How Fast Was Aubameyang? A Look At His Speed

Alright guys, let's dive into a question that probably pops into a lot of football fans' minds: was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fast? When you think about Auba, speed is one of the first things that comes to mind, right? I mean, the guy was a blur on the pitch for a huge chunk of his career, especially during his time at Borussia Dortmund and early on at Arsenal. We're talking about a player whose pace was a primary weapon, a real game-changer that defenses struggled to contain. His acceleration was insane, allowing him to burn past defenders and get into scoring positions like nobody's business. He wasn't just fast in a straight line; he had that quick burst off the mark that made him so dangerous in one-on-one situations. Many players are quick, but Auba had that explosive power that made him truly stand out. It wasn't just about chasing down long balls; it was about his ability to instantly change direction at high speeds, leaving bewildered opponents in his dust. This electric pace wasn't just for show, either. It translated directly into goals, assists, and a constant threat to opposition backlines. Remember those runs down the wing? Or how he'd get in behind the defense with such ease? That was all down to his blistering speed and athletic prowess. Even as he got a bit older, while maybe not peak Auba, he still possessed a level of speed that many younger players would envy. So yeah, to answer the main question upfront: Aubameyang was undeniably fast, one of the quickest forwards of his generation. We'll unpack just how fast he was, compare him to others, and look at what made his speed so effective.

Measuring Aubameyang's Speed: What the Data Tells Us

So, how fast exactly was Aubameyang? It's one thing to say he was quick, but let's get into some numbers, shall we? While official top speed records for footballers aren't as meticulously tracked as, say, Usain Bolt's sprinting records, we have some pretty good indicators. During his Bundesliga days at Borussia Dortmund, Aubameyang was clocked at speeds that put him among the fastest players in Europe. Reports and analyses often cited him reaching speeds of around 36.5 km/h (approximately 22.7 mph). Now, that's seriously rapid! To put that into perspective, that's faster than many professional sprinters over short distances. This blistering pace wasn't a one-off; it was consistent throughout his prime. Think about it: football pitches are only 100-110 meters long, and a player hitting speeds like that can cover a significant portion of it in seconds. This raw speed was a huge part of his attacking threat, allowing him to exploit spaces, chase down loose balls, and break away from defenders. It's the kind of speed that forces coaches to rethink their defensive strategies, often requiring teams to sit deeper or employ dedicated man-markers to try and nullify his threat. The visual evidence backs this up – countless highlight reels showcase his electrifying runs, leaving defenders trailing in his wake. His acceleration was particularly noteworthy; it wasn't just about maintaining a high top speed but about reaching it incredibly quickly from a standing or jogging start. This ability to explode past opponents was crucial for him to get shots off or create chances for his teammates. Even at Arsenal, while perhaps facing different defensive structures and playing in a slightly different role, his speed remained a significant asset, albeit sometimes less consistently utilized due to tactical reasons or team dynamics. The data strongly supports the eye test: Aubameyang was a genuinely, exceptionally fast footballer. The numbers don't lie, guys, and his peak speed figures are testament to his incredible athleticism.

