Over the years, many players have claimed to have the hardest shot in football, but who truly holds the record? In this article, we’ll explore the history of shot power measurement, the current contenders for the title of the hardest shot in football, and examine some of the most legendary shots in history.
The idea of measuring shot power originated in the 1990s, when Adidas introduced the “Tricolore” ball for the 1998 World Cup. The ball was designed to be easier to see on television, but it also featured a layer of foam that made it lighter and easier to strike.
This led to a series of experiments to measure the power of shots, which ultimately led to the creation of the Adidas “SMART BALL” in 2014, a ball equipped with sensors that can measure shot speed, spin, and trajectory.
5. Roberto Carlos
The Brazilian left-back is famous for his thunderbolt free-kicks, which have been clocked at over 105 mph. His most famous goal came against France in a friendly match in 1997, when he scored a stunning free-kick from over 35 yards out that swerved past the goalkeeper and into the top corner. Carlos also scored many other spectacular goals throughout his career, including a stunning long-range strike against Tenerife in La Liga.
Wake up with Robert Carlos’ unreal 1997 free-kick against France pic.twitter.com/99u6KOOMxr
— LADS Podcast (@LADS_Podcast) February 26, 2019
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese superstar is one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history, and his powerful shooting is a big reason for his success. Ronaldo’s shot has been measured at 101 mph, and he is known for scoring many long-range goals from free-kicks and open play.
3. Obafemi Martins
The Nigerian striker is known for his incredible power and accuracy when shooting. His shot was officially measured at 108.8 mph during a match for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur in 2007. Martins also scored many spectacular goals throughout his career, including a stunning 30-yard volley against Chelsea in the Premier League.
On this day in 2007, Obafemi Martins scored THAT goal against Tottenham ???? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/9848pfXErg
— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) January 14, 2023
2. Ronny Heberson
The Brazilian midfielder played for Portuguese club Sporting Braga and is known for his rocket of a left foot. His shot was officially measured at 110 mph during a match against Maritimo in 2006. Heberson was also famous for scoring stunning free-kicks from long range.
1. David Hirst
The former Sheffield Wednesday striker is widely regarded as having the hardest shot ever recorded in football history. Hirst’s shot was officially measured at 114 mph during a match against Arsenal in 1996. He scored many memorable goals from long range throughout his career, including a stunning 40-yard strike against Aston Villa in the League Cup.
Beyond the numbers, the science and psychology of powerful shot-making is a fascinating area of study. Factors such as technique, foot position, and muscle activation all play a role in generating maximum shot power.
In addition, the mental aspects of shot-making, such as confidence, focus, and visualization, can also impact a player’s ability to strike the ball with force and precision.
