English soccer player makes a case that he’s faster than Usain Bolt

The reigning Olympic champion in the 100m is often referred to as “the fastest man in the world.” Right now, that title belongs to Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, who also owns the world record (9.58) in the event.

But Hector Bellerin, a professional soccer player for Arsenal F.C., may also have a claim to that title as the BBC notes Bellerin has a faster 40-metre time than Bolt. Bellerin has reportedly run a 40-metre dash in 4.41 seconds versus Bolt’s 4.64 seconds.

Bellerin’s teammate, Theo Walcott, noted that the 40-metre time may be skewed since the time is measured between the gates, meaning athletes have a running start. For Bolt, his time is measured from still-motion, with his reaction time adding on an additional 0.15 seconds.

The fastest speed recorded by an English soccer player this season is 35.44 km/h while Bolt’s top speed has been clocked at 44.72 km/h. Not too close.

RELATED: Usain Bolt races an eight-year-old on Ellen.

This is not the first time a professional footballer has been brought up in a speed-related conversation with track and field athletes.

Back in 2011, National Football League running back Chris Johnson, who has the fastest 40-yard dash in history at the American football combine, suggested he would “join the U.S. track team,” if the lockout at the time continued.

Wallace Spearmon, who has the seventh-fastest 200m in history, called out Johnson after he made those remarks stating football speed is entirely different than track speed.

That may still be the case.