1. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid & Germany)
Top Speed (km/h): 36.7German center-half Antonio Rudiger enjoyed a stellar campaign for La Liga and Champions League double winners Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season. The dominant 31-year-old combined his tactical nous with rapid running power to good effect over the course of the season.
Rudiger clocked the quickest speed across Europe last term, and his ability to eat up ground was particularly evident when he kept Manchester City's Erling Haaland under wraps in both legs of Real's semi-final double-header against the Citizens in the Champions League.
2. Mykhaylo Mudryk (Chelsea & Ukraine)
Top Speed (km/h): 36.63A surprise entry, Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk showcased his horsepower for the Blues last season when he logged a top speed of 36.63 km/h in the Premier League. The 23-year-old, who is the most expensive Ukrainian footballer of all time, is taking his time to settle in England, though he showed flashes of real potential in 2023-24 under the now-departed Mauricio Pochettino.
Former Shakhtar Donetsk starlet Mudryk has collected 20 caps for Ukraine since making his senior international bow in 2022, and the pacey wideman could be a talismanic presence for Serhiy Rebrov's outfit at Euro 2024 this summer.
3. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle & England)
Top Speed (km/h): 36.61Newcastle United inside-forward Anthony Gordon was one of the Magpies' brightest stars during the club's recent topsy-turvy Premier League season, chipping in with a superb 21 goal contributions (11 goals, 10 assists) in 35 top-tier appearances for Eddie Howe's side.
Alongside either scoring or creating a goal every 138 minutes in England's top flight, Gordon also recorded the second-highest top speed in the Premier League. The 23-year-old's blistering speed could earn the winger a prominent role in Gareth Southgate's England XI this summer.
4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG & France)
Top Speed (km/h): 36.6The mercurial Ousmane Dembele is a mixed bag of unpredictability on the right flank for PSG and France. While his end product for club and country is routinely hit and miss, the 27-year-old remains a reliably rapid runner.
Dembele's top speed of 36.6 km/h last season was topped by only three of his counterparts. The 44-times capped French regular will be itching to stretch his legs in Germany this summer. Though Dembele has scored only once at the international level since the end of 2021, his pace could thrust him into positions to enhance that modest record at Euro 2024.
5. Rafael Leao (AC Milan & Portugal)
Top Speed (km/h): 36.5Portuguese wing wizard Rafael Leao posted a top speed of 36.5 km/h while dazzling down the left flank for AC Milan last season. If he can use his sizzling speed to good effect this summer, the 25-year-old—who has scored four times in 26 appearances for his country—could do some real damage at the Euros.
Leao's dynamism and surging bursts had knees knocking in Serie A defenses in 2023-24. The former Sporting CP academy graduate scored nine goals and claimed nine assists during another impactful year in Italy. Leao scored twice for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and he will be keen to emulate that output at another major tournament this summer.
These speedsters are sure to bring excitement to Euro 2024, showcasing their ability to outpace and outmaneuver the best defenders Europe has to offer. Keep an eye on these players as they aim to make a significant impact on the tournament.
