Pace is a vital part of the modern day game
whether it be the striker or winger attempting to
breach the opponent’s defence or the powerhouse
box to box midfielder in the engine room. Even
centre backs who possess pace nowadays hold a
big advantage over attackers. FIFA has worked out
a way of calculating the quickest there is. This is
the top ten…
#10 – ALEXIS SANCHEZ – BARCELONA – CHILE
Barcelona’s Chilean winger is ranked number 10 in
the world’s fastest players list. The speedy winger
has reached a top speed of 30.1 kilometres per
hour which equals 18.7 miles per hour for the
former Udinese winger.
#9 – ARJEN ROBBEN – BAYERN MUNICH –
NETHERLANDS
Dutch attacker Arjen Robben combines his death-
defying pace with outstanding dribbling ability
making him a defenders nightmare. The former
Chelsea man has led Bayern to the Bundesliga title
this year clocking up a speed of 30.7 kilometres
per house equalling 19.1 miles per hour.
#8 – FRANCK RIBERY – BAYERN MUNICH –
FRANCE
His French team-mate Franck Ribery makes the list
at number eight. Ribery enjoyed one his best ever
seasons last campaign finishing a respectable third
in the race for the FIFA Ballon d’Or and leading his
side to a remarkable treble. He has also clocked
up a tally of 30.7 kmph and 19.1 mph.
#7 – WAYNE ROONEY – MANCHESTER UNITED –
ENGLAND
English international Wayne Rooney must be faster
than he looks as he makes the list at number
seven. Once the former Everton striker kicks into
top gear he record a 32.1 kilometre per hour
speed which is 19.9 miles per hour. Not bad
Wayne.
#6 – LIONEL MESSI – BARCELONA – ARGENTINA
Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer in the eyes
of many, however he is recognised for his goal-
scoring ability rather than his pace. The 26 year
old hasn’t enjoyed the best of campaigns for his
club struggling with injuries and the recent
misfortune of Barcelona. Messi reaches 32.5
kilometres per hour or 20.2 miles per hour.
#5 – THEO WALCOTT – ARSENAL – ENGLAND
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott of Arsenal has always
been well-known as a speed merchant and makes
the top five fastest players in the world. Walcott’s
hopes of making the World Cup were dashed after
an injury for the Gunners. Nevertheless, once back
to full fitness, Walcott clocks a high of 32.7
kilometres per hour at 20.3 miles per hour.
#4 – CRISTIANO RONALDO – REAL MADRID –
PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ballon d’Or winner but not
the world’s fastest player despite his quickness.
The Portuguese international’s pace is one of his
best attributes and coupled with his dribbling and
agility makes him one of the world’s most
dangerous players. The winger can reach a speed
of 33.6 kilometres per hour which equates to 20.9
miles per hour.
#3 – AARON LENNON – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR –
ENGLAND
Aaron Lennon is the third English player to make
the list at number three. The third fastest player in
the world according to FIFA has always been a
speedster at White Hart Lane reaching up to 33.8
kmph which translates to 21 mph.
#2 – GARETH BALE – REAL MADRID – WALES
Welshman Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive
player, is the second fastest player in the world.
The former Tottenham man has transformed from a
defender to an attacker utilising his devastating
pace as an offensive weapon. This was highlighted
in the recent Copa Del Ray final against Barcelona
where he exploded past Barca defender Marc
Bartra, Bale ran off the field before collecting the
ball and placing it through the legs of Pinto to
hand Madrid the trophy. Bale reaches 34.7
kilometres per hour and 21.6 miles per hour.
#1 – ANTONIO VALENCIA – MANCHESTER UNITED
– ECUADOR
Perhaps a surprising inclusion in the list,
especially at number one is Manchester United’s
Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia. According to
FIFA the 28 year old is the fastest footballer on the
planet despite not being first choice at Old
Trafford. The winger reaches 35.2 kilometres per
hour and 21.9 miles per hour.

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so no Nigerian politician made the list...how come dem dey run pass all dis bombs?