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Top 10 Fastest Players in the Premier League in 2026

Micky Van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur leads the speed charts this season, reaching a peak of 37.12 km/h. Following closely are Matheus Nunes from Manchester City at 36.7 km/h and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United with 36.6 km/h. Young talents like Anthony Elanga (35.9 km/h) and Yankuba Minteh (36.4 km/h) also make a mark. Despite a quieter season, Erling Haaland clocks in at 35.74 km/h among the fastest. The list includes players from various positions—wingers, midfielders, and defenders such as Van de Ven and Abdukodir Khusanov (36.3 km/h). Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai leads his position with 35 km/h.

Speed in football plays a vital role on both ends of the pitch. A winger’s pace helps them escape markers quickly, while defenders rely on speed to catch attackers. Sprinting is defined by Opta as running above 25 km/h for a notable distance. Based on these metrics, here are the top ten fastest Premier League players in the 2025/26 season:

  • 10. Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea, Winger) - 35.48 km/h
  • 9. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal, Winger) - 35.57 km/h
  • 8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Striker) - 35.74 km/h
  • 7. Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest, Winger) - 35.90 km/h
  • 6. Jermie Frimpong (Liverpool, Wing-back) - 36.10 km/h
  • 5. Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City, Defender) - 36.30 km/h
  • 4. Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion, Winger) - 36.40 km/h
  • 3. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United, Winger/Forward) - 36.60 km/h
  • 2. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City, Midfielder) - 36.70 km/h
  • 1. Micky Van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur, Centre-back) - 37.12 km/h

Profiles of Key Players

The Argentine winger was a key figure at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag, known for his pace and smart runs. His style didn’t fit with the new manager Ruben Amorim’s system, reducing his starting opportunities. Garnacho clocked 35.48 km/h this season before transferring permanently to Chelsea.

  • Top Speed: 35.48 km/h
  • Appearances: 24
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 4

Martinelli is recognized for his lightning-quick runs and strong attacking presence for Arsenal. While his finishing needs work, his pace and movement make him a crucial threat. He aims to increase his goal tally in upcoming seasons.

  • Top Speed: 35.57 km/h
  • Appearances: 50
  • Goals: 10
  • Assists: 5

Though not always seen as the fastest, Haaland’s explosive speed combined with strength makes him daunting. This season was tough for City and Haaland with injuries and team struggles affecting his usual impact.

  • Top Speed: 35.74 km/h
  • Appearances: 43
  • Goals: 30
  • Assists: 4

After leaving Manchester United, Elanga flourished at Nottingham Forest with his blistering counter-attacks, netting six goals and assisting 11 times. This summer, he joined Newcastle to strengthen their attack.

  • Top Speed: 35.90 km/h
  • Appearances: 42
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 12

The Dutch wing-back joined Liverpool recently and showed promising bursts down the flank with his pace and stamina. His overlapping runs and quick accelerations were key in Bayer Leverkusen's undefeated Bundesliga title before moving to the Premier League.

  • Top Speed: 36.10 km/h
  • Appearances: 7
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 0

The Uzbek defender surprised many by joining City during a defensive crisis. His physicality and speed helped him earn trust quickly, becoming the first player from Uzbekistan in the Premier League.

  • Top Speed: 36.30 km/h
  • Appearances: 5
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 0

Minteh impressed Brighton after being sold by Newcastle. His electric dribbling and pace troubled defenders consistently despite some injury setbacks.

  • Top Speed: 36.40 km/h
  • Appearances: 36
  • Goals: 7
  • Assists: 5

Mbeumo had a breakthrough season at Brentford before moving to Manchester United. His speed allowed him to create and score frequently, proving himself as a key attacker.

  • Top Speed: 36.60 km/h
  • Appearances: 41
  • Goals: 19
  • Assists: 8

Initially struggling at City, Nunes found a niche playing as a right-back, using his pace to cover vast ground and contribute offensively with crosses and assists.

  • Top Speed: 36.73 km/h
  • Appearances: 38
  • Goals: 4
  • Assists: 10

The Dutch centre-back tops the chart with a speed of 37.12 km/h, an extraordinary feat for a defender. Known for his game reading, tackling, and rapid sprints, Van de Ven has set the record for one of the fastest Premier League sprints ever.

  • Top Speed: 37.12 km/h
  • Appearances: 22
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 2

Fastest Players by Position

  • Matheus Nunes (Manchester City) - 36.7 km/h
  • Jermie Frimpong (Liverpool) - 36.1 km/h
  • Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) - 35.8 km/h
  • Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) - 35 km/h
  • Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) - 34.6 km/h
  • Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) - 36.6 km/h
  • Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion) - 36.4 km/h
  • Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest) - 36.2 km/h

FAQs

  • Fastest player in the Premier League? Micky Van de Ven
  • Fastest winger? Bryan Mbeumo
  • Fastest full-back? Matheus Nunes
  • Fastest goalkeeper? Robert Sanchez
  • Fastest striker? Erling Haaland

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