The goalkeeper is a special position in football, where players can use their hands to block the ball. To become a professional goalkeeper, a player not only needs talent but also requires impressive height and physical fitness. Throughout football history, there have been many goalkeepers with impressive height, some even exceeding 2 meters. However, alongside them, there are also many goalkeepers with modest height. They face considerable challenges in keeping the goal safe. Are you wondering who admin Wintips is referring to? Let's take a look at who is the shortest goalkeeper in the world of football right below.
Who is the shortest goalkeeper in the world?
1. Jorge Campos (1m68)
Francesco Quintini, a former Italian goalkeeper standing at a modest height of just 1.68m, holds the record as the shortest goalkeeper in the world and in Serie A during the 1971/72 season. Quintini made just nine starts in Serie A but is best known for his four seasons with AS Roma. Thanks to his talent, he helped AS Roma win the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1972.
Jorge Campos is perhaps the shortest but most famous goalkeeper on this list, having had a significant impact on the history of world football. Campos is considered one of Mexico's greatest goalkeepers of his generation. The former player is most remembered for his colorful and flamboyant jerseys, as well as his aggressive style of play, frequently rushing out of his penalty area to support the defense.
2. Francesco Quintini (1m68) - The shortest goalkeeper
Former Italian goalkeeper Francesco Quintini, standing at a modest height of just 1.68 meters, holds the record as the shortest goalkeeper in Serie A during the 1971/1972 season. Throughout four seasons with AS Roma, Quintini gained recognition. Although he only played in nine matches in Serie A, he occasionally featured in the starting lineup.
Despite his small stature, he outperformed taller goalkeepers at AS Roma. Thanks to his talent, he won the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1972. He also holds the record as the shortest goalkeeper in football history. His life and career serve as a testament to the importance of patience, perseverance, and resilience in overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams.
3. Juan Botasso (1m69) - The shortest goalkeeper
Juan Botasso was an Argentine goalkeeper who started his professional career in 1927. During his career, he played for Racing Club de Avellaneda and Argentino de Quilmes, making a total of 19 appearances between 1927 and 1946. He was also selected for the Argentine national team. Botasso was Argentina's goalkeeper in the 1930 FIFA World Cup. After a 4–2 defeat to host nation Uruguay in the final, Argentina finished as runners-up.
Due to Juan Botasso’s outstanding abilities, goalkeeper Ángel Bossio had to step aside for him in the semi-final against the United States and the final against the host nation, Uruguay. Botasso's prominence didn’t rely on height but rather on talent, patience, and fighting spirit. Juan Botasso left a lasting legacy and inspired sports enthusiasts worldwide.
4. Teddy Davison (1m70)
Teddy Davison is a renowned English goalkeeper, a symbol of determination and resilience in overcoming limitations. He has demonstrated that despite being one of the shortest goalkeepers in the world, with good technique and a strong fighting spirit, he can overcome barriers and achieve success.
Teddy Davison's talent helped him succeed at the professional level and earn the respect of the football community. He was known for his quick reflexes, effectively stopping dangerous shots on goal. Teddy Davison played a crucial role in organizing the defensive line.
5. Steve Death (1m70) - The shortest goalkeeper
Steve Death's dedication and passion earned him respect not only within the football community but also across the sporting world in England. He became a role model for young goalkeepers and inspired many to pursue their passion.
Starting his football career at the age of 17 with Reading FC, Steve Death quickly became one of the team's key players, showcasing his impressive talent by making outstanding reflex saves and blocking dangerous shots on goal. Despite being one of the shortest goalkeepers in professional football, he possessed excellent tactical awareness and was always ready to organize the defensive line.
6. Ted Burgin (1m70) - The shortest goalkeeper
Ted Burgin was renowned for his quick reflexes and excellent shot-stopping abilities. He was always ready to deal with powerful shots from opponents and helped his team keep clean sheets in many crucial matches. His fighting spirit and patience helped him remain composed in high-pressure situations and inspired confidence among his teammates.
He began his career with Scunthorpe United in the early 1950s. Despite facing challenges due to his modest height, Ted Burgin quickly became a key player for the team and gained the admiration of many fans. One of the shortest goalkeepers in the world, he was also called up to the England national team for the 1956 World Cup.
7. Giuseppe Cavanna (1m71)
Giuseppe Cavanna was a remarkable Italian goalkeeper in the 1920s and 1930s. He started his career playing for two Italian clubs, Napoli and Pro Vercelli. Despite his modest height, Cavanna was a formidable shot-stopper, making it difficult for opponents to score.
At Napoli, Cavanna showcased his exceptional talent in denying goal-scoring opportunities and became one of the team's top goalkeepers of his era. Subsequently, he was called up to the Italian national team as a reserve and contributed to the Azzurri's World Cup victory in 1934 on home soil.
8. Oscar Pérez Rojas (1m72) - The shortest goalkeeper
Oscar Pérez is renowned for his fighting spirit, patience, and quick reflexes. These qualities helped one of the shortest goalkeepers in the world excel at stopping dangerous shots from opponents and keeping clean sheets despite his limited height.
Óscar Pérez began his professional football career in 1993 with UANL Tigres in Mexico. Since then, he has played for several teams, including Cruz Azul, Chiapas, Pachuca, and Querétaro. He is renowned for his consistent performances and loyalty to the teams he has represented.
9. František Planička (1m72) - The shortest goalkeeper
František Planička, a legendary goalkeeper from Czechoslovakia, known as "Planička," is celebrated for his remarkable achievements despite his modest height of 1.72 meters. He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history and is a symbol of patience, talent, and determination.
F. Planička began his journey as a professional footballer at Sparta Prague in the 1920s. He quickly established himself as a skilled goalkeeper with lightning-fast reflexes and the ability to thwart dangerous shots from opponents. One of Planička's most notable characteristics was his strong team spirit and deep sense of responsibility. He was recognized for his excellence with numerous titles and awards throughout his career.
10. Juan Olivares (1m72)
Juan Olivares was a former Chilean goalkeeper with an impressive football career. Olivares's technique and achievements made him one of Chile's outstanding goalkeepers. Renowned for his fighting spirit, Olivares became an icon of determination and reliability as a goalkeeper. He was also highly regarded for his technique and tactical awareness.
This ability allows him to make excellent saves in difficult circumstances. In addition to his club career, Juan Olivares also had the opportunity to play for the Chile national team. He participated in numerous international tournaments and played a crucial role in Chile's football success.
Conclusion
Football is a sport that demands exceptional physical fitness. In any position on the field, players with greater height have an advantage in duels, aerial battles, and interceptions. This advantage is even more pronounced for goalkeepers. However, the shortest goalkeepers mentioned here are far from being just amateur players. They are often key players for their respective teams. Their reflexes and shot-stopping abilities are second to none. That's why our betting internet bookmaker website's admin is sending you this article.
See also: Portugal best soccer player in history - C. Is Ronaldo No 1?
