Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026

Height isn't everything on the football pitch. Players like Bernard, Lorenzo Insigne, and others prove that skill, agility, and vision can outshine stature. Ranging between 154 cm and 167 cm, these athletes have crafted remarkable careers worldwide, using their low centre of gravity to dribble, pivot, and control the ball under pressure.

While taller players may seem to hold an advantage, legends such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Roberto Carlos show that short players can dominate. Messi, notably, uses his stature to weave through defenders with ease. Let's dive into the list of the shortest football players active in 2026 who defy height expectations.

Shortest Football Players: Top 10 List

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

Profiles of the Shortest Footballers

The Brazilian forward Bernard gained fame after winning three Ukrainian Super League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk. He played 84 matches for Everton from 2018 to 2021, scoring a memorable winner in a thrilling 5-4 FA Cup victory over Tottenham. Standing at 167 cm, he currently represents his boyhood club Atlético Mineiro, showing his height hasn’t held him back.

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

Marco Verratti made his mark at PSG, appearing in over 400 games and winning 30 trophies. Now at Al Duhail in Qatar, Verratti is one of the most decorated short players, standing 165 cm tall. He was part of Italy’s Euro-winning squad and is considered among the best midfielders despite his size.

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

The Scottish winger Ryan Fraser excels thanks to his quick direction changes, aided by a low centre of gravity. Having played for Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Southampton, he made over 365 appearances with 42 goals and 52 assists. At 163 cm, he now competes in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Height (cm): 163
Notable Clubs: Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Southampton
Total Appearances: 365+

Tariq Lamptey was once a Chelsea youth standout but found his breakthrough at Brighton with over 120 appearances. His speed and stamina are standout traits. At 163 cm, he plays in Serie A for Fiorentina.

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

Lorenzo Insigne dazzled Serie A fans at Napoli with his pace and technical skill, fitting through tight spaces despite his 163 cm frame. He shone in Euro 2020, scoring a key goal against Belgium en route to Italy’s title win. After a stint with Toronto FC, he now plays at Pescara.

Height (cm): 163
Notable Clubs: Napoli, Toronto FC, Pescara
Total Appearances: 600+

Argentine midfielder Maxi Moralez earned recognition during his time at Atalanta, despite no prior experience in Europe’s top leagues. Known for creativity and vision, he has more than 600 appearances, currently playing in MLS for New York City FC.

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

Yeferson Soteldo packs flair and speed into his 159 cm frame. Currently at Fluminense, the Venezuelan winger has had a varied career including time at Santos and Toronto FC. His versatility lets him play multiple attacking roles, delighting fans with his style.

Height (cm): 159
Notable Clubs: Santos, Toronto FC, Fluminense
Total Appearances: 250+

Nigerian midfielder Saliu Popoola, at 157 cm, is well-known in African football circles. Playing currently in Morocco for Amal Tiznit, he previously appeared for French side FC Metz and earned five caps for Nigeria.

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

Daniel Villalva became River Plate’s youngest player at age 16 and mainly operates as a winger or attacking midfielder. At 155 cm, he has made nearly 400 club appearances, spending much of his career in Argentina.

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

Standing at just 154 cm, Elton José Xavier Gomes is the shortest professional footballer today. The Brazilian midfielder plays for Zumbi EC, known for navigating tight spaces and creating chances. With over 370 appearances and stints at Corinthians and Al Nassr, Elton shows determination beats height.

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

FAQs

Who is the shortest football player ever? Elton José Xavier Gomes at 154 cm holds that record.
Is Lionel Messi one of the shortest football players? Messi stands around 170 cm, taller than many on this list.
Is Lorenzo Insigne among the shortest footballers? Yes, he ranks among the shortest at 163 cm.
Who are the top 5 shortest football players? Maximiliano Moralez, Yeferson Soteldo, Saliu Popoola, Daniel Villalva, and Elton José Xavier Gomes.

Top 10 Shortest Football Players in 2026