In the world of soccer, height is often seen as an advantage. But as these 20 shortest soccer players of all time prove, it’s not always necessary to be tall to excel in the sport.
Short soccer players have always been able to succeed in the sport, no matter their height. Some of the most successful players in history have been as short as 5’7″, which is much smaller than in other team sports.
Here are 20 of the most successful short soccer players of all time:
20. Mesut Ozil – 5’10” [1.778 m]
Mesut Ozil is a German soccer player who has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. Despite his relatively short stature (he’s just 5’9″), Ozil has enjoyed a hugely successful career, winning numerous trophies and individual awards. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the highlights of Ozil’s career so far.
Ozil began his professional career with Schalke 04 in 2006 before moving to Werder Bremen in 2008. While playing for Bremen, Ozil truly began to make a name for himself, catching the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs with his vision, creativity, and passing ability. In 2010, he was snapped up by Spanish giants Real Madrid for a fee of €15 million.
During his time at Madrid, Ozil quickly established himself as one of the best playmakers in world football. He was a key member of the team that won La Liga in 2012 and also played a pivotal role in Real’s Champions League triumphs in 2014 and 2016. In 2013, he was named German Footballer of the Year—an award he would go on to win again in 2015.
In 2013, Ozil left Madrid for English side Arsenal in a club-record deal worth £42.5 million. He enjoyed another successful spell at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice and being named Arsenal Player of the Season on three occasions. However, he controversially decided to leave the club in 2019 to join the Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
Mesut Ozil may not be the tallest soccer player around, but he’s still managed to enjoy a hugely successful career at the highest level.
19. Xabi Alonso – 5’9″ [1.7526 m]
Xabi Alonso. Still got it.@bayer04_en || #UCL pic.twitter.com/y2WrI6evSJ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2022
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso made a name for himself during his time with Liverpool and Real Madrid, but it was at Spanish giants Barcelona that he truly cemented his place as one of the best holding midfielders in the world. Standing at just 5’9″, Alonso’s height may have been seen as a weakness, but his technical abilities, passing range, and tactical intelligence more than made up for it.
Alonso began his career with Real Sociedad before moving to Liverpool in 2004. At Liverpool, Alonso really announced himself on the European stage, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Steven Gerrard and helping the club won the Champions League in 2005. In 2009, he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid for a fee of around £30 million.
During his time at Madrid, Alonso won numerous trophies, including La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League again in 2014. He also played a key role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs, showing his pedigree on the international stage as well. In 2014, he moved to German giants Bayern Munich, where he continued to add to his trophy haul before retiring in 2017.
Xabi Alonso may have been relatively short for a soccer player, but his technical abilities and tactical intelligence more than made up for it as he enjoyed a hugely successful career with some of Europe’s top clubs.
18. Eden Hazard – 5’8″ [1.7272 m]
Belgian winger Eden Hazard may stand at just 5’8″, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for with his speed, technical abilities, and creative flair.
Hazard began his career with Belgian club Lille before making a big-money transfer to Chelsea in 2012. He immediately made an impact at Chelsea, winning the Europa League in his first season and the Premier League twice during his seven-year spell at the club. In 2019, he made a highly anticipated move to Real Madrid for a fee of around $100 million.
Hazard enjoyed success with Belgium at the international level as they reached the quarterfinals of both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. He was also named Belgian Player of the Year on six occasions and was voted into the UEFA Team of the Year three times.
Eden Hazard may be short in stature, but his immense talent and skill have made him one of the world’s premier central attacking midfielders.
17. Andres Iniesta – 5’7″ [1.709 m]
Arguably one of the best midfielders of his generation, Spanish maestro Andres Iniesta’s height (or lack thereof) was never an issue during his illustrious career. Standing at just 5’7″, Iniesta used his low center of gravity and quick feet to dribble past opponents, while his vision and passing range allowed him to dictate the play in midfield.
Iniesta began his career with Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before making his senior debut in 2002. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Xavi Hernandez as Barcelona dominated domestic and European competitions. Iniesta won numerous trophies with Barcelona, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.
Iniesta also enjoyed success on the international stage, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs. He was named Man of the Match in the 2010 World Cup final, scoring the winning goal with a stunning strike. Iniesta retired from international duty after Spain’s disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign, ending his career with 131 caps for his country.
Despite his diminutive stature, Andres Iniesta proved time and time again that height is no barrier to greatness as he dominated both domestically and internationally during his illustrious career.
