Celtic FC’s impressive season continues to turn heads, and one of their players, Nicolas Kuhn, has become a surprising topic of conversation among Champions League fans. Known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, Kuhn recently emerged as one of the fastest players in the competition, outpacing some of football’s top stars, including France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Kuhn’s exceptional performance came to light after his stunning display against RB Leipzig, where he scored twice within 11 minutes, contributing to Celtic’s 3-1 victory. This win not only reinforced Celtic’s growing reputation in European competitions but also showcased Kuhn’s athletic abilities, with his pace placing him among the Champions League’s speed elite. Official data shows Kuhn recorded a top speed of 35.9 km/h, putting him just ahead of Mbappe, who clocked in at 35.7 km/h.
The leaderboard for the Champions League’s fastest players this season is currently led by Achraf Hakimi of PSG, who has reached an impressive top speed of 36.5 km/h and covered a distance of 44.9 km. Hakimi is followed closely by Kuhn, whose speed of 35.9 km/h, along with a distance of 35.1 km covered, places him second. Mbappe, widely known for his speed, ranks just below Kuhn in third place, after covering a distance of 30.2 km.
While Celtic fans might have anticipated Japanese winger Daizen Maeda to top the club’s speed stats, it’s Kuhn who has captured attention. A relative newcomer to the Celtic lineup, Kuhn has quickly become an integral player under manager Brendan Rodgers. The 24-year-old German has not only proven his athleticism but also demonstrated skill and consistency on the pitch. His contributions this season include nine goals and ten assists in just 16 appearances.
Kuhn’s ambition extends beyond club success; he has his sights set on representing Germany at the senior international level. Having already represented Germany across various age levels from under-15s to under-20s, Kuhn has been open about his desire to break into the national team. “My goal is to play Champions League football and make it into the national team. That’s what I’m working towards,” Kuhn stated. His recent performances in Europe’s top competition certainly bolster his case for a call-up, adding value not only to his career but to Celtic’s profile as a club that fosters top-tier talent.
Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers recently praised Kuhn’s growth this season, noting the winger’s consistency in both training and matches. “Nic’s been great this season,” Carter-Vickers said. “Even last season, you could see his quality in training. This season, he’s putting it all together on match day, and he’s started off brilliantly. I think he’ll keep that going.” His remarks underscore the impact Kuhn has had on his teammates, who recognize his development as a crucial component of Celtic’s current success.
This season, Celtic has solidified their place as one of Scotland’s strongest teams, with their Champions League performances drawing attention across Europe. The recent 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig was a highlight, showcasing Celtic’s ability to compete with some of Europe’s best. Kuhn’s emergence as one of the Champions League’s fastest players only adds to the club’s growing reputation and points to a promising future for both him and Celtic.
For Kuhn, the future appears bright. His achievements in speed and scoring are capturing attention, and his dedication to improvement may soon earn him a place among Germany’s national team roster. As he continues to deliver on the field, Celtic fans and football enthusiasts alike will be watching his career with interest, knowing that they may be witnessing the rise of a new star in European football.