Top 10 fastest footballers of the 22/23 season

UEFA: Top 10 fastest footballers of the 22/23 season

Mark Kinyanjui 14:00 - 31.05.2023

Ranking the top 10 fastest players of the 2022/23 season across Europe's top five leagues.

As the curtains draw down on Europe’s top five league seasons, debates have emerged as to who has become the fastest football  player of the 2022/23 season.

Debates on whether Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is still among the world’s fastest players have continued to swirl, despite the forward being far from his best for Chelsea. Questions have also been raised as to whether Kyle Walker is still the world’s fastest defender despite now being in his thirties.

Pulse Sports Kenya brings you a list of the world’s top 10 football players for the 2022/23 season.

10.Kyle Walker-35 km/h

Kyle Walker is 10th on the list of the world’s fastest footballers . This season, he managed to generate 35 km/h speed, which is something extraordinary for a 32-year old.

He produces enough pace to beat the opposition defenders when he gets the rare chance to bomb forwards, but Pep Guardiola mostly uses his pace in an inverted right back role cum right sided center back to cover the gaps left by his teammates in case they turn over possession, and against pacey wingers like Vinicius Junior. He is a real asset to his team.

9.Mohamed Salah-35 km/h

Although Liverpool have had an underwhelming season, finishing fifth, Salah has maintained his brilliance using his electric pace,  scoring 19 league goals and making the Premier League team of the season.

Salah’s pace down the right flank cutting inside has played a key part in scoring the goals that have kept the reds in a respectable position. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he does not slow down soon especially with two years left on his contract. He is the ninth fastest football player in the world.

8.Karim Bellarabi-35.38 km/h

When a football player reaches 32 years of age, it’s often assumed that their career is winding down. However, Karim Bellarabi’s pace, acceleration, and intelligence challenge that notion.

Despite his age, he is brisk, pacy, and intelligent, making him one of the fastest players in the club. When he combines his technical skills with his smarts, he becomes a constant threat to the defenders of the opposing team. He is one of the world's fastest football players.

7.Inaki Williams-35.62 km/h.

Inaki Williams is one of the most agile and fastest football players. The Spanish-born Ghanaian player held a long standing ecord of playing every possible la liga minute for Athletic Bilbao since making his debut for the club prior to the World Cup.

He has also created a reputation for being among the fastest players of the era. He is slim enough, which helps him brisk over any soccer field.

The 28-year-old striker has become the central figure of the club following the retirement of one of the legendary players, Aritz Aduriz.

6. Erling Haaland-36.04 km/h

Erling Haaland does not need much introduction. He has broken every sort of record available in the Premier League since signing with Manchester City last April.

He has scored 51 goals in all competitions this season, including 36 in the Premier League. He has also won the Football Writers Association player of the year, the golden boot and looks on course to win all the possible remaining accolades still up for grabs.

His ability to run the channels through his pace is a key reason behind why he nets so many goals, and he clocked a speed of 36.04 km/h this season, making him the 6th fastest fotball player this year.

4.Adama Traore-36.08 km/h

Typically, players with a strong build are not associated with exceptional speed. However, Traore defies this notion with his combination of strength and quickness.

He boasts a robust body and powerful muscles, making him a true physical force on the pitch.

Traore leverages his strength against the defenders from the opposing team, easily passing by them. He excels in one-on-one encounters, elevating his skills to the next level.

4 .Kylian Mbappe-36.08 km/h

The French footballer is considered one of the fastest players of his era, possessing nimble footwork that has proved to be a valuable asset to both his team and club.

Despite being ranked fourth on our list, he always comes to mind whenever football lovers discuss the fastest football players in the world.

As one of the fastest players in Ligue 1, he has the ability to outrun any defender from the opposing team. His rapid speed on the soccer field can disrupt the opposition, and his quickness increases the opportunities for goal-scoring.

Once he has passed the defenders from the opposing team, it becomes easier for him to beat the goalkeeper.

3.Marcus Rashford-36.30 km/h

Marcus Rashford has taken his game to a different level under Eric Ten Hag. He has become more efficient in front of goal, as he finished the season with 17 league goals.

Ten Hag has set up the system in a way that allows the club to create multiple mini-transitional situations which play to his advantage, as he can use his pace to run those channels, especially when Wout Weghorst is in the team.

He has clocked a top speed of 36.03 km/h when running those channels at some point this season..

2.Achraf Hakimi-36.48 km/h

The Morocco international is widely considered one of the top full-back players in the world. His lightning pace, clocked at an impressive 36.48 km/h, places him among the fastest players in the sport.

Not only is he an ambidextrous, allowing him to play on both flanks, either as a full back or a wing back.His pace is a big asset for PSG and Morocco, as he has the recovery pace to defend and cover large gaps, as well as compliment his right winger, be it Hakim Ziyech or Lionel Messi.

1. Alphonso Davies- 36.51 km/h

Canadian sensation Alphonso Davies currently tops the list of fastest soccer players. His exceptional speed and sharp footwork, combined with his intelligence and technical prowess, make him a formidable player.

At just 22 years of age, he has already made a name for himself in the Bundesliga as a left-back for Bayern Munich. Heplayed a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s 2020 league championship win with his pace and trickery.

He poses a constant threat to opponents, showcasing his intelligence and speed on the field. Spectators, franchises, and even his own teammates have recognized his ability to outmaneuver and outpace opponents, utilizing his technical skills to his advantage.