Aubameyang vs. The Fastest Footballers Ever

Okay, so we've established that Aubameyang was lightning-fast. But where does he rank when we compare him to some of the absolute quickest players to ever grace the football pitch? This is where things get really interesting, guys! When you talk about the fastest footballers, names like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, and of course, Kylian Mbappé often come up. These guys are legendary for their pace. Bale, in his prime, was a physical specimen with incredible speed, known for those devastating solo runs. Walcott, from a young age, was touted as one of the fastest English players ever, with blistering acceleration. And then there's Mbappé, who is arguably the benchmark for speed in modern football, consistently clocking incredibly high speeds. So, how did Auba stack up? Aubameyang's top speed, hitting around 36.5 km/h (22.7 mph), placed him firmly in that elite tier. He was certainly faster than many players who are considered quick. For instance, he was generally considered faster than players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo (in their absolute peak speed, not overall effectiveness), whose game relies more on agility, close control, and explosive bursts over shorter distances rather than sustained top-end speed. Comparing him to Walcott, it's pretty close – both were incredibly rapid. Aubameyang might have had a slight edge in raw top speed, but Walcott's acceleration was also phenomenal. Gareth Bale, in his prime, was a different beast, often cited with similar or even slightly higher top speeds, combined with immense power. Kylian Mbappé, however, is often seen as the current king of pace, with recorded speeds that sometimes even surpass Aubameyang's figures, though it's a very tight race at the absolute top. What's crucial to remember is that these figures are often measured in different games, under different conditions, and with varying technologies. However, the consensus among stats providers and football analysts is that Aubameyang, during his peak years, was definitely in the conversation for the top 5-10 fastest players of the last decade, if not all time. His speed was not just a bonus; it was a defining characteristic of his game, on par with the legendary pace merchants of football history. It's pretty wild to think about, honestly, how quick these athletes are!

The Impact of Aubameyang's Speed on His Game

Alright, so we know he was fast, and we know he's up there with the speed demons. But how did Aubameyang's speed actually impact his game? This is the crucial part, guys. It's not just about having pace; it's about how you use it. And Auba? He knew exactly how to leverage his blistering speed to become one of the most feared strikers in the world. Firstly, his speed made him an incredibly effective counter-attacking weapon. Think about Borussia Dortmund's system, especially under Thomas Tuchel. They loved to win the ball back and hit teams quickly, and Aubameyang was the perfect spearhead for that. His ability to cover ground rapidly meant that even if the opposition pushed too many men forward, they were instantly vulnerable to a swift break. He could turn a defensive situation into an attacking one in a matter of seconds. His acceleration was key here – he didn't need a long runway. He could explode past midfielders and defenders who were caught out of position, creating immediate goal-scoring opportunities. Secondly, his pace allowed him to exploit the space in behind defenses. Many top teams play with a high defensive line to compress the space and control the game. For a player like Aubameyang, this was like an invitation. He had the speed to time his runs perfectly, getting onto through balls and beating the offside trap. Once he was in behind, it was often game over for the defender trying to track him. This threat forced defenders to be constantly aware, often playing deeper than they'd prefer, which in turn could open up space elsewhere on the pitch. Thirdly, his speed contributed massively to his finishing ability. While not solely reliant on pace, it gave him the crucial seconds needed to create shooting angles or get away from a closing defender. He could round a keeper with ease, or simply outrun a recovering defender to slot the ball home. It meant he could score from situations where other players might struggle, simply because he could get there faster. Even his defensive work rate, often praised during his peak, was enhanced by his speed. He could cover a lot of ground tracking back, closing down opponents, and contributing to the press. His speed wasn't just a physical attribute; it was a tactical game-changer that influenced how teams played against him and how his own teams attacked. It was the foundation upon which much of his success was built, making him a truly electrifying player to watch. It’s the kind of speed that mesmerizes fans and frustrates opponents in equal measure.

