (32.7 kmph)

When Theo Walcott broke on to the scene, the first thing everyone complimented him was for his pace. Easily the biggest strength in his game, Walcott has at times used his sprint speed to devastating effect.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (33.6 kmph)

The former Ballon d`Or winner is at the fourth position. Playing on the wings, Ronaldo uses his rapid pace to cause havoc in the defences of opponents. The man from Madeira will go down as one of the greatest footballers ever.

3. Aaron Lennon (33.8 kmph)

Struggling to find a place in the first team at Tottenham these days, surely Aaron Lennon will be looking at other options in January, especially with the World Cup looming. Considering Lennon’s incredible agility, there won’t be a short list of suitors for the former Leeds winger.

2. Gareth Bale (34.7 kmph)

Ronaldo’s current and Lennon’s former teammate Gareth Bale falls just short of the top spot. Pace is one of the biggest strengths of the Welshman’s game and was a huge factor in Real Madrid paying a world-record transfer fee for him.

1. Antonio Valencia (35.1 kmph)

And at the top, we have Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia. The footballer was clocked at 35.1 kmph during a match. This list is dominated by wingers and it’s no surprise that we have a winger at the top.

Here’s an infographic representation (Source: Soccerly):