20 Shortest Players in Premier League History [Ranked]

Footballers come in all shapes and sizes, a fact that is especially evident in the Premier League, the most-watched football league in the world. While some players rely on their height and physicality—like the 20 tallest players in Premier League history—others thrive with agility and finesse, showcasing a more graceful and aesthetically pleasing approach to the beautiful game.

From diminutive attacking midfielders like Santi Cazorla, who use their low centre of gravity to navigate the tightest spaces, to nimble wingers such as Eden Hazard, who effortlessly outmaneuver taller defenders, to clinical strikers in the mold of Sergio Aguero, there’s no definitive formula for the perfect footballer’s height.

Some of football’s all-time greats have shown that success isn’t measured in inches. Legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, Argentine geniuses who stand well below the UK’s average height of 5ft 10in, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their brilliance proves that the best things often do come in small packages. In this article, we spotlight the 20 shortest players to ever shine in the Premier League.

10. Christian Atsu

165cm

Christian Atsu’s story is one of profound heartbreak and enduring humanity. Known as "a true Christian in every sense of the word," Atsu devoted much of his life to charitable endeavors. As an ambassador for Arms Around the Child, an organization supporting underprivileged children, he championed the causes of those in need. His compassion extended even further—he personally paid thousands of dollars in bail to free Ghanaians imprisoned for stealing food, a testament to the immense generosity that belied his modest stature.

On the pitch, Atsu was a lively and dynamic winger, most notably during his time at Newcastle United, where he made over 100 appearances between 2016 and 2021. His energy and flair earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.

Tragically, Atsu's life was cut short in February 2023. Just hours after scoring a dramatic last-minute free-kick for Hatayspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, he was reported missing following a catastrophic earthquake in Turkey. Days later, his body was recovered from the rubble, leaving a void in the footballing world and beyond. Though his life ended too soon, Atsu's legacy—as a footballer and as a deeply compassionate human being—remains larger than life.

9. Aaron Lennon

165cm

No player on this list has made more Premier League appearances than Aaron Lennon. Standing at just 165cm, Lennon used his compact frame and blistering pace to torment full-backs across 416 games for Leeds United, Tottenham, Everton, and Burnley. A pint-sized whirlwind, the Englishman embodied Tottenham’s "To Dare Is To Do" motto with his fearless, electrifying runs down the flank.

Regarded as one of Spurs' greatest-ever wingers, Lennon delivered an impressive 30 goals and 76 assists in 363 appearances for the Lilywhites. This was a remarkable contribution for a player whose game was more about creating chaos than polishing his final product. A true menace on the move, many defenders likely breathed a collective sigh of relief when he hung up his boots in 2022, bringing an end to a career defined by speed, skill, and sheer determination.

8. Daniel Podence

165cm

While many diminutive players on this list frustrated opponents with their skill, Daniel Podence often managed to frustrate just about everyone during his time at Wolves. The Portuguese international embodied the notion—sometimes joked about as "little man syndrome"—that small dogs often have the loudest bark.

Podence’s unshakable self-confidence drew mixed reactions in the West Midlands, with many critics suggesting he was a legend in his own mind. His fiery attitude even led to a falling out with Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, resulting in a stint of exile before he was shipped off to Greece and later to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab. Despite his undeniable flair, Podence managed just 17 direct goal involvements in 93 Premier League appearances, leaving behind a legacy of untapped potential and a reputation for stirring the pot.

7. Jose Dominguez

164cm

A blur on the pitch, José Dominguez epitomized raw speed. If modern tools for tracking player velocity had existed during his time, the Portuguese winger might have been hailed as one of the fastest players in Premier League history. However, sheer pace doesn’t always translate to success, and a diminutive frame alone rarely guarantees greatness.

Dominguez spent three seasons at Tottenham, where his electrifying talent was never fully harnessed into consistent performances. His fortunes took a turn for the worse under George Graham, as the new manager sidelined him, limiting Dominguez to just two league appearances during the 1999-2000 campaign. From there, he watched as teammates like Les Ferdinand stole the spotlight, while his own career faded into obscurity. Eventually, FC Kaiserslautern offered him an escape, marking the end of his Premier League journey.

