The 13 Shortest Soccer Players of All Time
When it comes to most sports, such as American Football and basketball, height is often seen as a significant advantage. However, when it comes to the beautiful game, many of the game’s greatest players have proven that a short stature can be an intimidating force on the field.
From FC Barcelona legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona to Welsh midfielder Joe Allen, these players have used their low center of gravity, intelligence, and technical skills to outmaneuver taller opponents and leave a huge mark on world football.
In this post, we’ll explore the careers of the 13 shortest professional soccer players of all time, who defied the odds to succeed in the world’s most popular sport.
The 13 Shortest Professional Soccer Players of All Time
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1. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes – 5 ft (1.52 M)
Elton Jose Xavier Gomes, known as “Elton Arabia,” stands as the shortest soccer player ever. With exceptional ball control and dribbling skills, Gomes became a cult figure in the Middle East, especially during his time with Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh. Despite his diminutive stature, he managed to score 48 goals in 121 matches, showcasing his talent in leagues where height was often seen as a necessity.
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2. Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwuri – 5 ft 1 in (1.55 M)
Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwuri, a former captain of Qatar’s national team, defied the odds with his technical skills and leadership on the field. He enjoyed a long career and became a key player for Qatar, representing his country at the highest levels.
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3. Marcin Garuch – 5 ft 1 in (1.55 M)
Marcin Garuch is one of the shortest active professional soccer players, standing at just 5 feet and 1 inch. This Polish midfielder has built a reputation in the Polish leagues for his precision passing and quickness, proving that skill can outshine physical attributes.
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4. Benedict Vilakazi – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Nicknamed “Little Napoleon,” Benedict Vilakazi made a name for himself in South African soccer despite his short stature. His leadership and determination earned him respect on the field, making him one of the most formidable players of his time.
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5. Kim Ji-Sung – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Kim Ji-Sung from South Korea is one of the shortest players to have ever participated in the World Cup. His agility and dribbling skills made him a standout player, demonstrating that size isn’t everything in soccer.
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6. Frederick Walden – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Frederick Walden, the smallest player to represent England at the senior level, was known for his excellent passing and ability to use his low center of gravity to his advantage. Playing in the early 20th century, Walden remains a historic figure in English and European football.
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7. Mambwene Mana – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Mambwene Mana, from DR Congo, was known for his low stature, and quick turns and agility, that helped him stand out in his playing career. Despite being shorter than most, if not all of his peers, Mana’s skills allowed him to excel in various clubs throughout his career.
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8. Madson Formagini Caridade – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Madson Formagini Caridade is a Brazilian midfielder who played for several clubs across Brazil and Qatar. Despite his size, his strength and technical skills made him a key player to the clubs that were able to get his signature.
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9. Daniel Villalva – 5 ft 2 in (1.57 M)
Daniel Villalva, known for his dribbling skills, made a significant impact in Liga MX despite his small stature. His agility and ability to navigate through defenders earned him a place among the shortest professional soccer players who left a lasting impact on the game.
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10. Levi Porter – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 M)
Levi Porter, who played for Leicester City and later Mansfield Town, was known for his quick pace and technical skills. Despite standing at only 5 ft 3 in, Porter proved to be a formidable opponent on the field during his four seasons in professional soccer.
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11. Maximiliano Moralez – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 M)
Maximiliano Moralez, current MLS player with New York City FC, is another example of a short player who has made a big impact. His agility, coupled with his vision, composure, and effectiveness on the field, has made him well known in the MLS as one of the league’s top players.
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12. Carlos Aponte – 5 ft 3 in (1.60 M)
Carlos Aponte from Colombia was another player with a low stature that became known for his technical skills and ability to outmaneuver taller opponents.
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13. Lorenzo Insigne – 5 ft 4 in (1.63 M)
The most popular name on this list, Lorenzo Insigne, is an Italian winger who was intrumental for Napoli in Serie A and the Italian national team. His ability to make quick turns and bursts of speed, thanks to his low center of gravity, has made him one of the best soccer players of his generation, despite being shorter than most of his peers.
Insigne now plays in MLS with Toronto FC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some of the best short soccer players of all time?
Some of the greatest soccer players of all time with a short stature include great such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Alexis Sanchez, and many more.
What is the average height in soccer?
The average height of a soccer player is 5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 10 in, but this can vary depending on the positions and countries.
Who is the shortest footballer of all time?
The shortest soccer player of all time is Elton Jose Xavier Gomes
Who is the shortest national team player?
Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwuri is the shortest national team player who plays for Qatar.
Who is the shortest player to have played at the World Cup?
Ji Sung Kim from South Korea, is the shortest soccer player to have played at the World Cup.
Who is the shortest soccer player in Major League Soccer?
Maximiliano Moralez from New York City FC is the shortest soccer player in MLS.
Conclusion
The world of soccer is a testament to the fact that greatness in sports, at least this sport, is not defined by height. The players on this list have shown that skill, intelligence, and determination can easily overcome any perceived disadvantages of being shorter in stature.
Their careers are a celebration of what can be achieved when talent is combined with the right mindset and perseverance. Whether it’s fast footwork, pinpoint passing, or lightning-fast agility, these players have left a huge mark on the sport, proving that in soccer, it’s not the size of the player that matters, but the size of their heart and passion for the game.
This blog has been created in collaboration with Rowdie.co.uk
