One of the great things about soccer is that a player does not necessarily have to be tall 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 short soccer players of all time? While there might be shorter players out there, this list is limited to players who suited up for higher-level teams at some point. What is remarkable is that some of these guys still succeeded at the highest level despite going up against bigger opponents every night.
15. Lionel Messi – 5’7″
- 5’7″ / 170cm
While there are technically smaller players than Lionel Messi capable of making this list, it is still worth mentioning him for his ability to accomplish so much at such a small height. In the modern game, he still dominates, and it shows athletes that they can still play at the highest level even if they are short in stature.
Some wonder just how short he would be if he did not receive growth hormones when he was younger. 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. In fact, Barcelona helped pay for his treatments, which led to one of the most talented players the game has ever seen.
14. Xavi – 5’7″
- 5’7″ / 170cm
Although listed at 5’7″ tall, many people believe that Xavi is much shorter than that. That is what makes what he was able to accomplish so much more impressive, as the midfielder was a star for the Spanish national team as well as Barcelona throughout most of his career.
Playing alongside Lionel Messi, who makes the list a little further down, the two players helped win plenty of trophies for Barcelona. He was known for making the most of his small stature by creating space and having very tight dribbling.
Even though he was short and skinny, his low center of gravity worked as a benefit for him overall. Xavi is now making a transition during his post-playing career, but he will be remembered as one of the greats during the golden era of Spanish soccer.
13. Garrincha – 5’6″
- 5’6″ / 168cm
Pele received a lot of attention, but Garrincha was right there by his side as a right-winger for those great Brazilian teams. Like a lot of shorter players, he was an outstanding dribbler, and many to this day still believe that he might be the best dribbler in soccer history.
A man who died way too young at age 49, Garrincha is very well respected in his native country. He was a star for Botafogo on the club side, and made 50 total appearances for the Brazilian national team. Pele still talks very fondly of his former teammate whenever he gets the opportunity.
12. Jorge Campos – 5’5″
- 5’5″ / 165cm
Being a short player in the field does not end up being too much of a problem. This list shows that there are certainly some all-time greats despite their height. However, goalkeepers are supposed to be the exception to that rule.
Nobody told that to Jorge Campos, as he was a dynamic (and sometimes eccentric), outstanding player for the Mexican national team. He also starred for a few club teams, always leaving it on the pitch with his aggressive play.
Campos definitely is remembered for his stance with UNAM, but earning 130 caps with Mexico is pretty impressive as well. He is one of the only goalies who could also be used as a striker in some instances during his career. For example, he scored 34 goals with UNAM during his time with the club.
11. Diego Maradona – 5’5″
- 5’5″ / 165cm
Before there was Lionel Messi, Argentina had another extremely small star player. Diego Maradona was only 5’5″ tall, but he is considered one of the best-attacking midfielders the game has ever seen.
Some people still believe he is the greatest soccer player of all time, and leading Argentina to a World Cup championship certainly solidified his reputation. He was an outstanding dribbler, and his compact frame allowed him to stay strong around the ball.
10. Sammy Lee – 5’5″
- 5’5″ / 165cm
It has always been a bit of controversy as far as how tall Sammy Lee actually is. 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 also has an opportunity to play for the English national team in 14 matches, which is impressive for his size. The technical skill of Lee was always his major calling card, as he found a way always to make the right play.
9. Rui Barros – 5’3″
- 5’3″ / 160cm
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 made a total of 36 appearances for Portugal, scoring 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.
Now, he is a respected manager for Porto B. There might be a chance for him to move up and manage other clubs in the future, but he seems content teaching the game and staying around the sport he loves for the time being.
8. Levi Porter – 5’3″
- 5’3″ / 160cm
At 5’3″ tall, Levi Porter is almost always the shortest player when he takes the pitch. That has not held him back much during his career, as he played 14 years at the senior level.
His longest stint as a senior player came with Leicester City, as he scored three goals for the club as a part-time winner. He stayed around professional soccer for a while, finally leaving the sport after playing a couple of years with Melton Town.
7. Madson Formagini Caridade – 5’2″
- 5’2″ / 157cm
The career for the short attacking midfielder just wrapped up, as he found solid action for several clubs around the world. His first long runs came in Brazil, but he made a successful move to Qatar to play for Al-Khor.
Known for being one of the better players as far as set pieces are concerned, he has relied on a very technical approach to the game to make up for his lack of size. He has also held strong against defenders, which allows him to have success. Some teams early in his career believed that they would be able to push him off the ball.
6. Maximiliano Moralez – 5’2″
- 5’2″ / 157cm
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. A current standout as an attacker and midfielder for New York City FC, he has been a senior player since 2005.
The reason he has been able to have success largely comes down to his dependable motor throughout the match. It seems like he never tires, and he can produce at a high level every single 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. He has really turned into a fan favorite for New York City FC supporters.
5. Benedict Vilakazi – 5’2″
- 5’2″ / 157cm
The small South African might lack height, but he was still a physical player capable of leading this club as a midfielder. He was a pretty strong goal scorer for the Orlando Pirates, as he spent the first nine years of his career with that club. He then moved around a bit, but always found a way to contribute.
Although never playing for one of the huge leagues around the world, he did finish with 32 career caps for South Africa. His contributions to international competition allowed
4. Daniel Villalva – 5’2″
- 5’2″ / 157cm
At the beginning of his career, Daniel Villalva looked like a star for Argentina. They have always had small midfielders, and he certainly seemed like someone who could slide in right there. Unfortunately, after becoming the youngest player ever to play for River Plate, he never really took off like some thought.
Maybe height has little to do with it, but he has found ways to continue playing professionally. He has just not participated in a big league, as he is currently with Golas in Brazil.
3. Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari – 5’1″
- 5’1″ / 155cm
Doubted all his life, Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari had a long and productive career with Al Sadd in Qatar. His senior career started in 1990, and he lasted all the way to 2009. He also was a mainstay on the Qatar National Team, as he had 51 appearances with them.
Like a lot of smaller players, fans instantly recognized him for his small size. He ended up being a very good leader for his club and national team and was named the Qatar National Team captain later in his career. He still plays an active role in soccer in his home country and seems to be very focused on growing the game more and more.
2. Marcin Garuch – 5’1″
- 5’1″ / 155cm
Another active soccer player listed at 5’1″ tall, Marcin Garuch is mostly known for his time playing for Miedz Legnica. He is not that well-known outside of Poland, but it is hard not to see that he stands out on the pitch. He is another midfielder who has to rely on tight dribbling skills to have a chance to go up against the big players.
He has been steady enough to put together a career that lasted over a decade, and he is hoping to play a little longer as a smart passer and distributor on offense.
1. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes – 5’1″
- 5’1″ / 155cm
It has been a very solid, productive career for the guy known as Elton. Just like many Brazilians, he grew up loving the sport of soccer, and his small height did not limit him too much. In fact, he uses his height as an advantage as one of the best dribblers in the game, having the ability to slice through defenses and keep them on their toes.
He has bounced around a bit later in his career, but he has found a home in Saudi Arabia playing for several clubs. His diminutive size has made him a club favorite just about everywhere he goes. In fact, for many players who end up making this list, fans always have a soft spot for the little guys.
