Henrikh Mkhitaryan Among Europe’s Top 10 Most Enduring Footballers
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
36-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been ranked among the top 10 players in Europe’s top five leagues by average distance covered per match, according to data from Gradient Sports and TransferRoom.
The study included players who have played at least five matches this season and identified those who demonstrate the greatest intensity and work rate over the full 90 minutes.
Top 10 players by average distance covered per match:
- Yassine Belhdim (Angers, France) — 11.7 km
- Jon Guridi (Alavés, Spain) — 11.4 km
- Luca Kerber (Heidenheim, Germany) — 11.3 km
- Adrien Thomasson (Lens, France) — 11.2 km
- Phil Foden (Manchester City, England) — 11.2 km
- Koke (Atlético Madrid, Spain) — 11.1 km
- Mario Sauer (Toulouse, France) — 11.0 km
- Pablo Durán (Celta, Spain) — 11.0 km
- Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham, England) — 11.0 km
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter, Italy) — 11.0 km
Mkhitaryan – a model of professionalism and fitness
Even at 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains a symbol of endurance and commitment. His average of 11 km per match puts him on par with much younger stars like Lucas Bergvall (19) and Phil Foden (25).
In the 2025/26 season, before suffering an injury, Mkhitaryan was a regular starter for Inter Milan, playing nearly full matches every time. He has appeared in 7 Serie A games (starting from the bench only twice) and 1 UEFA Champions League match.
The new wave meets the old guard
The ranking highlights an interesting trend: high running intensity is not limited to young players — experienced veterans also stand out.
For instance, Koke (33) and Mkhitaryan (36) share the same top 10 list with Lucas Bergvall (19) — one of Europe’s most promising midfielders.
The leader of the list is Yassine Belhdim from Angers (France), averaging 11.7 km per match — an impressive figure for a 23-year-old.