16. Lionel Messi – 5’7″ [1.706 m]
Lionel Messi ainda precisa explicar isso. ? pic.twitter.com/JN8sRH4qNI
— Curiosidades Europa (@CuriosidadesEU) October 31, 2022
Arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi’s height may be on the shorter side at just 5’7″, but his impact on the game is unparalleled. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Messi has had a stellar career with Barcelona, winning numerous trophies, including four Champions League titles and ten La Liga crowns. He holds nearly every individual record in Spanish football, breaking long-standing marks set by legendary figures such as Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra.
Messi’s success isn’t limited to club level as he has enjoyed trophy-laden success with the Argentine national team, winning the Olympic gold medal in 2008 and reaching three consecutive Copa America finals (winning in 2014). He has also won seven Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game.
Lionel Messi’s prowess on the pitch is unmatched despite his relatively small stature as he continues to etch his name into football history.
15. David Silva – 5’7″ [1.7031 m]
Spanish midfielder David Silva may be only 5’7″, but his technical abilities and composure on the ball make him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Silva began his career with Valencia before making a move to Manchester City in 2010. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, helping them win four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Silva has also enjoyed success on the international stage, playing an integral role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs. He announced his retirement from international duty after Spain’s disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign, ending his career with 125 caps for his country.
Despite being on the shorter side, David Silva’s technical prowess and composure on the ball have made him a valuable asset for both club and country throughout his successful career.
14. Xavier Hernández Creus– 5’7″(1.70 m)
Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez may not be the tallest player on the pitch at just 5’7″, but his passing range and ability to dictate the pace of a game make him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Xavi began his career with Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before making his senior debut in 1998. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Andres Iniesta as Barcelona dominated domestic and European competitions. Xavi won numerous trophies with Barcelona, including eight La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.
Xavi also enjoyed success on the international stage, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs. He retired from international duty in 2014, ending his career with a record of 133 caps for Spain.
Despite his smaller stature, Xavi Hernandez’s passing range and ability to control the pace of a game make him one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
13. Garrincha – 5’6″(1.68 m)
?? Garrincha ?
— Futebol Nostálgico! (@futnostalgico) October 31, 2022
Nostálgico!
pic.twitter.com/yPhF0az2Xt
Brazilian winger Garrincha may have only stood at 5’6″, but his dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders made him a crucial player for Brazil during their dominance in the 1960s.
Nicknamed “The Little Bird,” Garrincha began his career with Botafogo before making his international debut in 1955. He played a pivotal role in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup triumphs, earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player in 1962.
Garrincha also had success at the club level, winning six Campeonato Carioca titles with Botafogo and two Serie A crowns with Italian side Roma. In 1999, he was named one of the FIFA 100 – a list of the greatest living players selected by Pelé.
Despite his small stature, Garrincha’s dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders made him a crucial player for Brazil during their dominance in the 1960s. He remains one of the greatest wingers in football history.
12. Xavi Torres – 5’5″ (1.65 m)
Spanish midfielder Xavi Torres may not be the tallest player on the pitch at just 5’5″, but his technical abilities and vision make him a valuable asset for both club and country. Torres began his career with Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before making his senior debut in 2008. He spent time on loan with various clubs before settling at Valencia in 2012, where he made over 100 appearances for the club.
Torres has also represented Spain at various youth levels, including captaining their U-21 side to victory in the 2013 European Championship. Despite being called up to the senior squad, Torres is yet to earn a cap for Spain’s national team. Despite his smaller stature, Xavi Torres’s technical abilities and vision make him a valuable player for both club and country. He will be looking to break into the Spanish national team in the coming years.
11. Jorge Campos – 5’5″(1.65 m)
Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos may have only stood at 5’5″, but his athleticism and ability to play as a striker made him a unique player in the 1990s.
Campos began his career with the Mexican side Pumas UNAM before making his international debut in 1989. He played in three World Cups for Mexico, serving as both a goalkeeper and an attacking option. At the club level, Campos had success with various teams, including UNAM, Cruz Azul, and Los Angeles Galaxy.
Nicknamed “El Brody,” Campos’s athleticism and versatility made him a fan favorite throughout his career. In 2004, he was named one of the 100 greatest living footballers by Pelé. Despite his small stature, Jorge Campos’s athleticism and ability to play as a striker made him a unique player in the 1990s. He remains a legendary figure in Mexican football.
10. Sammy Lee – 5’5″(1.65 m)
Sammy Lee leaves job as England assistant as Southgate seeks… https://t.co/KMqILpsPGG #soccer #sports #football pic.twitter.com/7nP0ZJljEK
— Football Analysis (@leagueroundup) December 6, 2016
English midfielder Sammy Lee may have only stood at 5’5″, but his tenacity and ability to play both defensively and offensively made him a valuable player for Liverpool in the 1980s.