The Evolution of Aubameyang's Pace

Now, let's talk about how a player's speed changes over time, and specifically, how Aubameyang's pace evolved throughout his career. It's a common narrative in football: players are often at their quickest in their early to mid-twenties. Aubameyang was no exception. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, from 2013 to 2017, he was arguably at his absolute physical peak. This is when he was clocking those incredible speeds, around 36.5 km/h, that made him one of the most feared attackers in the Bundesliga and Europe. His acceleration was explosive, and his top speed was undeniable. He was the definition of a pacey winger-turned-striker who could terrify defenses with sheer speed alone. As he transitioned to Arsenal in 2018, he was still very quick, but perhaps not quite hitting those same stratospheric speeds consistently. The Premier League is known for its physicality and relentless pace, and while Auba adapted brilliantly, the demands were immense. However, even in his late twenties and early thirties, Aubameyang possessed a level of speed that many younger players would dream of. His game began to adapt slightly. While he might not have always been able to burn past defenders from a standing start as easily as before, his intelligent movement, understanding of space, and clinical finishing ensured he remained a potent threat. He learned to conserve his energy, pick his moments, and rely on his experience and footballing intelligence alongside his remaining pace. Think about his time at Barcelona and later at Chelsea. While the highlight reels might not show as many 50-yard sprints, his ability to find space and finish remained. This shows a maturity in his game; he understood his physical capabilities and adjusted his playstyle accordingly. It's a testament to his professionalism and dedication that he maintained such a high level of fitness and speed for so long. The evolution wasn't necessarily a sharp decline, but a gradual integration of his speed into a more experienced, perhaps slightly less explosive, but still highly effective attacking package. So, while his absolute peak speed might have been in his Dortmund days, his ability to utilize his speed effectively evolved throughout his career, making him a dangerous player for many years. It’s the mark of a true professional, guys, adapting to the demands of the game as the years go by.

The Role of Speed in Aubameyang's Goal Scoring

When we talk about Aubameyang's goal scoring, speed was an absolutely massive component, guys. It's hard to overstate its importance. His ability to find the back of the net wasn't just down to good finishing or positioning; it was heavily amplified by his blistering pace. Let's break it down. First off, his speed allowed him to get into goal-scoring positions more often. Whether it was latching onto through balls played by his midfielders or making darting runs in behind the defense, his pace meant he could beat defenders to the ball or create space for himself in dangerous areas. This constantly put him on the end of chances that other strikers might not even get close to. Secondly, his acceleration was crucial for creating his own chances. Defenders often give a yard or two of space to quick players, but Aubameyang could close that gap instantly. If a defender made a slight mistake or hesitated, Auba could explode past them and be clean through on goal. This ability to turn a 50/50 situation into a clear-cut chance was a hallmark of his game. Thirdly, his pace gave him an advantage in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper. When he was through on goal, defenders would be desperately trying to catch up. By the time they got close, Auba often had the composure and space to pick his spot. Even if a defender was closing him down, his speed meant he could often round the keeper or get a shot off before the defender could make a crucial tackle. Fourthly, his speed helped him capitalize on turnovers. When a team lost possession, Aubameyang's immediate thought was often to run. His ability to quickly transition from defense to attack meant he could exploit disorganized defenses, often leading to goals. His speed was a constant threat that defenses had to respect, and this respect often created opportunities for him. It's why he was so effective on the counter-attack. Ultimately, Aubameyang's speed was not just an accessory; it was a fundamental tool that directly contributed to his prolific goal-scoring record throughout his career. It made him a complete attacking threat, combining raw pace with lethal finishing. He was the type of player who could score out of nothing, simply because he could get to places faster than anyone else.

Conclusion: Was Aubameyang Fast? Absolutely!

So, after breaking it all down, the answer to the question was Aubameyang fast? is an emphatic YES! There's no doubt about it, guys. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of the most exciting and genuinely quick footballers of his generation. From his explosive runs at Borussia Dortmund to his consistent threat at Arsenal and beyond, his speed was a defining characteristic of his game. We've seen that his top speeds clocked in around 36.5 km/h (22.7 mph), putting him in elite company with some of the fastest players football has ever seen. His pace wasn't just about raw speed; it was about how he used it – to terrorize defenses on the counter-attack, exploit space in behind, create his own chances, and finish clinically. His speed directly translated into goals and trophies, making him a truly formidable attacker. While his pace may have evolved over his career, subtly adapting as he matured, he maintained an impressive level of quickness throughout his prime years and beyond. The impact of his speed on his overall game is undeniable; it was the engine that powered much of his success. He was a player who could change a game in an instant, thanks to his electrifying ability to outrun almost anyone on the pitch. So, next time you think of Aubameyang, remember not just the goals, but the breathtaking speed that often set them up. He was, and always will be, remembered as one of the true speedsters of modern football. It was a privilege to watch him play, wasn't it?