Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026
Height doesn’t define football greatness. Players like Bernard, Lorenzo Insigne, and others have shown that skill and agility count more than size. Standing between 154 cm and 167 cm, these footballers have proven their worth on some of the biggest stages worldwide. Their low center of gravity lets them maneuver swiftly, outsmart defenders, and control the ball with ease.
Tall players often seem to have an edge in football, but legends such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Roberto Carlos were all relatively short. Their ability to use their stature to their advantage rewrote the rulebook on what makes a great player.
Top 10 Shortest Football Players
- 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
Profiles of the Shortest Footballers
At 167 cm, Bernard has defied expectations throughout his career. Starting with Shakhtar Donetsk where he won three Ukrainian Super League titles, he later moved to Everton, playing 84 games and scoring crucial goals including one in a thrilling 5-4 FA Cup win over Tottenham. Currently, he plays for Atlético Mineiro, his boyhood club, proving height isn’t a barrier to impact on the pitch.
- Height: 167 cm
- Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, Shakhtar Donetsk, Everton
- Total Appearances: ~320
The Italian midfielder Marco Verratti stands 165 cm tall and has been a key player for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and now Al Duhail. With over 450 appearances and around 30 trophies, he’s arguably the most decorated on this list. His Euro championship with Italy cemented his status among the greats despite his modest height.
- Height: 165 cm
- Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Al Duhail, Pescara
- Total Appearances: 450+
Scottish winger Ryan Fraser at 163 cm uses his low center of gravity to change direction quickly, making him tough to mark. With over 365 career appearances, including 208 with AFC Bournemouth, Fraser has scored 42 goals and assisted 52 times. He now competes in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Southampton
- Total Appearances: 365+
Tariq Lamptey, 163 cm tall, emerged from Chelsea’s youth system before establishing himself at Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his speed and stamina, he has made over 200 appearances and now plays in Serie A with Fiorentina, standing out as one of the few short defenders at top level.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fiorentina
- Total Appearances: 200+
At 163 cm, Lorenzo Insigne dazzled Serie A fans with Napoli thanks to his pace and skill in tight spaces. His defining moment came during Euro 2020, scoring against Belgium in the quarter-finals and helping Italy claim the title. After a stint with Toronto FC, he currently plays for Pescara.
- Height: 163 cm
- Clubs: Napoli, Toronto FC, Pescara
- Total Appearances: 600+
Maximiliano Moralez, 160 cm, spent much of his career in South America before making an impact in Serie A with Atalanta. Now in MLS with New York City FC, he boasts 41 goals and 82 assists in 274 appearances, showing creativity and vision on the field.
- Height: 160 cm
- Clubs: Atalanta, New York City FC, Racing Club
- Total Appearances: 600+
Venezuelan winger Yeferson Soteldo is only 159 cm but known for speed and flair. Playing for Fluminense, he has struggled with consistency but remains a fan favorite. His versatility lets him play multiple attacking roles, and he has been part of championship squads in Venezuela and Brazil.
- Height: 159 cm
- Clubs: Santos, Toronto FC, Fluminense
- Total Appearances: 250+
Nigerian midfielder Saliu Popoola stands 157 cm and is a known figure in African club football. Although mainly active in lesser-known leagues, his time with French club FC Metz and five international caps highlight a respectable career.
- Height: 157 cm
- Clubs: Wydad Fès, Amal Tiznit, FC Metz
- Total Appearances: 120+
Only 155 cm tall, Daniel Villalva became River Plate’s youngest ever player at 16. Primarily a forward or winger, he played over 400 matches mainly in Argentina. Despite being part of River Plate’s relegation team, Villalva's career shows determination and versatility.
- Height: 155 cm
- Clubs: River Plate, Veracruz, Boca Unidos
- Total Appearances: 390+
The shortest player on this list, Elton José Xavier Gomes, measures 154 cm. A Brazilian attacking midfielder and winger, he’s known for slipping through tight defenses and creating chances. Having played for Corinthians and Al Nassr, he has racked up over 370 appearances with 82 goals and 56 assists.
- Height: 154 cm
- Clubs: Corinthians, Al-Nassr, Al-Fateh, Zumbi
- Total Appearances: 370+
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the shortest football player ever? Elton José Xavier Gomes at 154 cm.
- Is Lionel Messi among the shortest players? Messi is relatively short at about 170 cm, but many players are shorter.
- Is Lorenzo Insigne one of the shortest currently? Yes, he is among the shortest footballers.
- Who are the top 5 shortest footballers? Maximiliano Moralez, Yeferson Soteldo, Saliu Popoola, Daniel Villalva, and Elton José Xavier Gomes.
