Surprise World Cup leader! Bayern star Stanisic leaves Brown and Co. in the dust | OneFootball

Josip Stanisic is making waves at the 2026 World Cup for more than just his defensive performances. The Bayern pro currently tops the tournament’s official speed rankings, leaving numerous offensive players in his wake.

While attention at the World Cup is usually focused on the spectacular goals and dribbles of the offensive stars, a Bayern Munich defender is currently making headlines with a very different record.

Josip Stanisic is currently the fastest player at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.

According to official tournament data, the Croatian national team player was clocked at a top speed of 35.9 km/h during Croatia’s 2–4 loss to England. This puts the Bayern Munich pro at the top of the rankings among all World Cup participants.

Stanisic leaves well-known speedy dribblers in the dust

What’s particularly remarkable is the competition that Stanisic is currently leaving behind.

In second place is Wilfried Singo of Ivory Coast with 35.8 km/h. Third place is shared by German national team star Nathaniel Brown and Algeria’s Rafik Belghali, both at 35.7 km/h.

Players such as Noni Madueke, Nicolas González, and Nélson Semedo are also in the top ten of the rankings.

The fact that a defensive player, of all people, is leading the entire field comes as a surprise to many observers. Stanisic is particularly valued for his versatility, his strength in one-on-one situations, and his tactical discipline. His exceptional sprinting stats have received significantly less attention so far.

An important attribute for Kompany’s style of play

This development is likely particularly pleasing to Vincent Kompany.

The Bayern coach relies on aggressive pressing, high intensity, and a defense that pushes far up the field. In such a system, fast defenders are indispensable for covering large areas of the field and preventing opposing counterattacks.

This is precisely where Stanisic brings ideal qualities to the table.

His speed not only allows him to hold his own against fast wingers on the flank but also to cover long distances in central defense. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset to the record champions’ roster.

Whether as a right back, left back, or center back—Stanisic impresses above all with his reliability and his team-oriented style of play. The Croatian rarely makes spectacular headlines.

With a top speed of 35.9 km/h, he operates at a level normally reserved for wingers and speedy dribblers. The fact that he achieves this speed on the biggest stage in world soccer underscores his outstanding physical condition.

It remains to be seen whether Stanisic can defend his top spot until the end of the tournament.