Who is the fastest footballer in the UK?

Speed stands out in the Premier League.

One sharp movement or burst of acceleration can open up space that didn’t exist a second earlier. Some players use pace to carry their team up the pitch, others use it to recover when things go wrong. It’s one of the most visible physical traits in the game, and it can completely change the way a match is played.

So, who is the fastest footballer in the UK? And who has recorded the highest sprint speed in Premier League history? 

The raw stats give us a much clearer picture than reputation or highlight clips. Here’s what the numbers tell us. 

Who is the fastest player in the Premier League right now?

Based on official in-match tracking data from the Premier League, the fastest recorded sprint in the Premier League this season belongs to Jackson Tchatchoua of Wolves. 

He reached a top speed of 37.30 km/h in a match against Everton. This places him among the quickest players recorded since the league began tracking sprint speeds across all clubs. 

Other high speeds recorded this season include:

• Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) at 36.36 km/h

• Dan James (Leeds United) at 36.14 km/h

• Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) at 36.11 km/h

• Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United) at 36.00 km/h

These numbers reflect a few different ways speed shows up in matches. Quick players can drag their team up the pitch, get back to stop danger, or disrupt an opponent’s build-up with a well-timed chase. Tchatchoua’s lightning-fast speed stands out in those transition moments, but he still falls short of the top spot.

Who is the fastest player in Premier League history?

One of the highest officially recorded sprint speeds in Premier League history belongs to Kyle Walker, who reached 37.31 km/h during the 2020/21 season. 

Walker remains one of the most reliably fast players in the league. His acceleration over distance and recovery pace are still exceptional. Even into his thirties, defenders and forwards alike know that a head start does not guarantee safety if Walker is the one turning to chase.

But the highest verified sprint speed since the Premier League introduced consistent tracking across all clubs belongs to Micky van de Ven, who recorded a lightning-fast 37.38 km/h for Tottenham Hotspur in 2024. That’s pretty damn fast. 

What about Erling Haaland?

Haaland’s top recorded Premier League sprint is around 36.22 km/h. 

What makes that interesting is not just the number, but the context. Haaland doesn’t sprint constantly. He waits, watches the line, and accelerates only when there is space to exploit. His speed is a finishing tool, instead of a constant weapon.

When he moves, defenders move with him. And when he opens up his stride, the pitch feels a hell of a lot smaller.

Speed Demons: why pace matters

Pace influences how teams organise the pitch. When there’s a player who can move quickly over distance, the game stretches, passing options open earlier, defensive lines shift back, and transitions become more direct. 

It changes the rhythm of the game. 

Quick players, even quicker wins

Match Bingo lets you play along while the match is happening. The sprints, the counters, and the chases down the line all turn into live bingo card events with NOW games, live events, and chances to win big as the match unfolds.

If you enjoy football at full speed, this is where to follow it.