The Need for Speed: EA Sports FC 25's Fastest Players in 2026

In the dynamic, ever-evolving world of EA Sports FC 25, speed remains a thrilling commodity. While a well-rounded squad is built on more than just pace, the electric thrill of a player burning past defenders is an irreplaceable asset for any manager. As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, the meta continues to value players who can turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye, especially on the flanks where space is a precious resource. However, raw sprinting ability is just one piece of the puzzle; true effectiveness on the virtual pitch demands a synergy of Pace, Dribbling, and Physicality. Let's explore some of the game's most rapid footballers, from burgeoning stars to established speedsters, and assess how their blistering pace translates into genuine in-game impact.

Rafa (Besiktas - CAM) remains a fascinating option for managers building their dream squads. The Portuguese playmaker boasts a combination of superb Pace and impressive Dribbling, making him a slippery customer in the final third. His nationality is a significant bonus, offering strong chemistry links to a plethora of top-tier Portuguese stars across Europe's elite leagues. However, his journey is not without its hurdles. With a Physical rating languishing at 54, Rafa often finds himself muscled off the ball in the congested central areas he's meant to operate in. For a CAM, this fragility can be a critical flaw, turning promising attacks into frustrating turnovers. He is the archetype of the high-risk, high-reward speedster.

Key Attributes for Rafa:

• 🏃‍♂️ Pace: Exceptional

• ⚽ Dribbling: Excellent

• 🤝 Passing: Decent

• 💪 Physicality: Weak (54)

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Ismail Driouech (PSV Eindhoven - LW). The Moroccan winger is a pure speed project. His overall rating of 70 reflects significant deficiencies, particularly in Shooting and Passing. Even if he uses his pace to get behind the defensive line, his ability to produce a decisive final ball or finish clinically is severely limited. Yet, in the modern FC 25 ecosystem, there is a glimmer of hope. His decent Physical base makes him a prime candidate for strategic Evolutions. A savvy manager could invest in his development, potentially transforming him from a mere pace merchant into a more complete, usable asset for specific league-focused squads.

The Tale of Two Contehs presents a study in the limitations of pace alone. Christian Conteh (Eintracht Braunschweig - RW), with an overall of 67, can certainly fly down the wing. His decent dribbling helps him cut inside, but the adventure often ends there. A disastrous Shooting rating of 51 means he's rarely a goal threat, and an equally poor Passing stat limits his effectiveness as a creator. He is, ultimately, speed without substance. Similarly, Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim - ST) offers little beyond his sprint speed. For new managers, he can be a useful stopgap, but his mediocre all-around stats and Bundesliga links mean he is destined almost exclusively for SBC (Squad Building Challenge) fodder as a team progresses.

Player	Position	Club	Pace Role	Primary Limitation
Christian Conteh	RW	Eintracht Braunschweig	Pure Winger	Shooting (51) & Passing
Sirlord Conteh	ST	Heidenheim	Early-Game Runner	Mediocre All-Around Stats
Trent Buhagiar	ST	Brescia	Agile Striker	Low Overall (62), Mediocre Finishing

Transitioning to the elite tier, Federico Chiesa (Liverpool - RW) exemplifies what a top-speed winger should be. Now starring in the Premier League, the Italian international combines elite Pace with genuine end product. His 84 overall rating is backed by a powerful long shot, allowing him to be a dual threat: he can beat his man on the outside or cut inside to unleash strikes from distance. Chiesa is no one-trick pony; he is a complete offensive weapon whose speed amplifies his other world-class attributes.

In the striker department, two players stand out for mid-level squads. Sheraldo Becker (Real Sociedad - ST), with Suriname nationality, is a pacey and agile finisher perfect for La Liga hybrids. His speed gets him in behind, and his decent finishing gives him a good chance in one-on-one situations. His main weakness is aerial duels, despite a good jumping stat. His counterpart, Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg - ST), offers a similar profile in the Bundesliga. Slightly better at defensive contributions than Becker, the Algerian striker also shares the same aversion to headers. Both are excellent transitional strikers but will likely be phased out for more complete options as a club's financial power grows.

Perhaps the most extreme example of a pace specialist is Muteb Al-Harbi (Al Hilal - LB). The Saudi Arabian left-back possesses a staggering 93 Pace, making him arguably the fastest defender in the game. For managers solely focused on stopping counter-attacks with pure recovery speed, he is an ultra-budget option. The caveat is severe: almost all his other stats are below 70, with some key defensive attributes dipping into the 50s. He is a situational player, best used in a back-five system where he has cover, or for managers building a dedicated Saudi Pro League squad.

Finally, we have the prototype of the powerful speedster: Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao - RM). The Ghanaian powerhouse has been a constant in La Liga for years, and in FC 25, he remains a force. His key differentiator is the combination of top-tier Pace with high Physicality. This blend allows him to not only run past defenders but also to shield the ball and hold off challenges, something lighter wingers like Vinicius Jr. can struggle with. Williams is the complete package for a wide midfielder, offering relentless stamina, bulldozing strength, and game-breaking speed, making him a perennial favorite for both La Liga and Ghanaian hybrid squads.

In summary, the landscape of speed in EA Sports FC 25 in 2026 is diverse:

• 🚀 Pure Pace Projects: Players like Driouech and the Contehs offer speed but require significant team support or Evolutions to be truly effective.

• ⚖️ Balanced Speedsters: Rafa and Becker provide excellent pace paired with other strong attributes, though they have clear weaknesses (Physicality, Heading).

• 🌟 Elite Attacking Speed: Chiesa represents the pinnacle, where pace is just one component of a devastating all-around attacking game.

• 🛡️ Specialist Speed: Al-Harbi is the ultimate niche player, whose phenomenal pace comes at the cost of almost everything else.

• 💥 Power & Pace: Inaki Williams stands alone as the model of how Physicality and Pace can combine to create an unstoppable force on the wing.

Ultimately, while the allure of a 90+ Pace stat is strong, the most successful FC 25 managers in 2026 will be those who find the right balance, integrating these speed demons into squads that can cover their flaws and maximize their breathtaking strengths.