Move over, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid’s surprise entry joins Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland among UEFA Champions League top speedsters

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland dominate discussions about the fastest players in the UEFA Champions League – with Achraf Hakimi and Rafael Leao also frequently making the list. Yet, in a surprising twist, a lesser-known Madrid player has now joined this elite group, ranking among the quickest in this season’s competition.

In a squad boasting some of the most electrifying talents in world soccer, Real Madrid is no stranger to producing players with exceptional speed. Los Blancos’ Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland dominate discussions about the fastest players in the UEFA Champions League – with Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Rafael Leao of Milan also frequently making the list. Yet, in a surprising twist, a lesser-known Madrid player has now joined this elite group, ranking among the quickest in this season’s competition.

And no, it’s not Vinicius or Jude Bellingham. This unexpected name played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s dramatic Round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid, helping prevent Diego Simeone’s side from taking an aggregate lead. His impact on the game was undeniable, and his defensive heroics have raised serious questions about Madrid’s summer transfer plans.

Raul Asencio has been one of Real Madrid’s biggest revelations this season. The 22-year-old academy graduate has seized every opportunity thrown his way since making his La Liga debut on November 9. Just a few days later, he was thrust into Champions League action at Anfield against Liverpool, where he showcased his composure under pressure.

Madrid fans were quick to notice something familiar about Asencio’s playing style. His aggressive yet intelligent defensive approach drew comparisons to club legend Sergio Ramos, with his aerial dominance and ability to read the game marking him as a natural heir to the Madrid backline.

With injuries plaguing Madrid’s defensive ranks, Asencio was given an even bigger responsibility in the second leg against Atletico Madrid. What followed was a performance that not only solidified his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans but also etched his name into Champions League history.

Record-breaking speed against Atletico Madrid

During Madrid’s second-leg battle at the Metropolitano, Asencio’s contribution went beyond his defensive awareness—he set a record-breaking sprint that shocked even his own teammates.

When the Red-Whites launched a dangerous counterattack, the Spaniard clocked a top speed of 22.2 mph (35.8 km/h), the fastest recorded by a center-back in this season’s Champions League. In that moment, he showed not just his defensive instincts but also his elite athleticism, as he raced back to thwart the move.

“At the Metropolitano, he reached the fastest maximum speed for a center-back in the Champions League this season,” UEFA confirmed, highlighting just how impressive the young defender’s pace is.

Among Europe’s fastest: Asencio joins Haaland and Mbappe

With his remarkable sprint, Asencio entered the top 10 fastest players of the 2024-25 Champions League season. The list features some of soccer’s most devastating runners:

1. Erling Haaland (22.7 mph / 36.6 km/h) – The Manchester City striker continues to dominate in terms of pure acceleration.
2. Achraf Hakimi (22.7 mph / 36.6 km/h) – PSG’s flying full-back remains one of the most explosive defenders in the game.
3. Kylian Mbappe (22.6 mph / 36.4 km/h) – No surprise here, as the Real Madrid forward is a constant menace in transition.
4. Raul Asencio (22.2 mph / 35.8 km/h) – The fastest center-back in the competition this season.

Among the ones he outran in the rankings? Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone (22.2 mph / 35.7 km/h) and Rafael Leao (22.1 mph / 35.5 km/h)—two players known for their incredible pace.