Speed has always been one of the most exciting attributes in football, and Africa has produced some of the fastest players ever to grace the game. From blistering counterattacks to rapid defensive recoveries, these players have used their raw pace to dominate the pitch.
In this in-depth article, we take a look at the fastest African footballers in history, strictly focusing on players who represented African national teams.
Why Speed Is a Game-Changer in Football
In modern football, speed can make the difference between winning and losing. A fast player can:
✅ Outrun defenders on the counterattack
✅ Track back quickly to prevent goals
✅ Exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defense
✅ Create chances through sheer pace and acceleration
Now, let’s break down the fastest African footballers of all time and see who ranks at the top!
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) – 36.55 km/h
Africa’s Speed King
Top Speed: 36.55 km/h
Position: Forward
Clubs Played For: Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea
National Team: Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is officially the fastest African footballer in history, recording an incredible top speed of 36.55 km/h while playing for Borussia Dortmund.
Key Strengths:
✅ Rapid acceleration
✅ Intelligent movement behind defenders
✅ Clinical finishing
Aubameyang’s speed made him one of the deadliest strikers in Europe. He terrorized defenses with his explosive runs and quick finishing, proving to be a nightmare for defenders.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – 36.48 km/h
The Fastest Defender in Africa
Top Speed: 36.48 km/h
Position: Right-back
Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain
National Team: Morocco
Achraf Hakimi is the fastest African defender ever, clocking an astonishing 36.48 km/h. His speed allows him to bomb forward in attack while still recovering in defense.
Key Strengths:
✅ Explosive pace up the wing
✅ Defensive awareness and positioning
✅ Excellent dribbling and crossing ability
Hakimi played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run, using his pace to dominate the flanks.
3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 36.06 km/h
The Egyptian Speedster
Top Speed: 36.06 km/h
Position: Winger
Clubs Played For: Chelsea, AS Roma, Liverpool
National Team: Egypt
Mohamed Salah is not just one of Africa’s greatest players; he’s also one of its fastest. With a recorded top speed of 36.06 km/h, he has burned defenders with his quick feet and acceleration.
Key Strengths:
✅ Quick bursts of pace
✅ Deadly finishing
✅ Agile dribbling ability
Salah’s ability to sprint past defenders and cut inside has been a major factor in his Premier League success.
4. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 35.5 km/h
Senegal’s Speed Demon
Top Speed: 35.5 km/h
Position: Forward/Winger
Clubs Played For: Southampton, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Al Nassr
National Team: Senegal
Sadio Mané is one of the fastest and most hardworking forwards in modern football. His 35.5 km/h top speed has made him a nightmare for defenders.
Key Strengths:
✅ Quick sprints and dribbles
✅ High work rate on and off the ball
✅ Great movement in attacking positions
Mané’s speed was a key factor in Senegal’s 2021 AFCON triumph, where he played a leading role in their success.
5. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 35.6 km/h
Nigeria’s Lightning Striker
Top Speed: 35.6 km/h
Position: Striker
Clubs Played For: Lille, Napoli
National Team: Nigeria
Victor Osimhen is the fastest Nigerian player ever, clocking an impressive 35.6 km/h during his time at Napoli.
Key Strengths:
✅ Strong physical presence
✅ Sharp movements in the penalty box
✅ Relentless pressing and work rate
Osimhen’s speed makes him a constant threat, especially when playing on the counterattack.
6. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 35.3 km/h
The Indomitable Lion’s Speed and Power
Top Speed: 35.3 km/h
Position: Striker
Clubs Played For: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea
National Team: Cameroon
Samuel Eto’o was one of the fastest strikers of his era, reaching speeds of 35.3 km/h in his prime. His ability to combine pace with finishing made him one of Africa’s greatest goal scorers.
Key Strengths:
✅ Intelligent movement off the ball
✅ Clinical finishing
✅ Strong leadership on the pitch
Eto’o used his speed to exploit defensive gaps, making him a legendary striker for club and country.
7. Obafemi Martins (Nigeria) – 35.1 km/h
The Weapon of Mass Destruction
Top Speed: 35.1 km/h
Position: Striker
Clubs Played For: Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg
National Team: Nigeria
Obafemi Martins was one of the quickest strikers of his time, using his blistering speed and powerful shots to dismantle defenses.
Key Strengths:
✅ Rapid acceleration
✅ Great balance and agility
✅ Powerful shooting ability
His speed made him one of Nigeria’s most dangerous forwards, especially during counterattacks.
Final Ranking: Who is the Fastest African Footballer?
From Aubameyang’s explosive runs to Hakimi’s rapid defensive recoveries, Africa has produced some of the fastest footballers in history.
Top 3 Fastest African Players:
🥇 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 36.55 km/h
🥈 Achraf Hakimi – 36.48 km/h
🥉 Mohamed Salah – 36.06 km/h
Speed will always be a key asset in football, and these African stars have used it to achieve greatness.
Final Thoughts
Africa has consistently produced some of the fastest and most electrifying players in world football. These stars have used their pace and acceleration to leave defenders in the dust and create legendary moments in football history.
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🚀 Who do you think is the fastest African footballer ever? Let us know in the comments!
