Soccer is a game of speed. No matter how much intelligence, skill, or physicality you have, a fast runner certainly has an advantage one way or the other. It’s safe to say that the beautiful game has produced some of the fastest players with Kyle Walker being one of them. But is he at the No. 1 spot among the other big names? Let’s find out.

Well, to break the ice, the Manchester City star though, is speedy, but he is not the one to set the bar at the first place in this sport. Leading this list is none other than France legend Thierry Henry. The former Arsenal superstar has recorded the highest speed of 24.3 mph. Behind the 1998 World Cup winner is Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven. The 23-year-old made a run of 23.2 mph.

Interestingly, Kyle Walker takes the third place on the list with a top speed of 23.18 mph. This number was recorded during one of the Premier League matches. Yet, despite being 34, we reckon he can take the standings. During the final of the UEFA Euro 2024 against Spain, the former Tottenham right-back defeated 22-year-old forward Nico Williams in a sprint to steal the ball.

A veteran defeating a young generational talent is indeed a rare sight in soccer, especially when it comes to speed. In a world where an age beyond prime has created a stereotype that player’s fitness issues take a toll, Walker is out here, breaking all the odds. In fact, you would be surprised to hear that the English international ranks ahead of the most notable names.

Kyle Walker has surpassed some of the biggest names on the list of fastest soccer players in the world

After Kyle Walker is Bayern Munich and Netherlands icon Arjen Robben with a speed of 23 mph. Luton Town and Irish forward Chiedozie Ogbene shockingly makes the top 5 with his highest speed of 22.9 mph. The list is followed by Real Madrid and Wales icon Gareth Bale (22.92 mph), former Barcelona and Chelsea star Pedro (22.90 mph), and Hungarian youngster Dominik Szoboszlai (22.84 mph).

Defender duo of Dara O’Shea (22.82 mph) and Antonio Rudiger (22.80 mph) are surprisingly ahead of lethal strikers including Mohamed Salah (22.64 mph), Ronaldo Nazario (22.49 mph) and Kylian Mbappe (22.3 mph). However, the biggest talking point doesn’t end here, with Cristiano Ronaldo (21 mph) taking 16th place behind Leroy Sane (22.30 mph) and Antonio Valencia (21.81 mph).

Still, in the end, no amount of pace or sprint could save the Three Lions. Yet, although England fell short before La Roja, losing 1-2, Walker’s record deserves some applause. What are your thoughts on England’s performance in the Euro final? Sound off in the comments below!