The CIES Football Observatory has released new data on the running speeds of players from teams still active in the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League.

The report identifies  the 20 fastest players (maximum speed in the competition) for five position categories, while also providing a detailed breakdown of the distances covered at different speed ranges.

According to the study, Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon ranks as the fastest player, having recorded a top speed of 37.92 km/h.

Among centre-forwards, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé leads the standings with a top speed of 35.67 km/h, while Galatasaray’s Nigeria international Victor Osimhen is placed 11th in the ranking with a top speed of 33.45 km/h. 

The Super Eagles star is notably quicker than several high-profile attackers, including Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth and Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi.

Osimhen’s work rate and off-the-ball movement are further reflected in his ranking in the low-speed distance category, where he trails only Mbappé.

In terms of distance distribution by speed category, three centre-forwards recorded the highest proportion of ground covered at speeds below 7 km/h among the 100 players listed, namely Mbappé (43.5%), Osimhen (41.9%) and Luis Suárez (40.1%).

Osimhen has directly contributed to eight goals (6 goals, 2 assists) in seven Champions League appearances this season, ahead of Wednesday’s clash between Juventus and Galatasaray in Turin.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel