Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé fascinate with their exceptional speed. But who is the fastest? This question is the subject of much debate among fans and observers alike. Figures, performances and recent analyses attempt to answer the question.
Vinícius Jr is one of the most explosive players in modern football. On the left wing, he uses his speed to break forward and create chances. According to GPS data, he often reaches speeds of 35 km/h. This performance places him among the best sprinters in La Liga. The Brazilian is not just fast. His ability to change direction at full speed makes him a nightmare for defenders.
His dribbling skills combined with his speed give him a unique advantage. On the counter-attack, the Auriverde makes perfect use of the space left by opponents. His speed is often complemented by excellent vision. Over the last few seasons, Vinícius Jr has also improved his consistency. No longer content with isolated runs, he uses his speed more intelligently and adapts to different tactical contexts.
Opposite the Brazilian is someone who has already impressed the world with his speed. Kylian Mbappé is renowned for his dazzling sprints. In the Champions League, he was clocked at 36 km/h, an impressive record. As a centre-forward or on the flank, he uses this ability to outpace defenders. His ability to outrun his opponents, even when they have a lead, sets him apart from the majority of players.
The 2018 world champion excels at both long-range and acceleration. His physical strength enables him to maintain his speed over several metres, even under pressure. This obviously gives him a head start on counter-attacks. His speed also makes him a formidable finisher, as he turns long balls into goal-scoring opportunities. With Real Madrid, Mbappé still has to adapt his game. La Liga offers different challenges to Ligue 1. Spanish defenders are often more technical and prefer to cut out trajectories rather than attempt a physical duel. And it is precisely this adaptation that has temporarily slowed his statistics since his arrival at the Bernabeu.
In direct comparison, Mbappé beats Vinicius in sheer speed
During Real Madrid training sessions, the two players test each other regularly. According to observers, Kylian Mbappé seems to be slightly faster in long sprints. Vinícius Jr, on the other hand, shines in situations where he has to change direction quickly. In matches, Vini’s maximum speed is 35 km/h, while Kylian Mbappé, who is not yet in top form, is clocked at 36 km/h at Real Madrid.
In any case, the duel between the two is not limited to statistics, but also to their impact in matches. In matches, these differences are illustrated. Mbappé uses his speed to recover deep balls, while Vinícius prefers to exploit tight spaces. Their respective speeds create different problems for opposing defences, but also require team-mates to adapt.
Their positioning on the pitch also influences the perception of their speed. Mbappé, who has recently started playing as a centre-forward, benefits from more direct runs. Vinícius, who is often stuck on the touchline, has to navigate between defenders to make his runs more technical. The differences in their positions also explain their use of speed. While Mbappé concentrates on explosive starts, Vinícius relies on elasticity and sudden changes of pace. This contrast enriches Real Madrid’s game, but also requires perfect synchronisation with the rest of the team.
Over time, both players will continue to evolve. Vinícius Jr could gain in stamina and broaden his tactical palette. Mbappé, for his part, could further improve his explosiveness thanks to specific training programmes. The duel between them will also be influenced by physical condition and injuries, crucial factors in a busy season.
Leave a Reply