Abdukodir Khusanov ranked among fastest players in Champions League, outrunning Mbappe and Haaland

Abdukodir Khusanov continues to reach new milestones on the European stage. The Manchester City defender has officially entered the top 10 fastest players in the current UEFA Champions League season, securing the highest speed among all center-backs in the competition.

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According to data from CIES, Khusanov reached a top speed of 35.8 kilometers per hour, placing him 8th in the overall rankings. This performance saw him outpace high-profile forwards such as Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe (35.67 km/h), Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike (34.91 km/h), and his own teammate Erling Haaland (34.87 km/h). Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon leads the list with a top speed of 37.92 km/h.

A standout month at Manchester City

The speed statistics cap off a highly successful January for Khusanov. He appeared in eight matches for Manchester City, contributing to three clean sheets. His consistent performances earned him the club’s Player of the Month award, cementing his status as a vital component of the squad.

Head coach Pep Guardiola has frequently praised Khusanov's physical attributes, noting that his pace is a transformative asset for the team. Guardiola compared Khusanov's dynamics on the flank to Kyle Walker in his prime, stating that the defender's ability to facilitate rapid transitions from defense to attack was a primary reason for his transfer from RC Lens.

Innate talent and tactical versatility

Khusanov’s sprinting ability has been a hallmark of his game since the beginning of his career. His first coach, Sergey Chigodaev, recalled that the player exhibited natural sprinting speed as early as age seven. Fellow Uzbek international and former CSKA Moscow player Abbosbek Fayzullaev has also previously described Khusanov as the fastest footballer in the country, highlighting his ability to cover large distances quickly with a long, powerful stride.

Even prior to joining Manchester City, Khusanov made headlines in French football with RC Lens. In one Ligue 1 match, he was recorded reaching a staggering 37 kilometers per hour.

This rare combination of speed and strength allows Khusanov to operate with equal effectiveness as a center-back or a right-back. Guardiola views this versatility as a strategic advantage, particularly in neutralizing opponent counter-attacks. While Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven holds the Premier League record at 37.38 km/h, Khusanov’s current form places him firmly among the world’s elite "speedster" defenders.