Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026

The world of football has long proved that height isn’t everything. Some of the shortest players have carved out stellar careers, showing that skill and agility can beat size. Players like Elton José Xavier Gomes, Daniel Villalva, and Marco Verratti demonstrate how being between 154 cm and 167 cm tall hasn’t stopped them from excelling on top clubs globally. Their low centre of gravity helps with quick turns, dribbling, and control even under pressure.

Though taller players often have an edge, legends such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Pelé remind us that greatness isn’t dictated by stature. Messi, for instance, uses his short height to weave past defenders effortlessly. Here’s a rundown of the shortest footballers currently proving size doesn’t define success.

Top 10 Shortest Footballers

• Rank: 10, Name: Bernard, Height: 167 cm, Club: Atlético-MG
• Rank: 9, Name: Marco Verratti, Height: 165 cm, Club: Al Duhail
• Rank: 8, Name: Ryan Fraser, Height: 163 cm, Club: Western Sydney Wanderers
• Rank: 7, Name: Tariq Lamptey, Height: 163 cm, Club: ACF Fiorentina
• Rank: 6, Name: Lorenzo Insigne, Height: 163 cm, Club: Pescara
• Rank: 5, Name: Maximiliano Moralez, Height: 160 cm, Club: New York City
• Rank: 4, Name: Yeferson Soteldo, Height: 159 cm, Club: Fluminense
• Rank: 3, Name: Saliu Popoola, Height: 157 cm, Club: Amal Tiznit
• Rank: 2, Name: Daniel Villalva, Height: 155 cm, Club: Boca Unidos
• Rank: 1, Name: Elton José Xavier Gomes, Height: 154 cm, Club: Zumbi

Profiles of the Shortest Footballers

Bernard began his career gaining attention after winning three Ukrainian Super League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk. Later, he joined Everton, making 84 appearances from 2018 to 2021. One standout moment was his winning goal in a thrilling 5-4 FA Cup match against Tottenham, sending Everton into the quarter-finals. Despite standing 167 cm tall, Bernard’s skill remains undeniable. He now plays for Atlético Mineiro, his boyhood club.

• Height: 167 cm
• Notable Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, Shakhtar Donetsk, Everton
• Total Career Appearances: ~320

Renowned Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, now with Al Duhail in Qatar, is one of the most decorated on this list. He spent much of his career at Paris Saint-Germain with over 400 appearances and 30 major trophies. Verratti also won the Euro with Italy, marking him as arguably the most successful player among these short footballers.

• Height: 165 cm
• Notable Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Al Duhail, Pescara
• Total Career Appearances: 450+

Scottish winger Ryan Fraser uses his 163 cm frame to change direction quickly, making him tough to mark. He made over 365 career appearances, notably 208 for AFC Bournemouth where he scored 24 goals and provided 31 assists. Now he plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.

• Height: 163 cm
• Notable Clubs: Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Southampton
• Total Career Appearances: 365+

Once a Chelsea youth product, Tariq Lamptey only featured thrice for their senior side before moving to Brighton, where his pace and stamina shone through 122 appearances. Now with ACF Fiorentina in Serie A, he stands out as a speedy and hardworking defender despite being 163 cm tall.

• Height: 163 cm
• Notable Clubs: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fiorentina
• Total Career Appearances: 200+

Insigne, a celebrated Italian winger known for his time at Napoli, uses his 163 cm height to maneuver through tight defenses. He played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, scoring a crucial quarter-final goal versus Belgium. After leaving Toronto FC, he returned to Italy, continuing his career at Pescara.

• Height: 163 cm
• Notable Clubs: Napoli, Toronto FC, Pescara
• Total Career Appearances: 600+

Moralez rose to prominence during his stint with Atalanta BC in Serie A despite limited prior exposure to top leagues. The Argentine attacking midfielder has featured over 600 times professionally, including 274 appearances for New York City FC in MLS, tallying 41 goals and 82 assists.

• Height: 160 cm
• Notable Clubs: Atalanta, New York City FC, Racing Club
• Total Career Appearances: 600+

At 159 cm, Venezuelan winger Yeferson Soteldo brings pace and flair to the pitch. Currently at Fluminense, he has played across various positions and has been noted for his creativity despite some inconsistency. His career includes stints with Santos, Toronto FC, and Zamora FC where he helped win the Venezuelan league in 2016.

• Height: 159 cm
• Notable Clubs: Santos, Toronto FC, Fluminense
• Total Career Appearances: 250+

Nigerian midfielder Saliu Popoola, standing 157 cm, is well-known in African club football. Playing mostly in lesser-known leagues, he had a stint at French club FC Metz and earned five caps for Nigeria. Now, he features for Moroccan club Amal Tiznit.

• Height: 157 cm
• Notable Clubs: Wydad Fès, Amal Tiznit, FC Metz
• Total Career Appearances: 120+

Villalva became River Plate’s youngest ever player at 16 years old. A versatile forward, he has made over 390 career appearances primarily in Argentina. Despite being only 155 cm tall, Villalva has played as a winger and attacking midfielder, showing adaptability and skill throughout his career.

• Height: 155 cm
• Notable Clubs: River Plate, Veracruz, Boca Unidos
• Total Career Appearances: 390+

The shortest footballer on this list is Elton José Xavier Gomes, who measures just 154 cm. The Brazilian attacking midfielder excels at slipping through tight spaces and setting the tempo on the field. He has represented clubs worldwide, including Corinthians and Al Nassr, amassing over 370 appearances with 82 goals and 56 assists.

• Height: 154 cm
• Notable Clubs: Corinthians, Al-Nassr, Al-Fateh, Zumbi
• Total Career Appearances: 370+

Common Questions About Shortest Footballers

• Who is the shortest football player ever? Elton José Xavier Gomes at 154 cm holds that title.
• Is Lionel Messi the shortest football player? Messi is short by football standards at about 170 cm but there are several players shorter than him.
• Is Lorenzo Insigne among the shortest footballers today? Yes, Insigne is one of the shortest active professional footballers.
• Who are the top 5 shortest footballers in the world? Maximiliano Moralez, Yeferson Soteldo, Saliu Popoola, Daniel Villalva, and Elton José Xavier Gomes.