Lee began his career with Bolton Wanderers before joining Liverpool in 1982, where he would go on to make over 200 appearances at the club. He also represented England at various youth levels and earned three senior caps for the national team.
At the club level, Lee won two First Division titles, two FA Cups, and a European Cup with Liverpool. He also played a crucial role in their 1984 League Cup triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Everton.
Despite his small stature, Sammy Lee’s tenacity and versatility made him a valuable player for Liverpool in the 1980s. He remains a cult hero at the club to this day.
9. Diego Maradona – 5’5″(1.65 m)
Arguably one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Diego Maradona may have only stood at 5’5″, but his passing range, dribbling abilities, and leadership qualities made him a world-class player on both the club and international stage.
Maradona began his career with Argentinos Juniors before making a big-money move to Barcelona in 1982. He then moved to Napoli, where he helped the club to their first-ever Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies.
On the international stage, Maradona captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, cementing his status as an all-time great.
Despite his smaller stature, Diego Maradona’s passing range, dribbling abilities, and leadership made him one of the greatest players in history. His exploits for club and country cemented his legacy as a true football legend.
8. Rui Barros – 5’3″(1.60 m)
Marlboro Soccer Cup Series.
— Uniformes Selección Mexicana (@UniformesSelec1) September 8, 2022
13 Agosto de 1989.
México 3 – 1 Juventus(Ita).
Rui Barros controlando las acciones en favor de su equipo Juventus. Al final México ganó por amplia diferencia y consiguió la copa. pic.twitter.com/HbmpMd6y3r
Portuguese midfielder Rui Barros may have only stood at 5’3″, but his technical abilities, creativity, and leadership qualities made him a key player for both club and country in the 1980s and 90s.
Barros began his career with Sporting CP before moving to Juventus in 1988, where he won two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup. He also had successful spells with Porto and Benfica, winning multiple league titles with both clubs.
At the international level, Barros helped Portugal reach the semi-finals of Euro 1984, also captaining the team at the 1986 World Cup.
Despite his small stature, Rui Barros’s technical abilities, creativity, and leadership made him a key player for both club and country in the 1980s and 90s. He remains a legendary figure in Portuguese football.
7. Levi Porter – 5’3″ [1.6002 m]
English midfielder Levi Porter may have only stood at 5’3″, but his quick feet, passing range, and eye for goal made him a valuable player for Leicester City in the 2000s.
Porter began his career with Leicester’s youth team before making his first-team debut in 2004. He went on to make over 100 appearances for the club, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2008.
Despite being undersized, Porter’s quick feet and passing range made him a valuable member of Leicester City’s midfield in the 2000s. He currently plays for non-league side Barwell FC.
6. Madson Formagini Caridade – 5’2″(1.57 m)
Brazilian midfielder Madson Formagini Caridade may have only stood at 5’2″, but his technical abilities, agility, and ability to play in a variety of positions made him a valuable player for Brazilian club Palmeiras in the 2000s.
Madson began his career with Brazilian side Ituano before joining Palmeiras in 2001. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the club, helping them win the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2003 and Copa do Brasil in 2012.
Despite his small stature, Madson’s technical abilities, agility, and versatility made him a valuable player for Palmeiras in the 2000s. He currently plays for Brazilian side São Bernardo FC.
5. Benedict Vilakazi – 5’2″(1.57 m)
South African midfielder Benedict Vilakazi may have only stood at 5’2″, but his technical abilities, vision, and dribbling skills made him a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2000s and 10s.
Vilakazi began his career with South African side AmaZulu before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2006. He went on to make over 150 appearances for the club, helping them win four league titles and two domestic cup trophies.
Despite his smaller stature, Benedict Vilakazi’s technical abilities, vision, and dribbling made him a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2000s and 10s. He currently plays for South African side Bloemfontein Celtic.
4. Hernán Crespo – 5’2″(1.57 m)
Happy birthday to Argentinian soccer legend Hernán Crespo. ?
— MaximBet (@MaximBetUSA) July 5, 2022
One of the greats. ??pic.twitter.com/XF1KN3zOcB
Argentine striker Hernán Crespo may have only stood at 5’2″, but his clinical finishing, off-the-ball movement, and aerial ability made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe in the 1990s and 2000s.
Crespo began his career with Argentine side River Plate before joining Parma in 1996, where he cemented himself as one of the top strikers in Italy’s Serie A. He went on to have successful spells with Lazio, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and AC Milan, winning multiple league titles and domestic cup trophies.
At the international level, Crespo scored 35 goals in 64 appearances for Argentina, including a hat-trick at the 2002 World Cup.
