Speed is arguably one of the most crucial qualities a footballer can possess for success. While having speed is not the only thing needed to be a good player, having it is an added advantage.

One of the benefits of being a fast footballer is that it gives you an advantage as you can easily beat defenders and also quickly get back to help your team in defensive situations.

According to Sportbrief, here are five players who have recorded the fastest speeds in football.

Thierry Henry

The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward is regarded as one of the best players in football’s history. During his time at Arsenal, he was known for his blistering pace, which he used to great effect to outrun defenders and score goals.

Henry set a record for one of the fastest top speeds ever recorded in a major league, reaching 39.2 km/h in 1998.

However, in a 2023 documentary ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Frenchman who expressed his love for athletics claimed that he could never have been an Olympic sprinter because he wouldn’t be able to stay in his lane.

Micky van de Ven

The 22-year-old Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands defender in the 2023–24 season registered the fastest-ever sprint by a player in the Premier League.

Micky recorded an astounding top speed of 37.38 km/h (23.22 mph) during his side’s 3-2 victory over Brentford in February—the fastest speed by a player on record in England’s top flight since records began in 2020.

Kyle Walker

At 33, the Manchester City and Three Lions of England defender is one of the fastest in football.

Alongside Micky van de Ven, the duo are the only players to hit the 37 km/h mark. Walker achieved 37.31 km/h in a Premier League game in the 2022–23 season.

Walker, in an interview in 2023, thanked his family for such pace. He said, “I’ve kept myself in good shape, I look after myself off the field. I work in the gym. I have to thank my parents and their genetics; some players start to slow down.”

Arjen Robben

The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid winger is known for his dribbling skills, ball control, and long-range shots.

In the Netherlands’ 5-1 demolition of Spain at the 2014 World Cup, Robben reportedly registered a speed of 37 km/h.

Robben once admitted he’s unsure of what’s next when he moves with the ball. “Everything happens intuitively, when I go on a run, I don’t know where it will end.”

Chiedozie Ogbene

Ogbene, who currently plays for the Republic of Ireland and English Championship side Luton, was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents.

The 27-year-old was once ranked the fastest player in the Premier League when he clocked 36.93 km/h against Fulham in September 2023.

Ogbene, in an interview, admitted he grew up watching Usain Bolt. “As a kid also, I watched a lot of sprinting videos, a big Usain Bolt fan. I have two brothers who also perform track and field,” he said.