Anthony Gordon, recently transferred from Newcastle to FC Barcelona, tops the speed rankings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A study by CIES, published in La Gazzetta dello Sport, recorded Gordon reaching a peak speed of 37.92 km/h during the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season, surpassing all other wingers, full-backs, and forwards.
Gordon’s speed exceeds the average velocity recorded by Usain Bolt in his 100-meter world record (37.58 km/h), an almost surreal feat given it was achieved wearing football boots on grass with opponents chasing him.
This exceptional pace puts Gordon ahead of renowned fast players like Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who is outside the top ten in this ranking, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Defenders like Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, who reaches 37.38 km/h, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli at 36.78 km/h also feature among the fastest.
For Anthony Gordon, this record highlights a unique physical attribute that can prove decisive for Barcelona and the England national team at the highest competitive levels.
With speed and physical strength becoming crucial in modern football, Gordon’s pace confirms his ability to compete among the elite.
