Have you ever wondered who the shortest soccer player of all time is? This article covers some of the shortest footballers that have significantly impacted the sport.
Soccer – now that’s a sport where short guys can really shine! Yes, the average pro footballer still clocks in at about six feet tall (and goalies are even taller than that). But that’s nothing compared to the giants you’ll find in basketball, American football, hockey and even on the baseball diamond.
While size and physicality are valuable in almost every sport, no contest rewards agility, toughness, and technical skills quite like soccer. These factors make it the perfect outlet for exceptional short athletes. Are you in need of a bit of soccer inspiration? If so, this list has you covered with some of the best short soccer players in the world.
17 Famous Short Soccer Players
Sure, height can always be an advantage in sports, but it isn’t always. For a sport like soccer, having a short stature means you may have more agility than your taller counterparts. These soccer superstars prove that hard work, exceptional skill and determination are far more important than stature. Here’s a list of the shortest soccer players to dominate the field.
1. Élton José Xavier Gomes
A midfielder with a minuscule frame, you won’t find many shorter pro athletes than Élton, who aren’t jockeys! He’s known as an outstanding dribbler capable of slicing through even the toughest defenses. Élton has carved out a lengthy and ongoing career as a dynamic scorer. He even helped Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh capture its first-ever title in 2013. Though he hasn’t reached levels of fame beyond the soccer community, fans of the game know all about Élton’s heart and talent.
- Height: 5’1”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 2004 to 2021
2. Marcin Garuch
View this post on Instagram
Locked in a heated battle with Élton for the smallest soccer player of his generation is Marcin Garuch. The Polish midfielder currently plays for Miedz Legnica II and is one of the smallest active footballers in the world. Occasionally, he plays for the first team. He has extraordinary technical skills and quickness to compensate for his lack of size. He’s known as a deadly passer and distributor.
- Height: 5’1”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 2007 to the present
3. Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari
Though Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari retired in 2009, he left a substantial impact on the international game of soccer as one of the shortest players ever to compete. Another fierce and dynamic midfielder, Al-Kuwari is best known for captaining the Qatar national team from 1992 to 2002. In retirement, he’s been a spokesman for Qatar’s Al Sadd football club.
- Height: 5’1”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 1990 to 2002
4. Benedict Vilakazi
If they weren’t primarily midfielders, these guys could have gotten together and fielded a pretty fierce squad! Benedict Vilakazi is another honorable mention in the race for the shortest soccer player ever. His South African teammates referred to him as “Little Napoleon” because of his tough leadership. He was tough on the field, too, known for his physical and intense style of play.
While exceptionally talented, much of Vilakazi’s later career was unfortunately marred by legal trouble and disciplinary issues. But he still earns a spot on our list for going toe to toe with much larger athletes throughout a successful stint in the pros.
- Height: 5’2”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 1999 to 2014
5. Madson Formagini Caridade
View this post on Instagram
Brazilian Madson Formagini Caridade, though short in stature, has held up exceptionally well over a long career. He kicked off his youth career in 2004 with Volta Redonda but didn’t last long before he caught decision-makers eye at the next level. Madson began his senior career in 2006 with Vasco da Gama and has since played globally, developing a reputation as a relentless attacker and exceptional set piece artist.
- Height: 5’2”
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Years active: 2006 to 2020
6. Fanny Walden
Frederick Ingram Walden, known as Fanny Walden, was an English professional soccer player. He played during the 1910s and 1920s and was one of the smallest players of the era. His most significant contributions to the game of soccer occurred after he served in World War I. He played for the Tottenham Hotspurs, in which he played in over 300 games and 22 FA Cup matches. At one point, he held the record for the smallest soccer player to represent England at a professional level.
