How Fast Can A Soccer Ball Be Kicked?

My research shows that a soccer ball can be kicked by an adult pro soccer player between 65-80 mph. From the record books, 131 mph is the fastest in a match.

Youth soccer players generally kick a soccer ball about 25-40 mph.

In this article, I’ll provide more info on the record for the fastest soccer ball kicked and how fast popular professional players can kick it.

What’s the Record for Fastest Kick?

The Guinness World Record for the fastest-ever soccer ball kick is 80.1 miles per hour (128 km per hour), and it’s held by Francisco Javier Galan Màrin from Spain.

This record is still standing after almost 22 years. However, take note that the shot was made in a controlled environment in a television studio, not in an official match.  

The fastest recorded speed for a soccer ball kicked by a professional player is 131 miles per hour (211 kilometers per hour), achieved by Ronny Heberson of Brazil’s Sport Club do Recife in 2006.

Professional Players’ Speeds

On average, professional soccer players can kick the ball around 65-80 miles per hour.

Cristiano Ronaldo can kick the ball at an average of 80 miles per hour while David Beckham was able to kick the ball up to 98 miles per hour. Both speeds are amazingly fast.

Players with some of the fastest-recorded shots in history:

1. Ronny Heberson (Brazil): 131 mph
2. Argen Robben (Real Madrid): 118 mph
3. Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers): 117 mph
4. Ronald Koeman (FC Barcelona): 116 mph
5. David Hirst (Sheffield): 114 mph
6. David Beckham (Manchester United): 98 mph

I realize that some power shots were never recorded and might go under the radar. I believe as the game evolves so will the speed of a shot. I could see a player kicking it 150 mph someday!

What Factors Influence Shot Speed?

Three primary things influence a player’s shot speed and they include:

1. Technique: How you strike the ball is important. Proper body positioning has a major impact on the force that you can strike the ball with.
2. Timing: Striking the ball at the right moment is not only crucial for the power but accuracy as well! There are two coins to this. First, you have to approach the ball at the right moment to get full leverage to strike it. Second, if the ball is rolling towards you, you have to time it so you kick it in the middle of the ball.
3. Strength: To get the most out of your shot, you need the brute force behind it. This is where your quads, hamstrings, and glutes come in.

Should Players Focus on Kicking the Ball Faster?

Depending on your age, I think mastering the fundamentals is more important than kicking the ball faster.

Young players should work on their timing, form, and accuracy first. The velocity will come as you get older and naturally stronger.

Final Thoughts

Players develop at different times. Yes, kicking it faster is a good way to show off but it’s not always effective.

For most youth soccer players, it is important to practice technique and form. This is the foundation of any great shot in soccer.

If you watch youth soccer at any level, the majority of the goals aren’t scored by pure power but with placement.

Accuracy can be more effective than speed. Train on becoming a more accurate passer and scorer.

Developing speed behind your shot will come as the years progress. Then, you would couple it together and it will make you a much better player!

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