When you think of raw speed in football, it’s often wingers and strikers that come to mind—those electric players who can zip past defenders and leave crowds gasping. But what about the guardians of the backline?
Over the years, some defenders have shattered the stereotype of being solely physical or tactical anchors by showcasing blistering pace that rivals even the fastest forwards. From miraculous recovery runs to lightning-fast sprints that turn defence into attack, these defenders have redefined what it means to patrol the pitch.
Here Are The 10 Fastest Defenders of All-time
10. Antonee Robinson (34.7 km/h)
“The American Flyer” – Fulham’s flying left-back.
Antonee Robinson’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of inspiring. Known affectionately as “Jedi,” the Fulham left-back carved out a name for himself with a top speed of 34.7 km/h during the 2024/25 Premier League season. His relentless energy and ability to cover the flank from defence to attack have made him a fan favourite in London.
A product of Everton’s academy, Robinson’s journey took him through Wigan Athletic, where he honed his craft, before stepping onto the Premier League stage. His pace isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a defensive weapon, allowing him to recover swiftly and thwart counter-attacks, while his surging runs bring dynamism to Fulham’s game.
9. Héctor Bellerín (34.74 km/h)
“Arsenal’s Lightning Bolt” – A flash of brilliance during the Wenger years.
Héctor Bellerín’s career at Arsenal was marked by moments of breathtaking speed and technical prowess. Breaking into the first team as a teenager, the Spanish full-back quickly became a symbol of the club’s youth revolution during Arsène Wenger’s later years. Fans fondly remember his explosive runs down the right flank, often leaving defenders chasing shadows.
It wasn’t just his pace that stood out; Bellerín had an uncanny ability to combine speed with precision, creating goal-scoring opportunities with well-timed cutbacks. While injuries eventually took their toll, his prime years were a spectacle to behold—highlighted by jaw-dropping recovery sprints that often saved Arsenal from conceding goals.
8. Jeremie Frimpong (35.96 km/h)
“The bundle of energy” – Xabi Alonso’s secret weapon.
Jeremie Frimpong’s electrifying pace has been a game-changer for Bayer Leverkusen. Clocking a staggering 35.96 km/h, the Dutchman thrived under Xabi Alonso’s management, playing a key role in Leverkusen’s 2024 Bundesliga triumph.
Frimpong’s speed isn’t just about attacking flair; it’s a cornerstone of his defensive game. From his days at Celtic to becoming a Bundesliga standout, his ability to transition seamlessly between defence and attack is unmatched. His blinding runs down the flank and knack for delivering crucial assists have solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s finest wing-backs.
7. Maxence Lacroix (36.13 km/h)
“The French Bullet” – Speed meets strength in the heart of defence.
Maxence Lacroix’s top speed of 36.13 km/h proves the modern centre-back's evolution. Combining sheer pace with physical dominance, Lacroix made his mark at Wolfsburg, where his rapid recovery runs became the stuff of legend.
Crystal Palace recognised his potential and brought him to the Premier League in 2024. Though his speed on English soil hasn’t reached the same heights yet, his composure under pressure and ability to outpace even the quickest forwards have made him a key figure in the Eagles’ backline.
6. Alphonso Davies (36.53 km/h)
“The Roadrunner” – A Canadian sensation in Bavaria.
Alphonso Davies burst onto the scene like a force of nature during Bayern Munich’s 2019/20 treble-winning campaign. With a top speed of 36.53 km/h, his lung-busting runs down the left flank earned him the nickname “The Roadrunner” among fans.
Davies’ pace isn’t just raw speed; it’s a weapon of precision. His famous sprint against Erling Haaland in 2020, where he covered immense ground to make a last-ditch tackle, remains etched in footballing folklore. As Bayern’s key man, Davies continues to dazzle, combining speed with skill to become one of the most dangerous left-backs in the world.
5. Achraf Hakimi (36.55 km/h)
“The Moroccan Maverick” – Blazing trails across Europe’s top leagues.
Achraf Hakimi’s career epitomises his versatility and incredible pace, clocking a phenomenal 36.55 km/h. From Real Madrid to Borussia Dortmund, and now Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi has consistently been one of the fastest players on any pitch he steps on.
What sets Hakimi apart is his tactical intelligence and ability to time his runs perfectly. His speed is not just about attacking; it’s a defensive asset, enabling him to track back and neutralize threats. Whether it’s a Champions League night or a Ligue 1 clash, Hakimi’s acceleration and explosive bursts remain a nightmare for opponents.
4. Antonio Rüdiger (36.72 km/h)
“The German Juggernaut” – Power, pace, and precision.
Antonio Rüdiger’s top speed of 36.72 km/h is a reflection of his all-action style. A mainstay for Real Madrid and the German national team, Rüdiger’s ability to combine blistering pace with physicality has made him one of the world’s most reliable defenders.
Rüdiger’s standout moments often involve jaw-dropping sprints to recover the ball, earning him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. His knack for tracking down the fastest attackers and shutting them out, paired with his imposing frame, makes him an indispensable asset for any team.
3. Dara O'Shea (36.73 km/h)
“The Unlikely Speedster” – A bright spark in dark times.
Dara O’Shea’s inclusion in this list may surprise many, but his incredible speed of 36.73 km/h is no fluke. The Irish defender stood out in Burnley’s challenging 2023/24 Premier League campaign, where his pace became a beacon of hope amidst their relegation struggles.
O’Shea’s ability to cover ground quickly often saved Burnley from conceding, even against the league’s top sides. Now at Ipswich Town, he continues to utilise his pace to great effect, proving that speed can be just as crucial in the lower tiers as it is in the top flight.
2. Kyle Walker (37.31 km/h)
“The Evergreen Sprinter” – A living legend of pace and endurance.
Kyle Walker’s longevity at the top is a testament to his exceptional physical attributes, particularly his speed. With a top speed of 37.31 km/h, the Manchester City stalwart has consistently been among the Premier League’s fastest players for over a decade.
Walker’s ability to make last-ditch tackles, bomb forward in attack, and recover defensively has been key to Pep Guardiola’s tactical setups. Whether he’s chasing down wingers or overlapping for crosses, Walker’s pace remains one of the most feared weapons in English football.
1. Micky van de Ven (37.38 km/h)
“The Dutch Dynamo” – A record-breaking revelation at Spurs.
Micky van de Ven’s 37.38 km/h sprint against Brentford in January 2024 cemented his place as the fastest defender of all time. The Dutchman’s lightning speed has revolutionized Tottenham’s defensive line, allowing them to play a high-risk, high-reward system under their new manager.
Despite his rapid rise, Van de Ven’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Muscle injuries have occasionally sidelined him, but his contributions to Spurs’ revival have been immense. Fans and analysts agree: Van de Ven is an unstoppable force defensively and offensively when fit. These 10 facts about Micky van de Ven offer deeper insight into the Dutchman.
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