- Height: 5’2”
- Position: Outside right
- Years active: 1905 to 1927
7. Daniel Alberto Villalva Barrios
View this post on Instagram
The 5’3” sparkplug currently plays forward for Veracruz. Daniel Alberto Villalva Barrios was born to play soccer, getting his start on a high-level youth team at just the age of 10. Before turning 17, he made his pro debut with the River Plate football club. He scored his first pro goal just a few months later. Soon enough, he was a bona fide star, making the most of his diminutive size and becoming a fast fan favorite.
- Height: 5’3”
- Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
- Years active: 2009 to the present
8. Maximiliano Moralez
View this post on Instagram
Maximiliano Moralez bounced around international leagues for years after beginning his senior career in 2005. Though he stands just 5’3”, it seemed everyone from FC Moscow to Atalanta B.C. wanted a piece of the talented attacking midfielder nicknamed “Frasquito.” In 2017, he earned a coveted spot on the New York City MLS club. This move quickly left many taller opponents wishing he had stayed abroad!
- Height: 5’3”
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Years active: 2005 to the present
9. Levi Porter
Levi Porter is one of the great English wingers of his era. As a teenager, he earned a spot on the English national team. From there, he went on to author a sterling career. He’s an outstanding ball handler, passer, and team leader. He was the shortest player in the entire Premier League for a time but quickly earned a reputation not to be overlooked.
- Height: 5’3”
- Position: Winger
- Years active: 2006 to 2019
10. Rui Gil Soares De Barros
Everyone from Portugal knows Rui Gil Soares De Barros. The 5’3” attacking midfielder has an exceptional Premira Liga stat sheet and a wonderful run on the Portuguese national team. During the 1987-88 season, Barros helped FC Porto complete one of the best seasons in club history, including a number of international cup wins. He was named Portuguese Footballer of the Year for his efforts.
- Height: 5’3”
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Years active: 1984 to 2000
11. Lorenzo Insigne
View this post on Instagram
The next short soccer player on our list hails from Italy. Lorenzo Insigne may be only 5’4”, but he is well-known by soccer fans for his creative playmaking abilities. He can deliver precise passes and crosses combined with incredible speed and agility. He also has precise free-kick abilities.
His career started with the Italian professional football club Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli. He played for Napoli as a youth from 2006 to 2010 and as a senior from 2010 to 2022. He currently plays for Toronto FC, for which there are reports that he makes 15 million per year. At the time of his signing in 2022, he was the highest-paid player in the Major Soccer League.
- Height: 5’4”
- Position: Winger
- Years active: 2010 to the present
12. Samuel Peter Lee
The Liverpool Legend Sammy Lee enjoyed a long and decorated career as one of the smallest soccer players in the entire world — and a damned good one! The midfielder spent most of his playing years with Liverpool but hopped around to a few different clubs in his heyday. He even spent a few years with the England national team and became a successful team manager and caretaker.
- Height: 5’4”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 1976 to 1991
13. Diego Maradona
View this post on Instagram
Soccer enthusiasts know Diego Maradona as a human highlight reel. An exceptional dribbler with fantastic agility, Maradona could easily split defenders, racking up goals and assists throughout a magnificent senior career. He also piled up a whopping 91 caps, playing in four FIFA World Cups and performing his best under the brightest spotlights.
He’s probably best known for his “Goal of the Century” in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, considered by many to be one of the best goals of all time. After retirement, he managed various soccer teams. He died in his sleep in November 2020 of cardiac arrest.
- Height: 5’5”
- Position: Attacking midfielder, second striker
- Years active: 1976 to 1997
14. Jorge Campos
View this post on Instagram
While soccer can sometimes be a short man’s game, goalkeeping is the exception. People think you have to be over six feet tall to be a great goalie. At least, that’s the thought until Jorge Campos showed up.
The Mexican footballer absolutely dazzled inside the goal, churning out impressive athletic saves with ease and regularity. He was also a great strategist and leader, causing soccer fans to remember him as one of the greatest goalies in history. Did we mention he was only 5’6”, more than six inches shorter than your average goalie?
