The best thing about soccer is the fact that you don’t necessarily need to be tall in order to succeed. Some of the most successful players in soccer history have been 5’7″ or even smaller, which usually does not work in many other team sports.
Who are the 15 greatest short soccer players? Although there are shorter players, the list only includes players who have suited up for higher-level team positions at one point. It is amazing that these players were able to compete against larger opponents at the highest level.
15. Lionel Messi – 5’7″
Even though there are many smaller players than Lionel Messi that could make this list it is worth noting his accomplishments at such a low height. His dominance is still evident in modern games, which shows that even athletes of short stature can play at the highest level.
It is a mystery to many how short he would have been without growth hormones. This got him to 5’7″ or a little bit smaller, but it took a lot of time and effort to get him ready for the highest stages. Barcelona paid for his treatment which made him one of most gifted players in the game.
14. Xavi – 5’7″
Although listed at 5’7″ tall, many people believe that Xavi is much shorter than that. This is why Xavi’s achievements are so impressive. He was a star midfielder for both the Spanish national team and Barcelona during most of his career.
Lionel Messi is listed below. The two players played together and helped Barcelona win many trophies. He was known for creating space and dribbling very tightly, making the most of his petite stature.
Even though he wasn’t tall and skinny, his low center-of-gravity was a great benefit. Xavi will be remembered for his greatness during the golden era Spanish football.
13. Garrincha – 5’6″
Pele got a lot of attention. But Garrincha was right by his side as a right winger for the great Brazilian teams. He was a great dribbler like many other shorter players. Many still consider him to be the greatest dribbler of all time.
Garrincha, a man who died too young at 49, is highly respected in his homeland. He was a great player for Botafogo and played 50 times for Brazil’s national team. Pele still speaks fondly about his former teammate when he has the chance.
12. Jorge Campos – 5’5″
A short player in the field is not a problem. This list shows that even though they are tall, there are some great players. But goalkeepers are supposed be the exception to the rule.
Jorge Campos is a dynamic, sometimes eccentric, outstanding player for the Mexican national soccer team. He played for several clubs and was a great player, leaving nothing on the pitch.
Campos is most well-known for his UNAM stance, but his 130 caps with Mexico are also impressive. Campos is the only goalie who was able to play as a striker at times during his career. During his time at UNAM, he scored 34 goals.
11. Diego Maradona – 5’5″
Argentina had an extremely small star player before Lionel Messi. Diego Maradona was only 5’5″ tall, but he is considered one of the best-attacking midfielders the game has ever seen.
He is still considered the greatest soccer player, with his role in leading Argentina to a World Cup victory solidifying his reputation. He was a great dribbler and his small frame made it possible for him to keep strong around the ball.
10. Sammy Lee – 5’5″
Sammy Lee’s height has been controversial. The standout for Liverpool for over a decade, many have listed him as low as 5’1″ or 5’2″. In actuality, he is right around 5’5″, and he became a mainstay in the top league in England during his prime.
Lee is also eligible to play for the English national soccer team in 14 matches. This is a remarkable opportunity for someone his size. Lee’s main strength was his technical skills. He always made the right play.
9. Rui Barros – 5’3″
Many consider Rui Barros a legend in Portugal, as he spent a lot of time in the country’s top league, as well as for the Portuguese national team. He played 36 times for Portugal and scored four goals in international play. Not bad for a player who was listed at 5’3″ inches tall, and perhaps was even shorter than that.
He is now a respected manager at Porto B. Although he may have the opportunity to manage other clubs in the near future, he seems happy teaching the game and keeping his passion alive for the moment.
8. Levi Porter – 5’3″
At 5’3″ tall, Levi Porter is almost always the shortest player when he takes the pitch. He played at the senior level for 14 years, so that has not been a problem.
His longest time as a senior player was with Leicester City. He scored three goals as a part of the club’s winning team. After playing a few years with Melton Town, he remained in professional soccer for a while.
7. Madson Formagini Caridade – 5’2″
As a short attacking midfielder, his career is over. He has been playing for many different clubs all around the world. He made his first long runs in Brazil and then moved to Qatar to play with Al-Khor.
His reputation for being a great player in set pieces has led to him relying on a very technical approach when playing the game to compensate for his smaller stature. He is also a strong opponent of defenders which has allowed him to be successful. Some teams believed that they could push him off the ball early on in his career.
6. Maximiliano Moralez – 5’2″
It has been a very productive career for the 5’2″ Argentinian player, as he always seems to find a place to play and perform at a high level. As a New York City FC senior player, he is an outstanding attacker and midfielder.
His ability to keep going throughout matches is a major reason for his success. He seems to never tire and can perform at a high level in every match. He is nearing the end of his prime, but there is no reason why he can’t put in a few more years at some level. New York City FC fans love him.
5. Benedict Vilakazi – 5’2″
Although he might not have been tall, the small South African was still a strong player who could lead this club as a middle-fielder. As a player with the Orlando Pirates for nine years, he was a strong goal scorer. He moved around, but always found a way back to help.
He did not play in any of the major leagues, but he did have 32 caps for South Africa. His contributions to international competition enabled
4. Daniel Villalva – 5’2″
Daniel Villalva, at the beginning of his career was an Argentine star. He seemed to be a good midfielder, as they have always had small players. Unfortunately, he didn’t really take off after being the youngest River Plate player.
Perhaps his height is not the key, but he has managed to keep playing professionally. He is currently playing in the Brazilian Golas league.
3. Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari – 5’1″
Jafal Rashed Al Kuwaiti, despite being doubtful all his life had a productive and long career at Al Sadd Qatar. His senior career was started in 1990, and continued all the way through 2009. He was also a majorstay with the Qatar National Team, where he played 51 games.
He was small, just like many smaller players. He was a great leader for his club, and later became the captain of the Qatar National Team. He is still active in soccer in his country, and seems to be focused on growing the game.
2. Marcin Garuch – 5’1″
Another active soccer player listed at 5’1″ tall, Marcin Garuch is mostly known for his time playing for Miedz Legnica. While he’s not well-known outside Poland, it’s easy to see why he’s so distinctive on the pitch. To be able to challenge the big players, he is another midfielder that must use his tight dribbling skills.
He’s been consistent enough to build a successful career lasting over a decade. Now, he wants to continue his role as a smart passer and distributer on offense for a bit longer.
1. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes – 5’1″
Elton has had a long and productive career. He grew up playing soccer and, unlike many Brazilians, his diminutive height didn’t limit him. He actually uses his height to his advantage, being one of the top dribblers in soccer, and able to cut through defenses and keep them on the edge.
Although he was a bit more experienced in his career, he found his home in Saudi Arabia where he plays for many clubs. Because of his diminutive stature, he is a favorite club member wherever he goes. Many players end up on this list because they have a soft spot in their hearts for the small guys.