10 Shortest Professional Soccer Players

10 Shortest Professional Soccer Players

May Contain Affiliate Links (What’s This?)

Here we are once again, staring the FIFA World Cup in the face! Here in the States, soccer isn’t as big as baseball, basketball, or football, but its popularity is growing at a rapid pace. That’s especially true when you consider the growing populations of people with roots in countries where soccer—or "football" (the real football, as some would say)—is king, along with more and more everyday Americans catching the fever.

As of today, Colombia just beat Ghana 1–0, and in Jackson Heights, Queens, home to a huge Colombian community, people are dancing in the streets and celebrating in bars all across the neighborhood. And people are paying attention. Here in the NYC metro area, everyone is cashing in on the excitement. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, one of the biggest stories was the exorbitant prices some public transportation agencies were charging for rides that would normally cost just a few bucks.

INTRODUCTION

Anyway, here at The Lower View, we've did the research and decided to put together a list of the world's shortest soccer players. While there are plenty of towering soccer stars, this is one sport where being on the shorter side is far from unusual—and it makes sense, considering soccer is a truly global game. Heights vary just as much as the players' personalities and backgrounds. Without further ado, we present the ten shortest players ever in professional soccer!

EXCEPTIONALLY SHORT PLAYERS

1. MARIN GARUCH - 5FT

Illustration Credit: The Lower View

Main Teams: Miedź Legnica
Active Years: 2004-Present
Country: Poland
Born: November 17, 1988

Recognized as one of the shortest professional footballers in the modern game, Garuch built his career with Miedź Legnica through technical ability, vision, and precise passing. Primarily an attacking midfielder, he became known for his playmaking, accurate free kicks, and composure in possession, earning respect for his consistency over a career spanning more than two decades.

2. ÉLTON JOSÉ XAVIER GOMES - 5'0.5FT

Illustration Credit: The Lower View

Main Teams: Al-Nassr, Steaua Bucuresti
Active Years: 2001-Present
Country: Brazil
Born: July 7, 1986

Won league titles in Saudi Arabia and Romania, earning a reputation as one of the most accomplished players of his era. Élton became known for his exceptional dribbling, close control, and creativity as an attacking midfielder. Across a career spanning clubs in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates, he consistently produced goals and assists while standing 5 feet, 0.5 inches (1.54 m), making him one of the most recognizable players of his stature in professional soccer.

3. JAFAL RASHED AL KUWARI - 5'1

Illustration Credit: The Lower View

Main Teams: Al Sadd SC
Active Years: 1990-2002
Country: Qatar
Born: September 27, 1972

A longtime midfielder for Al Sadd SC, Al Kuwari spent more than a decade as one of Qatar's most respected players. He captained the Qatar national team, represented his country in multiple Gulf Cup tournaments, and earned recognition for his leadership, technical ability, and consistency throughout his international and club career.

4. MADSON FORMAGINI CARIDADE - 5'2

Illustration Credit: The Lower View

Main Teams: Santos FC
Active Years: 2000-2017
Country: Brazil
Born: May 21, 1986

A product of Santos FC’s system, Formagini Caridade spent his career in Brazilian football competing across the domestic league structure. He was part of a Campeonato Paulista–winning squad with Santos, contributing as a disciplined midfielder known for his technical ability, movement off the ball, and reliability in possession throughout his professional career from 2000 to 2017.

See Also: 25 Of The Shortest Football Players In The NFL

VERY SHORT PLAYERS

5. RUI BARROS - 5'3

Illustration Credit: The Lower View

Main Teams: Juventus FC
Active Years: 1980-2000
Country: Portugal
Born: August 4, 1965

A technically gifted midfielder, Barros spent two decades at the top level of European football, most notably with Juventus FC. He played a key role in the club’s UEFA Cup–winning campaign and added multiple domestic league titles in Portugal during his career. Known for his agility, quick decision-making, and attacking creativity, he operated effectively as an advanced midfielder and second striker, consistently contributing goals and assists across both club and international competition.

6. DIEGO MARADONA - 5'5

Main Teams: Napoli, FC Barcelona
Active Years: 1976-1997
Country: Argentina
Born: October 30, 1960

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Maradona led Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup with a series of legendary performances. At club level, he transformed Napoli into a European powerhouse, winning two Serie A titles, a UEFA Cup, and multiple domestic trophies, while also starring for FC Barcelona. Renowned for his extraordinary dribbling, vision, passing, and playmaking, Maradona remains one of the sport's most influential and celebrated figures.

7. JORGE CAMPOS - 5'5

Main Teams: UNAM, LA Galaxy
Active Years: 1988-2004
Country: Mexico
Born: October 15, 1966

One of Mexico's most iconic goalkeepers, Campos earned more than 100 international caps and represented his country at three FIFA World Cups. He enjoyed a distinguished club career with UNAM and later LA Galaxy, winning league titles and earning widespread recognition for his athleticism, quick reflexes, and exceptional ball skills. Known for his colorful custom-designed goalkeeper kits and ability to play as both a goalkeeper and striker, Campos remains one of the most unique and celebrated figures in soccer history.

See Also: Shortest Basketball Players In The NBA

SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE HEIGHT PLAYERS

8. LIONEL MESSI - 5'7

Main Teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
Active Years: 2004-Present
Country: Argentina
Born: June 24, 1987

Widely regarded as the greatest player of his generation and one of the finest in soccer history, Messi has enjoyed an unprecedented career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. He led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, won multiple UEFA Champions League and league titles, and has earned a record number of Ballon d'Or awards. Renowned for his extraordinary dribbling, vision, passing, and finishing, Messi has redefined excellence in the modern game.

9. XAVIER "XAVI" HERNÁNDEZ CREUS - 5'7

Main Teams: Barcelnoa, Al Sadd
Active Years: 1988-2019
Country: Spain
Born: January 25, 1980

One of the greatest midfielders in soccer history, Xavi was the architect of Barcelona's possession-based style and a cornerstone of Spain's golden generation. He won multiple UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona before concluding his playing career with Al Sadd. Xavi also played a pivotal role in Spain's triumph at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, providing the assist for the winning goal in the final, while his vision, passing, and tactical intelligence helped define an era of sustained success.

10. ANDRÉS INIESTA - 5'7

Main Teams: Barcelona, Vissel Kobe
Active Years: 2001-Present
Country: Spain
Born: May 11, 1984

One of the finest midfielders of his generation, Iniesta was instrumental in Barcelona's era of sustained dominance, winning multiple UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles before continuing his career with Vissel Kobe. He cemented his place in soccer history by scoring the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, adding to his UEFA European Championship triumphs. Celebrated for his vision, close control, passing, and composure under pressure, Iniesta remains one of the game's most admired playmakers.

Advertise With The Lower View And Reach 100,000+ Per Month!

CONCLUSION

We decided to keep this list limited to players who are 5'7" and under, since 5'8" is much closer to average and there’s no shortage of professional soccer players at that height.

Who’s your favorite soccer player? Which team do you support, and who do you think will win this quadrennial event?

With so much negative geopolitical news dominating the headlines, it’s refreshing to see one event bring so many people together. While I’m not personally the biggest soccer fan I can definitely appreciate the way the World Cup unites fans from all over the world.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and tell us who else you’d like to see on this list if we decide to expand it in the future!

Like This Article? Chat About It And More On Our Forum For Shorter Men!