- Height: 5’6”
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Years active: 1988 to 2003
15. Xavi
View this post on Instagram
One of the all-time greats, regardless of height, position or era, Xavi belongs on every pro-soccer best-of list imaginable. A brilliant tactician, the Spanish midfielder racked up more pelts on his wall than just about his contemporaries. He won a Silver medal, a FIFA World Youth Championship and nearly snagged a FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 (coming in third).
At 5’7”, Xavi stands a few inches taller than the shortest professional soccer players ever. But he was still considerably undersized — you wouldn’t know it by looking at his career stat sheet.
- Height: 5’7”
- Position: Midfielder
- Years active: 1997 to 2014
16. Lionel Messi
View this post on Instagram
Messi is widely considered among the top handful of best soccer players, if not the very best, and has a fascinating backstory. Outrageously talented from the get-go, it looked like Messi’s career would be over before it started. Doctors discovered at age ten that he had a growth hormone deficiency and would grow up far too small to be a professional athlete.
However, Messi’s talent was great enough that Barcelona eventually paid for special hormone treatment. Even still, he stands at 5’7” today—and a slight 5’7”, at that. Regardless, his legendary career and outrageous laundry list of accomplishments have left his unlikely backstory as nothing but a footnote. He may not be the shortest professional soccer player, but he certainly ranks among the best.
- Height: 5’7”
- Position: Forward
- Years active: 2003 to the present
17. Garrincha
A true legend and underdog hero, Garrinca is easily one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He was lucky enough to play alongside Pelé. Imagine the dominance!
During a magical stretch with Brazil, Garrinca led the national team on three World Cup crusades, including two tournament wins. He also cemented his place as the best dribbler of all time. He was a magician with a soccer ball and one of the most creative and artistic players ever to play.
Garrincha was undoubtedly undersized. But he used his short stature to exploit opponents who couldn’t match his body angles and explosiveness. He innovated the game and paved the way for the horde of talented short players that came after him. It’s no wonder Brazilians called him “Joy of the People.”
Height: 5’7”
Position: Right winger
Years active: 1951 to 1972
FAQs About Short Soccer Players
You might wonder who is the shortest FIFA player or who is the shortest professional soccer player. If you have questions like these, check out these FAQs. They cover the most common queries regarding the topic.
Who Was the Shortest Soccer Player in History?
Footballers standing at 5’1” are considered the shortest soccer players; this includes Élton José Xavier Gomes and Marcin Garuch. Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive record of all the soccer players in history.
Who Is the Shortest Soccer Player in the World?
For now, Marcin Garuch is reported to be the shortest soccer player in the world that is active.
Is It Better To Be Tall or Short as a Soccer Player?
Height as an advantage in soccer depends on the position you’re playing. For example, a professional soccer goal is 8 feet tall by 24 feet wide. Therefore, height is helpful in the goalkeeping position. However, short players often have better agility and balance due to their stature. That’s why you see many short midfielders. We can definitively say that soccer is a very height-inclusive sport catering to everyone.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Shortest Soccer Players
Short athletes are uniquely suited to succeed in soccer, perhaps more than any other professional sport. You can always find undersized marvels in any athletic competition. However, pro soccer seems to be filled to the brim with incredible players under 5’8”. Some of the best players in the sport’s history were only around 5’7”!
The best short soccer players are often imaginative, team-oriented, and extremely technically sound players. This list proves they don’t need to be genetically blessed with height. That kind of hard work and dedication to a craft is something all of us short guys can strive for.
Did we leave anyone out? Who are your favorite short soccer players? Tell us below in the comments!
I like it
Phillip Lahm, at 5’7”, easily one of the best defenders of all time.
Sammy Lee is not/was not 5’1″.
mare fakere
Sure, make a list about international football players and don’t use the imperial units. It’s not like football is the world’s most popular sport. Not even gonna bother to read and convert each player height to centimeters.
Glad we could help you find your daily outrage, Jay.
Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens