The Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football league, has earned a reputation for fast-paced, high-intensity games. This characteristic draws attention to the question: who is the fastest player in the Bundesliga? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems, as speed in football can be measured in various ways—whether it's top speed over short distances or the ability to maintain high velocity during a match. In this article, Wintips will delve into the players currently considered the fastest in the Bundesliga, and how their speed has contributed to their careers.
The Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football league, has earned a reputation for fast-paced, high-intensity games. This characteristic draws attention to the question: who is the fastest player in the Bundesliga? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems, as speed in football can be measured in various ways—whether it's top speed over short distances or the ability to maintain high velocity during a match. In this article, Wintips will delve into the players currently considered the fastest in the Bundesliga, and how their speed has contributed to their careers.
The Significance of Speed in Football
Speed is one of the most sought-after qualities in modern football. From breaking away on counter-attacks to tracking back and making crucial tackles, the ability to sprint faster than the opposition can determine the outcome of a match. For attacking players, speed allows them to get behind defenses, create scoring opportunities, and finish chances with precision. For defenders, speed is crucial to closing down attackers and preventing dangerous situations.
In the Bundesliga, the importance of speed is even more pronounced. The league is known for its high-pressing style of play, which demands that players be always on the move. This means that teams must have players capable of quickly accelerating and decelerating while maintaining sharp decision-making.
Who is the fastest player in Bundesliga history?
Here, we take a closer look at some of the fastest players in football, based on their top speeds during official matches.
8. Kevin Schade – 22.60 mph
Kevin Schade's name may not yet be as globally recognized as some of the other speedsters on this list, but the German winger has certainly made an impression in his relatively short career. Schade, who started his career at Freiburg before making a loan move to Premier League side Brentford, showcased his exceptional pace during a 3-1 victory over Greuther Furth. In that match, Schade reached a blistering speed of 22.60 mph, a feat that put him on the radar of many football fans and pundits alike.
Despite making only 36 appearances for Freiburg before his move to Brentford, Schade's speed was one of the standout qualities that earned him this recognition. It will be fascinating to see if Schade can replicate or even surpass this top speed in the Premier League, a league renowned for its fast-paced nature and intense competition. His ability to use his pace effectively could prove to be a major asset for Brentford as they continue their campaign in English football.
7. Sheraldo Becker – 22.61 mph
Suriname international Sheraldo Becker has become a key player for Union Berlin, and his remarkable speed has played a significant role in his team's success. During the 2021/22 season, Becker reached a top speed of 22.61 mph in a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart. This match was a pivotal one for Union Berlin, as they sought to secure a spot in the Champions League qualification, and Becker's blistering pace was a highlight.
The 22.61 mph speed was enough to place Becker among the fastest players in Europe, showcasing his ability to outrun defenders with ease. His remarkable pace, combined with his skill on the ball, has made Becker one of the most exciting attacking players in the Bundesliga. As Union Berlin continues to push for higher honors, Becker's speed will undoubtedly remain an essential weapon in their arsenal.
6. Leon Bailey – 22.62 mph
Leon Bailey, the Jamaican winger currently plying his trade at Aston Villa, has long been known for his pace. Since his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Villa in 2021, fans have eagerly awaited the full display of his talents, and one of the standout features of his game is his blistering speed. During his time in the Bundesliga, Bailey recorded a top speed of 22.62 mph in a 2-0 defeat to Hertha Berlin during the 2019/20 season.
Bailey's speed is not surprising, given Jamaica's reputation for producing world-class sprinters. His pace, combined with his dribbling and technical ability, makes him a constant threat on the wing. As he continues to settle into life at Villa Park, Bailey's speed could prove to be a key factor in Aston Villa's push for European football. The Reggae Boyz international has all the tools to become one of the Premier League's top performers, and his pace is certainly a weapon that sets him apart from his competitors.
5. Achraf Hakimi – 22.67 mph
Achraf Hakimi's journey from Borussia Dortmund to Inter Milan and ultimately Paris Saint-Germain has seen him develop into one of the most exciting full-backs in world football. Hakimi's incredible speed was first noticed during his time at Dortmund, where he broke records with his rapid pace. In a 5-0 victory over Union Berlin in 2020, Hakimi reached a top speed of 22.67 mph, which at the time was a new benchmark for speed in the Bundesliga.
Hakimi's speed was not a one-off occurrence, as he had already recorded a top speed of 22.49 mph in a previous match against RB Leipzig. His performances in the Bundesliga earned him a move to Inter Milan, where he continued to shine with his blistering pace and attacking contributions. At PSG, Hakimi has maintained his impressive speed, and his performances at the 2022 World Cup with Morocco further solidified his reputation as one of the fastest players in world football.
4. Alphonso Davies – 22.69 mph
When it comes to speed in football, Alphonso Davies is a name that immediately comes to mind. The Canadian international has long been recognized for his blistering pace, which has made him one of the most feared wingers in European football. Davies' top speed of 22.69 mph was recorded during a Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen in the 2019/20 season when Bayern Munich secured the title.
That speed, however, is perhaps best remembered for the time Davies left Chelsea's defenders trailing in his wake during Bayern's 3-0 Champions League victory at Stamford Bridge. His pace, combined with his ball control and dribbling ability, makes Davies a constant threat in the final third. The Canadian's performances in the 2022 World Cup with Canada further showcased his blistering pace, and Bayern Munich fans have come to expect nothing less than a rapid and electrifying performance from their star full-back.
3. Moussa Diaby – 22.69 mph
Moussa Diaby is another player whose combination of speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability has made him one of the most exciting talents in European football. The French winger, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, reached a top speed of 22.69 mph during a 1-1 draw against Wolfsburg in the 2022/23 season. Diaby's ability to accelerate quickly, combined with his precision in front of goal, makes him a constant threat on the wing.
Diaby's pace has made him a sought-after player in the transfer market, with Premier League clubs showing interest in acquiring his services. Given his impressive form and potential, it wouldn't be surprising to see Diaby make a move to one of Europe's elite leagues shortly. His top speed of 22.69 mph is a testament to his athleticism, and it has made him one of the fastest players in football today.
2. Jeremiah St. Juste – 22.76 mph
Jeremiah St. Juste, the Dutch defender currently playing for Sporting Lisbon, is the only player on this list to be recognized for his speed in the defensive position. St. Juste set a new record for the fastest defender in the Bundesliga during the 2021/22 season, reaching a top speed of 22.76 mph while playing for Mainz 05 in a match against Union Berlin. This speed is all the more impressive considering St. Juste's role as a central defender, where pace is not typically associated with such positions.
St. Juste's speed was a key factor in earning him a move to Sporting Lisbon, where he now plays at the highest level of European football. His ability to cover ground quickly has made him a valuable asset for his club, and his performances have proven that defenders can be just as quick as attacking players when given the right opportunities.
1. Karim Adeyemi – 22.77 mph
And finally, the fastest player on this list is Karim Adeyemi, the young German forward who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund. Adeyemi, who has quickly made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, set a new speed record of 22.77 mph during a match against Freiburg. His incredible pace, combined with his skill and goal-scoring ability, makes him one of the most exciting young talents in football.
Adeyemi's first few months at Dortmund were not the easiest, but he has since settled in and announced his arrival in the Bundesliga. His top speed of 22.77 mph is the new benchmark for speed in the league, surpassing previous records set by the likes of Alphonso Davies and Achraf Hakimi. With Adeyemi's potential and his record-breaking pace, it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop in the coming years.
Summary
The fastest player in Bundesliga, Karim Adeyemi, alongside other speedy stars, has redefined what it means to play at high velocity in football. Their incredible pace has not only made them key contributors to their teams' success but has also shaped the overall fast and exciting style of the Bundesliga. As the Bundesliga continues to grow, it’s clear that the fastest players in the league will remain at the forefront, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the field.
