Who Are the Shortest Soccer Players? (List)

Soccer, also known as football, is a sport that requires agility, speed, and skill.

While height may not be a determining factor for success in soccer, it is interesting to explore the world of the shortest soccer players.

Here is a list of some of the shortest soccer players, though please note that this list might not be exhaustive and the heights of players can sometimes be listed differently in various sources:

Marcin Garuch (5 ft 3 in / 160 cm)

Daniel Villalva (5 ft 2 in / 157 cm)

Joãozinho (5 ft 2 in / 157 cm)

Levi Porter (5 ft 2 in / 157 cm)

Maxi Moralez (5 ft 3 in / 160 cm)

Juan Cuevas (5 ft 3 in / 160 cm)

Ezequiel Barco (5 ft 5 in / 165 cm)

Lionel Messi (5 ft 7 in / 170 cm)

Xavi (5 ft 7 in / 170 cm)

Andrés Iniesta (5 ft 7 in / 170 cm)

Below we look into the achievements of some of the shortest soccer players, highlighting their impact on the game and debunking the myth that height is a barrier to success in this sport.

Table of Contents

Notable Shortest Soccer Players

Let’s take a closer look at some of the shortest soccer players who have left an huge mark on the game:

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, stands at just 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.

Despite his diminutive stature, Messi’s skills and achievements are unparalleled.

He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, multiple times.

Messi’s agility, close ball control, and ability to change direction quickly have made him a nightmare for defenders.

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, another legendary player, was also relatively short at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall.

Maradona’s impact on the game is undeniable, particularly his performance in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory.

His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score spectacular goals have solidified his place as one of the greatest players in history.

Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, is known for his exceptional technical skills and vision on the field.

He played a big role in Spain’s success during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they were crowned champions.

Iniesta’s ability to control the tempo of the game and provide precise passes has earned him a reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard, a Belgian professional soccer player, is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall.

Hazard’s agility, close ball control, and dribbling skills have made him a formidable opponent for defenders.

He has had successful stints with clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid, showcasing his ability to influence games with his creativity and goal-scoring prowess.

The Impact of Height in Soccer

Height has long been associated with success in certain sports, such as basketball or volleyball, where height can provide a significant advantage.

However, in soccer, height is not necessarily a determining factor for success.

The game of soccer requires a combination of skills, including technique, speed, agility, and tactical awareness.

While height can be advantageous in certain situations, such as aerial duels or defending set-pieces, it does not guarantee success on the field.

Shorter players often possess exceptional technical skills, quickness, and agility, allowing them to navigate through tight spaces and evade defenders.

Their low center of gravity can provide them with better balance and control over the ball.

Many of these players have made significant contributions to their teams and have become fan favorites due to their unique playing style.

Debunking the Height Myth

The success of these shorter players debunks the myth that height is a prerequisite for excelling in soccer.

While height can provide certain advantages in specific situations, it is not the sole determinant of a player’s ability or potential.

The game of soccer is multifaceted, and various attributes, such as technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental strength, play crucial roles in a player’s success.

Shorter players often compensate for their lack of height with exceptional speed, agility, and technical abilities.

Their low center of gravity allows them to change direction quickly and maintain better balance, making them elusive and difficult to defend against.

Additionally, their smaller stature can provide them with an advantage in terms of maneuverability and quickness.

The Best Players At Each Height!

FAQ – Who Are the Shortest Soccer Players?

1. Who is the shortest professional soccer player?

The shortest professional soccer player on record is Maximiliano Moralez, an Argentine midfielder who stands at 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters) tall.

2. Are shorter players at a disadvantage in soccer?

No, shorter players are not necessarily at a disadvantage in soccer.

While height can provide certain advantages in specific situations, shorter players often compensate with exceptional speed, agility, and technical skills.

3. Can shorter players be successful in aerial duels?

While taller players may have an advantage in aerial duels, shorter players can still be successful by utilizing their agility, timing, and positioning to outsmart their opponents.

4. Are there any famous short goalkeepers?

Yes, there have been several famous short goalkeepers who have achieved great success.

For example, Jorge Campos, a Mexican goalkeeper, stood at just 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and had an illustrious career.

5. Do shorter players have better ball control?

Shorter players often have excellent ball control due to their lower center of gravity, which provides them with better balance and maneuverability.

6. Can shorter players be effective strikers?

Absolutely! Shorter players can be highly effective strikers.

Their agility, quickness, and ability to navigate through tight spaces can make them elusive and difficult to defend against.

7. Are there any advantages to being a shorter player in soccer?

Yes, being a shorter player in soccer can have advantages.

Shorter players often possess exceptional speed, agility, and technical skills, allowing them to excel in certain aspects of the game.

8. Who is the shortest player to have won the FIFA Ballon d’Or?

Lionel Messi, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, is the shortest player to have won the FIFA Ballon d’Or multiple times.

9. Can shorter players be effective defenders?

Absolutely! Shorter players can be effective defenders by utilizing their agility, anticipation, and tactical awareness to neutralize opponents.

10. Are there any advantages to being a taller player in soccer?

Being a taller player in soccer can provide advantages in certain situations, such as aerial duels or defending set-pieces.

Taller players may have a greater reach and can use their height to their advantage.

11. Can shorter players have successful careers in professional soccer?

Yes, shorter players can have highly successful careers in professional soccer.

The achievements of players like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are testament to this fact.

12. Are there any disadvantages to being a taller player in soccer?

While being taller can provide advantages in certain situations, taller players may sometimes face challenges in terms of agility and maneuverability.

13. Can shorter players be captains of their teams?

Absolutely! Shorter players can be excellent leaders and captains of their teams.

Leadership qualities are not determined by height but rather by a player’s character, communication skills, and ability to inspire their teammates.

14. Are there any height restrictions for professional soccer players?

No, there are no specific height restrictions for professional soccer players.

The focus is on a player’s skills, abilities, and performance on the field.

15. Can shorter players have successful careers in international soccer?

Yes, shorter players can have successful careers in international soccer.

Many shorter players have represented their countries at the highest level and have made significant contributions to their national teams.

Summary

Height is not a barrier to success in soccer.

The world of soccer has witnessed the rise of numerous shorter players who have defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the game.

Players like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Andres Iniesta, and Eden Hazard have showcased their exceptional skills, proving that height is not the sole determinant of success in soccer.