The main requirements for playing football are strength, speed, and agility. Some athletes have demonstrated that height isn’t everything, even though it can be advantageous in some professions. This article focusses on people who, despite their diminutive stature, have enormous influence in the sector. Join us as we continue our exploration of the shortest football players in the globe that are causing a stir in 2024. Here is a list of the top 10 smallest players in the world, arranged by height.
Marcin Garuch, who is 1.54 meters tall
Garuch, a relatively obscure player from Poland, is among the smallest active players in the world of football. He is regarded as Europe’s shortest professional football player. This player in Poland’s second level, who is only 1.54 meters (5 feet 0.63 inches), demonstrates remarkable technical skill and excellent ball handling.
2. 1.54-meter Elton Jose Xavier Gomes
The Brazilian midfielder is one of the shortest players in the world, and they are tied in stature. Elton, who is well-known for his quick speed and amazing dribbling, has established himself with the Saudi Arabian teams Al-Nassr, Al-Hamriyah, and Al-Fateh.
3. 1.55-meter Daniel Villalva
This 1.55-meter-tall Argentine winger mainly plays in Argentina and Mexico. A gifted forward, he became the youngest player in River Plate history in 2009. Ferro Carril Oeste is his current partner.
Saliu Popoola, which is 1.57 meters high
One of Africa’s shortest football players is Saliu Popoola, a Nigerian who plays midfield for Wydad Fès, a Moroccan team. The 2016 Olympic bronze medallist was the third-shortest person in the world in 2015.
5. 1.57-meter Madson Formagini Caridade
Madson, a 1.57-meter (5-foot-2-inch) Brazilian veteran, has played for a number of teams, beginning with Vasco de Gama. He is a 36-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Fortaleza in Brazil and is renowned for his agility and set-piece abilities.
6. 1.59-meter Yeferson Soteldo
Venezuelan Yeferson Soteldo can play a variety of attacking positions, but his primary position is left winger. Soteldo, who was born on June 30, 1997, in Caracas, Venezuela, stands at 159 cm (5’3″), making him one of the shortest football players in the professional ranks. He is currently on loan from Santos at Gremio.
7. 1.60-meter Maximiliano Moralez
The offensive midfielder has made one appearance for Argentina and now plays for Racing in the Argentine Primera División. He is 1.60 meters tall and has played for New York City FC in Major League Soccer and Atalanta in Serie A. Moralez is lovingly referred to as frasquito, which means “little flask.”
8. 1.63-meter Lorenzo Insigne
At 1.63 meters (5 feet 4.173 inches), Insigne, a former captain of SSC Napoli, is one of the shortest players in the game. Insigne stood out in the 2020 Euros thanks to his aggressive dribbling, despite his size. Italy won their second Euro title thanks in large part to the 34-year-old’s strong strokes. He is currently an MLS player for Toronto FC. He is still one of the best players in MLS despite becoming older.
9. Marco Verratti, who stands 1.65 meters
The former midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain played a key role in Italy’s success at Euro 2020. He stands 1.65 meters (5 feet 4.961 inches) tall and is regarded as one of the best midfield players in the game right now.
10. 1.67-meter Mathieu Valbuena
At 1.67 meters (5 feet 5.748 inches), this former French international may be short in stature, but he is not short in skill. He is a valuable offensive player because of his dribbling and inventive play. He is 36 years old and plays for Olympiacos in Greece. Valbuena is also well-known for being involved in a spat with Karim Benzema, a former teammate of France.
