Top 10 shortest football players in history: A proud EURO champion; The 1.58m miracle

While lacking the height to dominate aerial duels, the world’s most famous "little men" have mastered the art of creating magic with the ball at their feet. For these players, a lower center of gravity is not a defect but a strategic advantage, allowing for explosive acceleration and dizzying agility. 

Their sharp technical foundations and intricate dribbling skills serve as "bladed weapons" that slice through towering defenses, capturing the hearts of fans globally. These individuals prove that when the ball is "hiding" under their feet, size becomes irrelevant. 

In this article, Soccerwayuk will reveal the top 10 shortest football players. 

The top 10 shortest football players

10. Bernard (1.64m) 

At number ten is Bernard, the Brazilian playmaker standing at 1.64m. Bernard first rose to prominence at Shakhtar Donetsk, winning three Ukrainian titles before moving to Everton in 2018. Over 84 appearances for the Toffees, he scored eight goals, most notably a thrilling extra-time winner in a 5-4 FA Cup victory against Tottenham. 

Despite public skepticism regarding his slight frame in the physical Premier League, Bernard’s technical flair remained his trademark. Now 33, he has returned to his boyhood club, Atletico Mineiro, in Brazil, having earned 14 caps and scored once for the Seleção, including participation in the 2014 World Cup.

9. Ryan Fraser (1.63m) 

Ranked ninth is Scotland’s Ryan Fraser. At 1.63m, Fraser became a nightmare for defenders during his golden era at AFC Bournemouth, where he made over 200 appearances. His best season came in 2018/19, recording seven goals and numerous assists. Fraser’s ability to change direction instantly made him one of the most difficult wingers to mark in England. 

Currently playing for Western Sydney Wanderers in A League, the 31-year-old has represented Scotland 26 times, proving that his "pocket rocket" style translates well to the international stage.

8. Tariq Lamptey (1.63m)

Also at 1.63m is Tariq Lamptey, occupying the eighth spot. Born in England but representing Ghana, Lamptey is a rare example of a world-class defender with a small stature. Despite his height, he recorded top speeds matching Mohamed Salah and Adama Traore. Since joining Brighton from Chelsea, he has made over 100 appearances. 

His 1.63m height is often a talking point, but Lamptey’s recovery speed and tenacity have made him a Premier League regular. At just 25, he moved to Fiorentina at Serie A last summer but is still a vital asset for the Ghanaian national team.

7. Alan Wright (1.63m)

In seventh place is the legendary Alan Wright, another 1.63m specialist. Wright is best remembered for his eight-year stint at Aston Villa, where he amassed 327 appearances and won the League Cup in 1996. He also holds a Premier League winner's medal from his time at Blackburn Rovers in 1995. 

Wright was often the shortest player on the pitch, but his consistency led to widespread respect among fans. He retired in 2011 at the age of 39, leaving a legacy as one of the most reliable left-backs of his generation.

6. Lorenzo Insigne (1.63m) 

Italy’s Lorenzo Insigne takes the sixth spot, also standing at 1.63m. Insigne is a modern icon of Napoli, where he scored 122 goals in 434 matches. His crowning achievement was winning Euro 2020 with Italy, where he scored a stunning decisive goal against Belgium in the quarter-finals. 

Known as "Il Magnifico," Insigne’s height was never a barrier to his elite playmaking. Now 34, he currently plays in the Serie B for Pescara, where he remains one of the league's highest-paid stars.

5. Jose Dominguez (1m60)

Moving to the 1.60m bracket, Portugal’s Jose Dominguez sits at fifth. Dominguez was a fan favorite at Tottenham Hotspur between 1997 and 2000, known for his "slalom" dribbling style. He was part of the Spurs squad that won the League Cup in 1999. Public opinion often focused on his "pint-sized" appearance, but his flair brought excitement to every match. Dominguez earned 3 caps for Portugal before retiring in 2005 at the age of 31.

4. Maximiliano Moralez (1m60)

At fourth is Maximiliano Moralez, the 1.60m Argentine veteran. Moralez enjoyed a golden period at Atalanta in Serie A, making nearly 150 appearances. He later became a legend in the MLS with New York City FC, where he has played over 250 games. 

With over 600 career club appearances and 100 goals, "Maxi" proves that longevity and durability are not exclusive to tall players. He currently continues to play for New York City FC at the age of 38.

3. Madson (1.60m)

Madson Formagini Caridade, the 1.60m Brazilian midfielder, is third. Madson is famous for his time at Santos, where he played alongside a young Neymar Jr. One of his career highlights was scoring in the 2009 Campeonato Paulista semi-final. Despite being significantly shorter than his peers, Madson’s vision and passing made him a standout in the Brazilian top flight. 

He retired in 2020 after a successful career that spanned Brazil and Qatar.

2. Daniel Villalva (1.59m) 

The runner-up is Daniel Villalva from Argentina, standing at 1.59m. In 2009, he became the youngest player to ever debut for River Plate at just 16 years old. Villalva spent five years at the Argentine giants, overcoming the disadvantage of his height through sheer pace and low center of gravity. Now 33, he continues to play professional football for Gimnasia y Tiro in Argentina, maintaining his reputation as a versatile attacking threat.

1. Rui Barros (1.58m)

Finally, at number one is the 1.58m Portuguese legend Rui Barros. Barros is the most decorated player on this list, having won the Portuguese Player of the Year in 1988. His brilliance at Porto earned him a move to Juventus, where he scored 19 goals and won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1990. 

Standing at just 1.58m, Barros famously played 90 minutes in a final against a towering AC Milan side, proving that technical excellence can conquer physical giants. He retired in 2000 at age 34 as a true icon of Portuguese football.

The 10 shortest players in football history:

Rui Barros (1.58m) – Portugal

Daniel Villalva (1.59m) – Argentina

Madson (1.60m) – Brazil

Maximiliano Moralez (1.60m) – Argentina

Jose Dominguez (1.60m) – Portugal

Lorenzo Insigne (1.63m) – Italy

Alan Wright (1.63m) – England

Tariq Lamptey (1.63m) – Ghana

Ryan Fraser (1.63m) – Scotland

Bernard (1.64m) – Brazil

Soccerwayuk.com has just identified the top 10 shortest football players in the history of the sport, highlighting that height is never a limit to success. For those interested in the other end of the physical spectrum, we have also published a similar feature on the 10 tallest players in the world on our homepage.

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