• Edu Turns Down Arsenal's Last-Ditch Offer as True Reason for Leaving Emerges
• Sporting Star Claims Players Aim to Show They 'Don't Need' New Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim

6. Bernard

164cm

At the top of every great football manager's wish list is a nimble attacking midfielder capable of unlocking even the tightest defences in the most congested areas of the pitch. For Manchester City, Phil Foden exemplifies this archetype—a player who glides past defenders, pirouettes in tight spaces, and crafts moments of individual brilliance.

When Marco Silva signed Brazilian playmaker Bernard for Everton in 2018, he envisioned a similar type of player—his own David among Goliaths. However, those lofty expectations quickly fell flat. While Bernard was undoubtedly a delight to watch, his impact was limited, leaving the club with a modest tally of fewer than 10 direct goal involvements in 74 appearances before his departure.

5. Clint Marcelle

163cm

Clint Marcelle's career spanned 21 clubs, cementing his status as a true footballing journeyman. The diminutive Trinidad and Tobago forward always seemed ready for the next chapter, but it was his three-year stint with Barnsley in the Premier League that etched his name into the club's history.

Standing at just 5ft 4in, Marcelle was a constant thorn in the side of defenders, his low center of gravity and relentless energy making him almost impossible to contain. However, to reduce his legacy to his on-pitch exploits alone would be a disservice. Dive into nostalgic Barnsley fan forums, and you'll find that Marcelle wasn't just an electrifying presence on the field—he was also quite the charmer off it!

4. Tyson Nunez

163cm

Only six Honduran players have ever graced the Premier League, yet none have achieved the cult-like status of Milton Núñez, despite making just one appearance for Sunderland. Ask anyone at the Stadium of Light, and you’re likely to hear a colorful tale about how the Black Cats ended up signing him.

One version suggests then-manager Peter Reid made the decision after watching a couple of grainy VHS tapes. Another claims the deal was the result of a scouting trip that turned into a boozy escapade. But the most enduring legend is that Sunderland signed the wrong player. The story goes that they intended to secure Colombian striker Adolfo Valencia, who was playing for Greek side PAOK at the time. Instead, they ended up with Núñez, a player at least 6-7 inches shorter but with an infectious grin that quickly won over fans.

Nicknamed ‘Tyson’ earlier in his career for his resemblance to boxer Mike Tyson, Núñez happily leaned into the persona, posing with his fists raised for the cameras at the Stadium of Light and endearing himself to Sunderland supporters.

Unfortunately, Núñez’s lively personality and charm weren’t enough to secure a lasting impact. Within a year, he found himself back at Nacional in Uruguay. Today, he’s often remembered as both one of the shortest and one of the most underwhelming players in Premier League history. Ouch.

3. Ryan Fraser

163cm

There’s a difference between being short and being known for it, a distinction that Ryan Fraser knows all too well. With nearly 300 appearances in English league football for clubs like Newcastle United and Bournemouth over eight years, Fraser has earned his place as one of the shortest players in the league, largely due to his enduring presence in this category.

Fraser became a key figure in Eddie Howe’s rise with the Cherries, helping elevate the club from the depths to the Premier League. His contributions have made him a recognizable name for many fans. Despite his reputation for being vertically challenged, however, he’s not actually the shortest player out there.

2. Tariq Lamptey

163cm

Tariq Lamptey operates much like a quicker, smaller version of N'Golo Kante, but with the added twist of playing at left-back. He’s a perfect example of how a compact player can bring a dynamic edge to any squad. Often paired with the physically imposing Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke, the agile Ghanaian international provides a vital outlet from defense and causes chaos on the counterattack.

This season alone, Lamptey has notched two goals and two assists in just seven Premier League appearances, showcasing his significant impact. At just 24 years old, he has plenty of room to develop further, solidifying his place as another standout product from Brighton's impressive talent pipeline.

1. Alan Wright

162cm

Imagine having the ability to make even Aaron Lennon seem tall. Well, Alan Wright, who played for clubs like Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers between 1992 and 2007, never needed to. Standing at just 162cm (a little over 5ft 3in), the left-back is still remembered as the shortest player ever to grace the Premier League.

Nicknamed 'The Mighty Atom,' Wright made 305 top-flight appearances in England, scoring five goals and providing 24 assists—a solid record, especially in an era dominated by the pragmatic 4-4-2 formation. His tally of 101 clean sheets proves that his legacy wasn’t built on height alone but on the immense impact he had. Notably, at Villa, his 29 appearances in European competition were surpassed only by legends Dennis Mortimer and Sid Cowans, making Wright’s influence undeniable.