Real Madrid have seen their attacking performances improve under Jose Mourinho in recent games, and one of the main reasons has been the form of Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman’s explosive pace often helps him get into positions other attackers might struggle to reach and beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
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He remains the biggest threat in transition, and the latest statistics show just how quick he still is.
Mbappe has registered the highest top speed of any player in La Liga this season, while also ranking among the fastest footballers across Europe’s five major leagues.
The 27-year-old has reached an impressive top speed of 36.3 km/h during the 2026-27 campaign, placing him ahead of every other player in the Spanish top flight.
Across Europe’s five major leagues, only Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies has recorded a higher figure, reaching 36.7 km/h.
Only Alphonso Davies has hit a higher top speed than Mbappe this season. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
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Mbappe shares second place with several players, including Liverpool’s Ronald Araujo, Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram and Auxerre midfielder Naouirou Ahamada, who have also reached 36.3 km/h.
Despite being almost 28, the Frenchman continues to be one of the fastest players in the world and has built his game around his pace.
The Frenchman has already scored 11 goals in ten La Liga appearances this season, including both goals in Madrid’s recent 2-1 Clasico victory over Barcelona.
That said, what makes Mbappe very dangerous compared to other fast players is not simply his maximum running speed but his ability to recognise when to turn on the afterburners.
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Mourinho’s tactical set-up relies on Madrid settling into compact defensive structures and creating opportunities for quick transitions.
Kylian is in excellent form so far this season. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Players like Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva have the vision and technical quality to release Mbappe into space at the perfect moment.
As long as the Frenchman manages to stay onside, most defenders in the world cannot beat him in a foot race for a perfectly clipped ball.
His movement remains Mbappe’s most valuable weapon, but the Frenchman will also know that he needs to expand his game beyond just that.
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There will come a time in his career, as he gets older, when his legs will not move as fast as they do at the moment.
Elite players find ways to still influence games in such situations, and it remains to be seen how Mbappe’s game evolves as his career goes on.
