Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026
Height often seems like a disadvantage in football, yet many players have shown skill and determination can outshine size. From Elton José Xavier Gomes to Daniel Villalva and Marco Verratti, some of the shortest players globally have proven their worth at top clubs. Standing between 154 cm and 167 cm, these players use their low centre of gravity for quick turns, dribbling, and control under pressure.
While taller players generally have advantages, history shows legends like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Roberto Carlos thrived despite shorter stature. Messi’s ability to glide past defenders highlights how height is just one part of success. Let's look at the ten shortest footballers active today who challenge the idea that only tall athletes excel.
Top 10 Shortest Footballers List
- Rank: 10
- Name: Bernard
- Height (cm): 167
- Club: Atlético-MG
- Rank: 9
- Name: Marco Verratti
- Height (cm): 165
- Club: Al Duhail
- Rank: 8
- Name: Ryan Fraser
- Height (cm): 163
- Club: Western Sydney Wanderers
- Rank: 7
- Name: Tariq Lamptey
- Height (cm): 163
- Club: ACF Fiorentina
- Rank: 6
- Name: Lorenzo Insigne
- Height (cm): 163
- Club: Pescara
- Rank: 5
- Name: Maximiliano Moralez
- Height (cm): 160
- Club: New York City
- Rank: 4
- Name: Yeferson Soteldo
- Height (cm): 159
- Club: Fluminense
- Rank: 3
- Name: Saliu Popoola
- Height (cm): 157
- Club: Amal Tiznit
- Rank: 2
- Name: Daniel Villalva
- Height (cm): 155
- Club: Boca Unidos
- Rank: 1
- Name: Elton José Xavier Gomes
- Height (cm): 154
- Club: Zumbi
Who Is The Shortest Footballer Right Now?
The shortest player on this list, Elton José Xavier Gomes, stands at just 154 cm. His career spans multiple clubs including Corinthians and Al Nassr, with over 370 appearances and 82 goals. Despite his small frame, Elton's creativity and pace make him a key playmaker.
Player Profiles
Bernard, standing 167 cm, gained fame at Shakhtar Donetsk with three Ukrainian league titles before joining Everton. At Everton, he played 84 games, scoring a memorable winner in a 5-4 FA Cup match against Tottenham. Now back at Atlético Mineiro, Bernard shows height hasn’t hindered his impact.
- Height: 167 cm
- Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, Shakhtar Donetsk, Everton
- Total Appearances: ~320
Marco Verratti, 165 cm, is an acclaimed Italian midfielder once central to PSG’s success, winning over 30 trophies in 400+ appearances. Now at Al Duhail, he remains among the most decorated shortest footballers, having also won the European Championship with Italy.
- Height: 165 cm
- Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Al Duhail, Pescara
- Total Appearances: 450+
Ryan Fraser, 163 cm, uses his low centre of gravity and agility as a winger. His career includes spells at Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Southampton, accumulating over 365 appearances with 42 goals and 52 assists. Currently, he plays in Australia.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Southampton
- Total Appearances: 365+
At 163 cm, Tariq Lamptey impressed early with Chelsea youth but made his mark at Brighton with 122 appearances. Known for his pace and stamina, the defender now competes in Serie A with Fiorentina.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fiorentina
- Total Appearances: 200+
One of Serie A’s finest wingers, Lorenzo Insigne (163 cm) shone at Napoli and scored crucial goals during Euro 2020, which Italy won. Recently with Pescara, Insigne combined skill and speed to navigate tight spaces against larger defenders.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Napoli, Toronto FC, Pescara
- Total Appearances: 600+
Maxi Moralez, 160 cm, gained recognition in South America before joining Atalanta, where his creativity stood out despite his short stature. Now playing in MLS, he boasts impressive stats with New York City FC.
- Height: 160 cm
- Clubs: Atalanta, New York City FC, Racing Club
- Total Appearances: 600+
The Venezuelan winger Yeferson Soteldo, 159 cm, is known for pace and flair. He has played across Brazilian clubs and MLS, showing versatility in attacking positions though sometimes criticized for inconsistency.
- Height: 159 cm
- Clubs: Santos, Toronto FC, Fluminense
- Total Appearances: 250+
Saliu Popoola, 157 cm, features prominently in African club football. He played in Morocco and France and earned five caps for Nigeria, making his mark despite limited exposure.
- Height: 157 cm
- Clubs: Wydad Fès, Amal Tiznit, FC Metz
- Total Appearances: 120+
Daniel Villalva, 155 cm, became River Plate's youngest player ever. Primarily a forward or winger, he played over 400 matches mostly in Argentina, and experienced both highs and lows with his teams.
- Height: 155 cm
- Clubs: River Plate, Veracruz, Boca Unidos
- Total Appearances: 390+
The shortest on the list, Elton stands 154 cm. His career spans clubs worldwide, including Corinthians and Al Nassr. With over 370 appearances, he’s scored 82 goals, showing creativity and control regardless of size.
- Height: 154 cm
- Clubs: Corinthians, Al-Nassr, Al-Fateh, Zumbi
- Total Appearances: 370+
FAQs
- Who is the shortest football player ever? Elton José Xavier Gomes holds this title at 154 cm.
- Is Lionel Messi the shortest football player? Messi is relatively short at 170 cm but taller than many others on this list.
- Is Lorenzo Insigne among the world's shortest football players? Yes, at 163 cm, he is included in this group.
- Who are the top 5 shortest football players? They are Maximiliano Moralez, Yeferson Soteldo, Saliu Popoola, Daniel Villalva, and Elton José Xavier Gomes.
