Speed, speed of reaction and masterly possession of the ball - this is the minimum that a good football player should have. Often enough to be a hundredths of a second faster than an opponent to ensure victory for your team.
We analyzed the speed ratings of athletes over the past few years, which were presented by both serious periodicals, such as the Daily Mail, and FiIFA itself, and compiled our list. The fastest players in the world - we offer our readers the rating of athletes who can develop impressive speed on the field.
10. Alexis Sanchez | Speed up to 30.1 km / h
In tenth place among the fastest players in the world Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean footballer was born into a fisherman's family, but since childhood he became interested in football and achieved impressive success in his sports career. Now he is a striker in the British club Arsenal and is part of the Chilean national team. On the football field, Sanchez has a speed of 30.1 km / h. On the account of the 27-year-old football player there are not so many victories as his more famous teammates. He was recognized by the fans as a player of the year in 2014/15 and became Chilean best player in 2009.
9. Frank Ribery | Speed up to 30.7 km / h
The ninth place in the ranking of the fastest soccer players is held by the Bayern Munich midfielder, a multiple winner of the Champions League Frank Ribery. On the field, he has a speed of up to 30.7 km / h.
8. Wayne Rooney | Speed up to 32.1 km / h
In eighth place among the fastest players is Wayne Rooney. The 30-year-old striker of the English club Manchester United can reach speeds of up to 32.1 km / h. Although outwardly it looks quite heavy, Rooney often attacks from the depth or center of the field, showing a high level of speed. Excellent performance, accurate pass and universalism make Rooney not only one of the fastest, but also talented players of his generation. His skill was noted in the sports world with many titles and awards. This year he led the rating of the richest football players in England. To get to the first line of the honorary list he was helped by contracts with such global brands as Nike, Nokia, Coca-Cola and Ford.
7. Lionel Messi | Speed up to 32.5 km / h
Lionel Messiranks seventh in the ranking of the fastest players - one of the best players in the world. His name is known even to those who are absolutely not interested in football. Messi is deservedly considered a brilliant player - he won three prestigious sports awards such as the FIFA Golden Ball and Golden Boot. In 2008, Messi became the Olympic champion. From 2003 to the present day, the footballer has been the defender of the Spanish Barcelona. In his homeland, Messi is valued highly - since 2011, the athlete has led the Argentine national team. On a football field, he develops a maximum speed of 32.5 km / h. Messi does not top the list of high-speed players, but is recognized as the most expensive athlete.
6. Theo Walcott | Speed up to 32.7 km / h
Sixth place in the ranking of the fastest players belongs Theo Walcottu, which is capable of developing speeds of up to 32.7 km / h on the field. The midfielder of the British club Arsenal in 2012 was named the fastest football player. Walcott became the youngest member of the England national team - he debuted in it at the age of 17.
This season, Wilcott’s game is on the decline, which led to rumors about the possible departure of the player from the club in the coming summer. Arsenal’s mentor Arsene Wenger said that the club hasn’t scheduled transfers yet, and everything will depend on how successfully Wilcott finishes the season.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo | Speed up to 33.6 km / h
Illustrious Cristiano Ronaldo this time does not lead the top 10 fastest players in football. One of the best athletes in the history of football is in fifth place in our ranking. The maximum recorded speed of the striker and midfielder of the Spanish club Real Madrid is quite high - 33.6 km / h. But Ronaldo is valued not for speed, but for the excellent skill that he demonstrates in every game, entering the field. The most expensive football player in the world, the best player in the history of Portuguese football, the four-time winner of the Golden Boot and the three-time Golden Ball are just a fraction of the achievements of the Portuguese athlete.
4. Aaron Lennon | Speed up to 33.8 km / h
Aaron Lennon, who plays for the Everton club and is part of the England national team, shows a speed of 33.8 km / h on the field, making him one of the fastest players in the world. It is noteworthy that the growth of the player is 165 centimeters, and in the Premier League he is considered the lowest player.
Interesting fact: at the age of 14, Lennon signed a contract with the world's leading sports brand Adidas. He became the youngest player to start working with a large company at such a young age. Lennon is in fourth place on our list.
3. Gareth Bale | Speed up to 34.7 km / h
In third place on the list of the fastest players in the world is the Welshman Gareth Baleplaying for the Spanish club Real Madrid. It has a high speed - it can develop it on the field up to 34, 7 km / h. He is one of the most expensive players in the world - his transfer cost Real Madrid 100 million euros. According to the athlete, he became interested in football at the age of three and constantly begged his father to take him to the park for training. As a child, Gareth dreamed of becoming a great footballer, and was able to fulfill his cherished desire - he is considered not only one of the fastest, but also talented young footballers.
2. Antonio Valencia | Speed up to 35.1 km / h
In second place in the ranking of the fastest players in the world is Antonio Valencia, player of the British club Manchester United. An Ecuadorian footballer showed excellent speed (35.1 km / h) in the match between Blackburn and Manchester United.
1. Arjen Robben | Speed up to 37 km / h
The eminent midfielder of the Bayern Munich heads the list of the fastest players. Arjen Robben. He developed an amazing speed of 37 km / h at the 2014 World Cup. This speed record was never broken, which makes the Dutch winger the fastest player.