Despite his smaller stature, Hernán Crespo’s finishing, movement, and aerial ability made him one of the top strikers in Europe in the 1990s and 2000s. He currently works as a coach for the Argentine side Banfield.
3. Marcin Garuch – 5’1″(1.54 m)
Polish midfielder Marcin Garuch may have only stood at 5’1″, but his technical abilities, passing range, and work rate made him a key player for Legia Warsaw in the 2000s and 10s.
Garuch began his career with the Polish side Lech Poznań before joining Legia Warsaw in 2006. He went on to make over 250 appearances for the club, helping them win six league titles and three domestic cup trophies.
Despite being undersized, Garuch’s technical abilities, passing range, and work rate made him a key player for Legia Warsaw in the 2000s and 10s. He currently plays for the Polish side GKS Tychy 71.
2. Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari – 5’1″(1.54 m)
Qatari midfielder Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari may have only stood at 5’1″, but his technical abilities, vision, and passing range made him a key player for Al Sadd in the 2000s and 10s.
Al Kuwari began his career with the Qatari side Umm Salal before joining Al Sadd in 2002. He went on to make over 300 appearances for the club, helping them win seven league titles and four domestic cup trophies.
Despite his small stature, Jafal Rashed Al Kuwari’s technical abilities, vision, and passing range made him a key player for Al Sadd in the 2000s and 10s. He currently serves as the vice president of Al Sadd.
1. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes – 5’1″(1.54 m)
DO YOU KNOW THAT! 'Élton Jose Xavier Gomes'
— DIRECTOR JO (@JoshuaShora) March 30, 2020
He is currently the shortest soccer player in this season 2019/20. Height 1.54 m (5.0 ft),
AGE- 33yrs
Current team @alwehdaclub1, Nationality-#Brazil ??#joshuashora #joshuashoraMedia pic.twitter.com/YtH19GnDiD
Brazilian midfielder Elton Jose Xavier Gomes, better known as “Xavier,” may have only stood at 5’1″, but his technical abilities, dribbling skills, and speed made him a key player for Brazilian sides São Paulo and Flamengo in the 2000s and 10s.
Xavier began his career with Brazilian side Guarani before joining São Paulo in 2005. He went on to make over 150 appearances for the club, helping them win the Copa Libertadores in 2005 and Copa Sudamericana in 2012. In 2013, he joined Flamengo, where he won the league title in 2014.
Despite his small stature, Xavier’s technical abilities, dribbling skills, and speed made him a key player for Brazilian sides São Paulo and Flamengo in the 2000s and 10s. He currently plays for the Brazilian side Botafogo.
The Advantage and Disadvantages of Being a Short Professional Soccer Player
In the world of professional soccer, height can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, shorter players have easier maneuvering around taller defenders. They are also more agile and faster. On the other hand, shorter players may have a harder time winning headers and may be overlooked by scouts.
The Advantages
When it comes to playing soccer, being tall has always been seen as an advantage. After all, tall players have a longer reach, making it easier to control the ball and defend against opponents. But what about short players? Can they use their smaller stature to their advantage on the soccer field?
In fact, many of the best soccer players in the world are on the shorter side. Lionel Messi, widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, is just 5’7″. And 5’5″ Neymar is right up there with him in terms of skill and ability. So how do these shorter players make up for their lack of height?
For one thing, shorter players tend to be more agile than their taller counterparts. They can change directions quickly and are less likely to get knocked off balance by physical contact. This makes them difficult to defend against and gives them an advantage when trying to score goals.
In addition, shorter players often have better ball control than taller players. This is because they have a lower center of gravity, making it easier for them to keep their balance while dribbling or making sudden stops and turns. As a result, they’re more likely to retain possession of the ball and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
The Disadvantages
Shorter players may have a harder time winning headers and may be overlooked by scouts. They also may not be able to generate as much power when shooting the ball. Because of their size, shorter players are also more likely to get injured when they are tackled by larger opponents.
In conclusion, being a short professional soccer player has both its advantages and disadvantages. Shorter players need to learn to use their agility and speed to their advantage while also working on their strength and power. However, if they can overcome these obstacles, shorter players can be just as successful as their taller counterparts.
Conclusion
These 20 players have proven that you don’t need to be tall to be a great soccer player. What they lack in height, they make up for in skill, determination, and heart. So if you’re ever feeling discouraged because you’re not as tall as some of your friends or teammates, remember that being short can actually be an advantage on the soccer field! Just ask Lionel Messi or Neymar. With their agility, ball control, and ability to score goals, these two superstar players have proven that height isn’t everything in soccer. So don’t let your height hold you back – use it to your advantage and show the world what you’re capable of. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be on this list of top short soccer players too.