When it comes to the Premier League, top-tier football isn’t just about technique and tactics—it’s also about pace. In recent seasons, player tracking data has revealed some truly sensational sprints. Here’s a rundown of the fastest ever recorded top speeds in the league since speed tracking began in the 2020/21 season.
1. Micky van de Ven – 37.38 km/h
The current speed king. In a match against Brentford in January 2024, the Tottenham defender—yes, a centre-back—surged to an astonishing 37.38 km/h, setting a new all-time Premier League top speed record. Premier League+1
2. Kyle Walker – 37.31 km/h
For a long while, the record-holder was Manchester City’s lightning-fast right-back. Walker clocked 37.31 km/h, a benchmark that held until van de Ven broke it. Premier League+1
3. Chiedozie Ogbene – 36.93 km/h
Luton Town’s Irish winger joins the elite with a sprint that nearly breached the 37 km/h mark. Premier League+1
4. Anthony Elanga – 36.91 km/h
Not far behind, Nottingham Forest’s dynamic forward registered 36.91 km/h, making him one of the fastest players in the league. Premier League+1
5. Pedro Neto – 36.86 km/h
The Wolves winger also features in the league’s sprint highlight reel with a blistering top speed of 36.86 km/h. Premier League+1
6. Dominik Szoboszlai – 36.76 km/h
Known for his explosive bursts, Liverpool’s midfielder logged 36.76 km/h in a 2023/24 match—good enough for the fourth fastest sprint that season. talkonsoccer+2anfieldwatch.co.uk+2
Other Noteworthy Elite Sprinters
- Matheus Nunes – around 36.7 km/h Opta Analyst+1
- Brennan Johnson – approximately 36.70 km/h Breaking The Lines
2024/25 Season Leaders (Top Speeds)
- Micky van de Ven – 37.12 km/h
- Anthony Elanga – 35.90 km/h
- Erling Haaland – 35.74 km/h
- Timo Werner – 35.69 km/h
- Gabriel Martinelli – 35.57 km/h
- Plus others: Garnacho, Archer, Pedro Neto again, Yankuba Minteh, Marcus Rashford Premier League
Why Speed Matters in the Modern Game
- Defensive Power: Speed helps defenders (like van de Ven and Walker) recover and shut down counters.
- Explosive Counters: Players such as Elanga and Neto can break transition phases in an instant.
- Psychological Edge: A burst past defenders can demoralize opposition—pace is both a physical tool and a mental one.
- Versatility Adds Value: Seeing midfielders like Szoboszlai hit top numbers redefines expectations of player roles.