10 fastest Premier League players: Mbeumo in top 3; No Haaland and Van de Ven

First of all, to determine these rankings, Opta utilizes advanced high-definition tracking cameras installed in every stadium. These devices record the position of players 25 times per second, allowing for the precise calculation of the top speed a player reaches during a specific match. This method ensures absolute objectivity based on actual performance on the pitch rather than reputation. 

Leading the list is Wolves full-back Jackson Tchatchoua. The 24-year-old Belgian international, who arrived from Hellas Verona in the summer, has recorded a staggering top speed of 23.2 mph. This figure not only surpasses his own Serie A record (22.4 mph) but also places him in a category of his own, significantly ahead of the competition. 

Next, Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie claims second place with a speed of 22.6 mph, closely followed by Manchester United’s new signing Bryan Mbeumo at 22.58 mph. 

The middle of the top 10 is incredibly tight. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto ranks 4th (22.57 mph), while Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon rounds out the top five (22.53 mph). The remaining spots are occupied by Daniel James (22.45 mph), Yankuba Minteh (22.44 mph), and a tie for eighth between Anthony Elanga and Nico O’Reilly (both 22.36 mph). Finishing the list are Kevin and William Osula, both clocked at 22.34 mph.

However, this list has sparked intense debate among supporters and pundits. Many find it difficult to believe that Haaland, known for his explosive power, or Van de Ven, who famously chased down attackers last season, failed to make the cut. 

The omission of Traore, widely regarded as the most physical sprinter in football, suggests that the tactical nature of the current season might be preventing these stars from reaching their absolute maximum velocity in open space.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Opta also revealed the league's slowest performers. While goalkeeper John Victor of Nottingham Forest is technically the slowest, the focus remains on outfield players. Brighton’s Joe Knight recorded the lowest speed at 12.47 mph, though this is likely due to his limited playing time of just one minute. 

More notably, Diego Coppola has been labeled the slowest regular participant, reaching only 14.99 mph in over 100 minutes of action. Other names at the bottom include Sunderland’s Dan Neil (15.18 mph) and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who has struggled at Villa Park with a top speed of only 15.5 mph.

10 fastest players in Premier League 2025/26: 

1. Jackson Tchatchoua (23.2 mph)

2. Destiny Udogie (22.6 mph)

3. Bryan Mbeumo (22.58 mph)

4. Pedro Neto (22.57 mph)

5. Anthony Gordon (22.53 mph)

6. Daniel James (22.45 mph)

7. Yankuba Minteh (22.44 mph)

8. Anthony Elanga (22.36 mph)

9. Nico O'Reilly (22.36 mph)

10. Kevin (22.34 mph)