Small moments can make a big difference in football, especially in the Premier League, where the game moves at a consistently quick pace. The distances players cover and the speeds they reach reveal much about the demands of each match.
Looking at these numbers uncovers patterns behind player roles and match tactics. They can also explain why some players seem to have a bigger presence on the pitch.
Exploring running stats may make watching football even more interesting. Let’s take a closer look at how distance and speed play a part in shaping each game.
How Much Distance Do Footballers Cover Per Game?
Premier League players regularly cover impressive distances over the course of a match. On average, expect to see a player running between 10 and 12 kilometres in 90 minutes.
The distance covered depends on position. Midfielders usually top the charts, as they work between attack and defence, often moving from box to box throughout the game. Defenders and forwards cover slightly less distance, as they’re more likely to stay within certain areas of the pitch.
Tactics, style of play, and fitness all matter too. When a team presses high or chases possession, players might find themselves running much further than usual.
Tracking the Miles: Measuring Player Movement
Premier League clubs use advanced technology to track every move their players make during a match. Cameras around stadiums capture all movement on the pitch, creating a detailed map of where each player goes.
During training and sometimes matches, players might also wear small GPS trackers under their shirts. These record each run, sprint and change in direction.
All of this information gives coaching staff and analysts a clear picture of player movement. Spotting trends over several matches can help with adjusting tactics and designing training sessions.
Top 10 Most Distance Covered in a Football Match
Some matches demand extraordinary physical effort, with players covering distances well above the usual averages. These performances often reflect a combination of individual determination and tactical intensity, offering insight into the physical demands placed on professional footballers.
Below are ten notable instances where players recorded some of the highest distances covered during competitive matches:
- Marcelo Brozović (Croatia)—16.7 km: 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Croatia vs Japan (including extra time)
- Vladimír Darida (Hertha Berlin)—14.7 km: Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund, May 2020
- Vladimír Darida (Hertha Berlin)—14.3 km: Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin vs Augsburg, May 2020
- Christian Gentner (VfB Stuttgart)—14.3 km: Bundesliga, officially recorded distance
- Steven N’Zonzi (Sevilla)—13.9 km: La Liga, widely cited for high-distance performances
- James Milner (Liverpool)—13.8 km: Premier League, known for consistent high work rate
- N’Golo Kanté (Leicester City)—13.7 km: Premier League, regularly recorded among top runners
- Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)—13.6 km: Premier League, frequently among the leaders in distance covered
- Tomáš Rosický (Arsenal)—13.5 km: Premier League, recognised for high-energy displays
- Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)—13.4 km: Premier League, noted for consistent ground coverage
These figures highlight just how physically demanding elite football can be, especially when match intensity, tactics, and extra time play a role.
How Far Do Referees Run?
Referees also face significant physical demands to keep up with Premier League action. In many matches, a referee will cover a similar distance to the players, often running between 10 and 12 kilometres.
Their role requires them to move into the best position for every decision, so their movement combines long runs, short sprints, and quick changes of direction.
Referees prepare for matches physically as well, just like players, to ensure they can maintain focus and sound judgment from the first to the final whistle.
Fastest Sprint Speeds Ever Recorded in Football
Speed is a key part of modern football, with players often required to cover ground quickly in both attack and defence. While distance covered shows endurance, sprint speed highlights explosive pace—and some players have posted remarkable figures during matches, with top speeds approaching 37 kilometres per hour.
Across world football, several players have stood out for their raw pace. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has clocked speeds over 36.5 km/h, while Kylian Mbappé—renowned for his high speeds—has reached similar levels in Ligue 1 and international competitions. Adama Traoré, Kyle Walker, and Antonio Rüdiger have all posted speeds above 36 km/h in top-level European matches, with Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland also recording rapid sprints. Even defenders like Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernández have shown that speed isn’t limited to attacking players.
These figures are typically gathered using advanced tracking technology used by clubs and broadcasters, providing a full picture of a player’s athletic output—from top speed and acceleration to how quickly they recover.
That said, speed is just one part of the game. Sprinting ability must be combined with smart positioning, stamina, and tactical awareness.
