Who is the shortest football player ever? In the world of football, many players are of short stature, yet their appearance may not be particularly remarkable. However, they still compete at the highest level and achieve success on par with their taller, more physically dominant counterparts. In today's article, let's join admin Wintips to explore the top 10 shortest football players in the soccer world.
Top 10 shortest football players in the world right now
1. Élton José Xavier Gomes (Brazil - 1m54)
Élton José Xavier Gomes is a Brazilian footballer who stands at 1.54 meters tall. He plays as an attacking midfielder. He displays creativity in his playing style and possesses a unique technical approach. The diminutive footballer scored 11 goals for Al-Fateh FC, helping his team secure its first-ever league title.
Blessed with good speed and incredible dribbling skills, Élton made a name for himself while playing for Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr, Al-Hamriyah, and Al-Fateh. Talent and effort were the key factors that helped this player build a football career that many taller players could only aspire to.
2. Daniel Villalva (Argentina - 1m54)
Daniel Villalva is a skillful attacking midfielder from Argentina. He currently plays for Ferro Carril Oeste in Argentina's second division. Villalva is known for his exceptional dribbling and passing prowess. For many years, he has dazzled defenders with his skills despite standing at just 1.54 meters tall.
In 2009, he became the youngest player ever to make his debut for River Plate at the age of 16. Villalva also represented Argentina's U17 national team in the FIFA U17 World Cup, which took place in 2009. Although he is not tall, whenever he plays on the pitch, he earns admiration from everyone for his talent.
3. Marcin Garuch (Poland - 1m55)
Standing at just 1.55 meters tall, Marcin Garuch is considered one of the shortest professional footballers in the world. He is widely regarded as the shortest professional footballer in Europe. Marcin Garuch hails from Poland and plays as a midfielder.
He acknowledges that his height, though not ideal, helps him outmaneuver opponents and improve his ball control. He plays for Miedź Legnica in the Polish league and is known for his excellent skills in set-piece situations.
4. Benedict Vilakazi (South Africa - 1m55)
Standing at just 1.57 meters, Benedict Vilakazi is still widely recognized across the globe. Despite his small stature, Benedict Vilakazi's talent stands out remarkably. He has represented the South African national team 31 times and is one of the most beloved footballers among South African fans.
Vilakazi has been capped 31 times for the South African national team. Throughout his football career, Benedict Vilakazi has faced numerous controversies, both in his personal life and in his relationships with coaches.
5. Riko Simanjuntak (Indonesia - 1m57)
Riko Simanjuntak is an Indonesian footballer who plays as a winger. Born in 1992, he is 1.58 meters tall. He currently plays for Persija Jakarta. Riko Simanjuntak has represented the Indonesian national team in the 2018 AFF Championship and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite his small stature, Riko Simanjuntak has often caused problems for taller opponents such as Doan Van Hau when facing the Vietnamese national team. Riko Simanjuntak's talent stands out remarkably despite his short height.
6. Maximiliano Moralez (Argentina - 1m58)
Maximiliano Moralez, born in 1987 in Argentina, stands at 1.60 meters, making him among the shortest footballers in the world. He plays as an attacking midfielder for New York City FC in Major League Soccer.
Despite his small stature, Moralez excels on the field, having earned awards such as the Golden Boot and Silver Ball in various national leagues. Despite his modest height, Maximiliano Moralez has been called up to the Argentina national team through skill and determination.
7. Levi Porter (England - 1m60)
Porter is an English footballer, proving that height is not necessarily a barrier. Despite being just 1.6 meters tall, he shines on the field thanks to his exceptional football skills. Levi Roger Porter began his career with a one-year contract extension at Leicester City.
As of now, Levi Roger Porter has played for clubs like Hinckley United, Shepshed Dynamo, and Melton Town, and has even represented the England national team. Levi Roger Porter has played for clubs such as Hinckley United, Shepshed Dynamo, and Melton Town. He has also played for clubs such as Hinckley United, Histon, and Oadby Town.
8. Diego Bounanotte (Argentina - 1m61)
Diego Buonanotte was once seen as a promising talent for Argentina despite standing at just 1.61 meters. He has played for several clubs, including River Plate, Málaga, Granada, and Universidad Católica. However, his inconsistent form, combined with personal issues, has significantly affected his football career, leading to a significant decline.
Recently, he seems to have almost disappeared from important matches. Diego Bounanotte's talent and ingenuity are undisputed, but whether he will continue to play professionally in the future remains uncertain.
9. Christian Lara (Ecuador - 1m62)
Christian Lara used to be one of the stars of Ecuadorian football, having been capped 28 times for the national team and scoring four goals. However, Lara faced challenges at the highest level due to his modest height of 1.62 meters. Nevertheless, Christian Lara's impressive performances on the pitch helped him become a standout player in South America.
The clubs that Christian Lara used to play for include El Nacional, Barcelona SC, Deportivo Quito, and Clan Juvenil. His playing experience and excellent technique make Christian Lara an impressive player in South America.
10. Lorenzo Insigne (Italia - 1m63)
Former SSC Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne is one of the shortest players currently on the field, standing at just 1.63 meters, which is considered quite short in football. Despite his height disadvantage, he demonstrates excellent dribbling skills and sharp technique, as showcased in Euro 2020.
The 33-year-old player also possesses a powerful shot, which contributed to his country, Italy, clinching its second Euro title. Lorenzo Insigne plays for Toronto FC in MLS.
Conclusion
With this information, it's evident that height doesn't entirely determine success in a professional football career. Despite being short in stature, these stars still shine on the field. They even command a large fan following worldwide. Of course, physique and athleticism still hold advantages. Follow more interesting articles on the bookmaker ratings website every day.
See also: 10 tallest soccer players in the world (2024 Rankings)
