Nigerian forward Yira Sor is currently the talk of the football world after reaching speeds that have left even the world’s elite in the dust.
During a recent Belgian Jupiler Pro League match against Gent on March 2, 2026, the KRC Genk star clocked a staggering new peak of 37.7 km/h.
Yira Sor Shines as Europe’s Fastest Footballer
Some internal sensors even suggested he hit a record-breaking 39.02 km/h during the 3-0 victory.
This feat puts him in direct competition with Kylian Mbappé, whose top speed this season sits at 38.0 km/h.
If officially ratified, Sor’s sprint would make him the fastest player ever recorded in professional football.
The former Flying Eagles star recently sat down with club media to discuss his incredible rise.
When asked how it feels to hold such a prestigious title, he said:
“Amazing feeling, obviously, I must say. The likes of Mbappé, a lot of great and fast players in Europe, and to be recognised as the fastest, I see this as an honour.”
Sor also noted that his pace has become a major talking point among fans and teammates.
“Yeah, a lot of people. They come in here; I keep saying to them, it’s the gene, it’s in the family, and also the environment where I am, the trainings and everything also help,” he explained.
His performances on the pitch are backing up the data. In the recent rout of Gent, Sor came off the bench in the 72nd minute to replace his compatriot, Noah Adedeji-Sternberg, who had also found the net.
Sor sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, taking his league tally to four for the season.
Reflecting on the social media buzz surrounding his speed, he remarked:
“Yeah, a lot of posts; a lot of people commented on this, but it’s an amazing feeling.”
Super Eagles Prospect Eyes European Success
Beyond the individual records, Sor is focused on Genk’s collective goals, especially in the Europa League.
Having scored a crucial goal against Zagreb to help the team reach the last 16, he finds the continental stage perfect for his style.
“That’s always been a special feeling, you know, playing against great teams like Zagreb. It gives you a lot of opportunities; it gives the gang also a lot of recognition, and we also need to experience a different style of football. And if we want to be a top club, we also need to show our performance in these games,” he stated.
As Genk prepares for a historic clash against Freiburg, Sor remains grounded and hungry for more.
“Confident. The team, we are doing everything possible to win every game, and I think the energy is there in the team, and I feel confident in myself,” he said.
Despite his record-shattering pace, he believes there is still work to do:
“Of course. Every footballer, I think there is always room to improve a lot of things. I also need to work on my limitations, my shortcomings. I can still get better, for sure.”