CD8+T cells are an important component of the body’s adaptive immune response. During viral or intracellular bacterial infections, CD8+T cells are rapidly activated and differentiated to exert their immune function by producing cytokines. Alterations in the glycolysis of CD8+T cells have an important effect on their activation and function, while glycolysis is important for CD8+T cell functional failure and recovery. This paper summarizes the importance of CD8+T cell glycolysis in the immune system. We discuss the link between glycolysis and CD8+T cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation, and the effect of altered glycolysis on CD8+T cell function. In addition, potential molecular targets to enhance and restore the immune function of CD8+T cells by affecting glycolysis and the link between glycolysis and CD8+T cell senescence are summarized. This review provides new insights into the relationship between glycolysis and CD8+T cell function, and proposes novel strategies for immunotherapy by targeting glycolysis.