World’s sexiest sprinter Alica Schmidt has sent a challenge to Manchester City’s fleet-footed star Erling Haaland saying she could run rings around him.

Striker Haaland, 23, is famous for his fast runs and some experts have clocked his match speeds at up to 36.22 kilometres per hour (22.5 mph).

But superfit German runner Alica, 24, is one of athletics’ fastest women and can knock off 400 metres in less than 55 seconds.

The idea for a race came as Alica was answering media questions on 21st August at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Norwegian daily Dagbladet asked whether she could beat the country’s favourite star Haaland in a running competition.

Alica thought for a second and then said: “Hm, I don’t know – maybe. I think, on 400 metres, yes. On 200 metres, it would be more difficult.”

And she added: “But I would be happy if the race takes place.”

Asked when the race could happen she said: “I don’t know, I have to ask him. But I’m always ready.”

Then Alica turned to the cameras to say: “So, Haaland, if you’re ready to race, I would be happy. Let’s see who’s faster!”

It would not be the first time Alica has taken on a professional footballer.

Two years ago, the track star – who has more than four million Instagram followers – thrashed Haaland’s former Borussia Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels.

The centre-back – who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany – dropped to the floor after the 400-metre dash on a track in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Struggling to catch his breath, the Bundesliga star – who is now 34 – admitted: “Oh my God, this was the worst thing I ever did.”

Hummels added: “I’m so glad I chose football. You make it look so easy.”

Alica captioned the YouTube hit saying: “I met with the soccer world champion from 2014 Mats Hummels in Dortmund for a very exciting event.”

She added: “It was about who of us can sprint faster over the 400 meters. And it turned out to be one of the most exciting challenges of the year for me and for Mats!”

Alica has always dismissed claims that the fuss about her good looks would distract her from competing on the track.

Asked by German broadcaster Sport1 whether she was ever struggling to concentrate on running due to the enormous social media hype, she said: “Not at all. I focus on my sport.

“I know what I’m capable of. I work hard and do everything I can to achieve the best possible results.”