Soccer has always been about broad positioning and flowing play but getting into the right place at the right time requires some serious sprinting power. Whether it’s a well laid up attack on the goal or a mad sprint to defense when the opposing team breaks through the lines, if you’re not quick on your feet you’re dead in the water.
See the list of Fastest Footballers in the World 2016 after the cut
10. Alexis Sánchez
Twenty seven year old Alexis Sanchez runs at 18.7mph. The young Chilean international star recently signed on with Arsenal F.C. for $51 million, the club’s second most expensive sign. He has so far represented Chile in two World Cups and led the team to victory in the 2015 Copa América.
9. Arjen Robben
Hitting a top speed of 18.9mph, only just edging out Alexis for the number nine spot. The thirty one year old captain of the Dutch international squad plays for German side Bayern Munich. So far he’s scored 76 goals in 134 appearances and was ranked the fourth best soccer player in the world by the UK newspaper The Guardian.
8. Franck Ribéry
Thirty two year old French man Franck Ribéry comes in at number eight with a top speed of 19mph. He is three time winner of French player of the year and also won the German player of the year, becoming the first person to ever hold both titles. He currently plays alongside the ninth fastest player Arjen Robben for Bayern Munich.
7. Wayne Rooney
A surprise addition this. Not exactly known for his sprinting, however Wayne Rooney has a horrible top speed when given the space. Edging out Ribéry by point four miles per hour to top out at 19.4mph. He currently plays for Manchester United and the England International Team, he is the most red carded player to play for England.
6. Lionel Messi
Considered by some to be the best player currently working, Lionel Messi will likely go down as one of the all time greats, If not the fastest player in the world. Topping out at 20.2mph putting him a cut above the others. He currently plays for Barcelona and led them during both of their Treble years.
5. Theo Walcott
Running at 20.3mph the young Theo Walcott is lightning on the pitch. His youth giving him the stamina to maintain his speed for longer periods of time. He currently plays for Arsenal F.C. and is the youngest player to ever play for England on the International stage
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Say what you want about the player off the pitch, when he’s on form he is a joy to watch. With a top speed of 20.9mph the Portuguese genius has become the countries’ top goal scorer. He currently plays for Real Madrid.
3. Aaron Lennon
The Everton winger, he signed to the team late last year after being on loan from Tottenham, runs at 21mph flat. He plays for the England International squad. Not exactly the biggest name in the sport, but he’s one of the fastest.
2. Gareth Bale
The Welsh born winger for Real Madrid clocks at an impressive 21.6mph. He was, in 2006, the youngest player to ever represent the nation of Wales internationally and he helped Real Madrid win the Copa Del Ray and the Champions league in 2014, his first season with the club
1. Antonio Valencia
Number one, the world’s Fastest Soccer Player. Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia. With an superb 22mph top speed the Ecuadorian winger is a speed demon on the pitch. He has helped his club win two Premier League Trophies and has represented his homeland Internationally.
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