Genk winger Yira Sor is turning heads in European football after recording a blistering sprint during Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Gent. The 25-year-old Nigerian international reached a top speed of 37.7 km/h (23.4 mph) during a remarkable run, and GPS data even clocked him at 39.02 km/h (24.2 mph).
The incredible speed surpasses the previous European record of 36.9 km/h (22.9 mph) held by William Osula of Newcastle. Sor’s performance leaves even some of the world’s most renowned sprinters in the dust, eclipsing Kylian Mbappé’s top speed of 35.8 km/h (22.2 mph) and Erling Haaland’s 35.5 km/h (22.1 mph), according to Foot Mercato.
Sor’s sprint came as he raced almost the entire length of the field to score Genk’s third goal of the match. The performance has sparked discussion about the physical limits of football, with some observers suggesting Sor’s acceleration is “almost the maximum a player can develop on a grass field,” as noted by Les-transferts.com.
Genk’s performance coach described Sor’s physique as “ideal” for such a feat, attributing the record-breaking speed to his build and a straight-line run. The result is a significant moment for the Belgian Pro League, showcasing a level of athleticism rarely seen in European competition. This win solidifies Genk’s position in the league standings as they continue their push for a top finish.
The speed was recorded using both optical tracking, which registered 37.7 km/h, and GPS data, which showed the higher 39.02 km/h. According to L’Équipe, What we have is the fastest speed recorded by a player in Europe over the past two seasons. Sor’s return to form comes after a period of recovery from an operation, and he has now scored in his last two games for the Belgian side.
