It’s worth noting that most football speed studies should be taken with a pinch of salt; most are commissioned by sponsors like Nike looking to showcase the best talent in their stable, while others use different formulas to get to their results – meaning the results are inconsistent to say the least.
However two studies in recent years have the backing of OptaSports, the leader in football statistics and analysis so we can presume some level of legitimacy – although the results may leave you a little surprised.
What won’t leave you surprised is that of the three studies used to compile the list below, each one backed by a particular sponsor, has their own man at the top.
The results below are based on top speed achieved by players rather than their highest average speed or their 100 metres time, with the results coming courtesy of three separate studies.
lol @ Carroll faster than Ronaldo
Yeah this list is, lol.
Why are all the players from English Premier league? I call bullshit.
I'd say it's Obafemi Martins
messi, jordi alba, MLS players, South america league players and african players are all missing