Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026

Shortest Football Players: Top 10 in 2026

Height is often seen as an advantage in football, but many players prove that skill and agility count more than stature. Players like Bernard, Lorenzo Insigne, and Marco Verratti have shown how a low center of gravity helps them maneuver quickly and control the ball under pressure. These footballers, standing between 154 cm and 167 cm tall, have made their mark in top clubs worldwide.

Some of the greatest short players in history include Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Roberto Carlos. They used their smaller build to slip past defenders effortlessly. Messi, for example, remains a prime example of a football genius thriving despite his height.

Top 10 Shortest Footballers Ranked

• Rank: 10 - Name: Bernard - Height: 167 cm - Club: Atlético Mineiro
• 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 FC
• 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 Football Players

Bernard began his career gaining attention with Shakhtar Donetsk, winning three Ukrainian Super League titles. Everton signed him later, where he played 84 games and scored the winning goal in a memorable 5-4 FA Cup win against Tottenham. At 167 cm, Bernard now plays for Atlético Mineiro, showing that his height has never limited his impact on the field.

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

Marco Verratti is known as one of the best midfielders despite standing at 165 cm. He spent much of his career at Paris Saint-Germain, winning 30 major trophies in over 400 appearances. Now playing for Al Duhail, Verratti also won the Euro with Italy, cementing his success among the shortest footballers.

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

Ryan Fraser’s quick changes of direction come from his 163 cm height giving him a low center of gravity. He has played for AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, and Southampton. Fraser made 208 appearances for Bournemouth and now plays in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers.

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

Once a Chelsea youth player, Tariq Lamptey struggled for first-team chances before moving to Brighton. The 163 cm defender impressed with his pace and stamina, amassing over 122 appearances there. Now at ACF Fiorentina, Lamptey stands out as a rare shorter defender in Serie A.

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

Insigne became one of Serie A’s top wingers during his long tenure with Napoli. His 163 cm height helped him weave through tight spaces and beat larger defenders. He shone at Euro 2020, scoring a key quarter-final goal against Belgium and winning the tournament. Recently, he parted ways with Toronto FC.

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

Moralez spent much of his career in South America before moving to Atalanta BC in Serie A, surprising many with his quick impact. At 160 cm, he played 148 games in Bergamo, scoring 20 goals. Now 39, he plays in MLS with New York City FC, boasting 41 goals and 82 assists in 274 matches.

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

Soteldo stands at 159 cm but is well known for his speed and creativity. Playing mostly in Brazil, he currently represents Fluminense. Though inconsistent at times, his style excites fans. His versatility has seen him operate as winger, striker, and midfielder throughout his career.

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

The Nigerian attacking midfielder Saliu Popoola is known within African club football. Standing 157 cm tall, he plays for Amal Tiznit in Morocco. Though mostly in less prominent leagues, he had a stint with French club FC Metz and earned five caps for Nigeria.

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

Villalva was the youngest player to debut for River Plate at just 16. The 155 cm forward has played mainly in Argentina, appearing over 400 times. Though part of the team that suffered relegation after 110 years, he remains a skilled winger and attacking midfielder with nearly 390 appearances overall.

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

At only 154 cm, Elton is the shortest footballer on this list. The Brazilian attacking midfielder plays for Zumbi EC and is known for slipping through tight defenses and controlling the game's rhythm. With over 370 club appearances and stints at Corinthians and Al Nassr, Elton has scored 82 goals and assisted 56 times.

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

FAQs

• Who is the shortest football player ever? Elton José Xavier Gomes, standing at 154 cm.
• Is Lionel Messi the shortest football player? Messi is shorter than many players but taller than those listed here, at about 170 cm.
• Is Lorenzo Insigne among the shortest footballers today? Yes, at 163 cm, he ranks among the shortest.
• Who are the top 5 shortest football players globally? Maximiliano Moralez, Yeferson Soteldo, Saliu Popoola, Daniel Villalva, and Elton José Xavier Gomes.