Valencia tops Fastest Footballers in the World

By Odulaja Adetayo
Pace is a vital part of the modern day game whether it be the striker or winger attempting to breach the opponent’s defence or the powerhouse box to box midfielder in the engine room. Even centre backs who possess pace nowadays hold a big advantage over attackers. FIFA has worked out a way of calculating the quickest there is. These are the top ten…

#10 – ALEXIS SANCHEZ – BARCELONA – CHILE
Barcelona’s Chilean winger is ranked number 10 in the world’s fastest players list. The speedy winger has reached a top speed of 30.1 kilometres per hour which equals 18.7 miles per hour for the former Udinese winger.

#9 – ARJEN ROBBEN – BAYERN MUNICH – NETHERLANDS
Dutch attacker Arjen Robben combines his death-defying pace with outstanding dribbling ability making him a defenders nightmare. The former Chelsea man has led Bayern to the Bundesliga title this year clocking up a speed of 30.7 kilometres per house equalling 19.1 miles per hour.

#8 – FRANCK RIBERY – BAYERN MUNICH – FRANC
His French team-mate Franck Ribery makes the list at number eight. Ribery enjoyed one his best ever seasons last campaign finishing a respectable third in the race for the FIFA Ballon d’Or and leading his side to a remarkable treble. He has also clocked up a tally of 30.7 kmph and 19.1 mph.

#7 – WAYNE ROONEY – MANCHESTER UNITED – ENGLAND
English international Wayne Rooney must be faster than he looks as he makes the list at number seven. Once the former Everton striker kicks into top gear he record a 32.1 kilometre per hour speed which is 19.9 miles per hour. Not bad Wayne.

#6 – LIONEL MESSI – BARCELONA – ARGENTINA
Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer in the eyes of many, however he is recognised for his goal-scoring ability rather than his pace. The 26 year old hasn’t enjoyed the best of campaigns for his club struggling with injuries and the recent misfortune of Barcelona. Messi reaches 32.5 kilometres per hour or 20.2 miles per hour.

#5 – THEO WALCOTT – ARSENAL – ENGLAND
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott of Arsenal has always been well-known as a speed merchant and makes the top five fastest players in the world. Walcott’s hopes of making the World Cup were dashed after an injury for the Gunners. Nevertheless, once back to full fitness, Walcott clocks a high of 32.7 kilometres per hour at 20.3 miles per hour.

#4 – CRISTIANO RONALDO – REAL MADRID – PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ballon d’Or winner but not the world’s fastest player despite his quickness. The Portuguese international’s pace is one of his best attributes and coupled with his dribbling and agility makes him one of the world’s most dangerous players. The winger can reach a speed of 33.6 kilometres per hour which equates to 20.9 miles per hour.

#3 – AARON LENNON – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – ENGLAND
Aaron Lennon is the third English player to make the list at number three. The third fastest player in the world according to FIFA has always been a speedster at White Hart Lane reaching up to 33.8 kmph which translates to 21 mph.

#2 – GARETH BALE – REAL MADRID – WALES
Welshman Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive player, is the second fastest player in the world. The former Tottenham man has transformed from a defender to an attacker utilising his devastating pace as an offensive weapon. This was highlighted in the recent Copa Del Ray final against Barcelona where he exploded past Barca defender Marc Bartra, Bale ran off the field before collecting the ball and placing it through the legs of Pinto to hand Madrid the trophy. Bale reaches 34.7 kilometres per hour and 21.6 miles per hour.

#1 – ANTONIO VALENCIA – MANCHESTER UNITED – ECUADOR
Perhaps a surprising inclusion in the list, especially at number one is Manchester United’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia. According to FIFA the 28 year old is the fastest footballer on the planet despite not being first choice at Old Trafford. The winger reaches 35.2 kilometres per hour and 21.9 miles per hour.