The Mighty Nine: Shortest Players in the World Revealed

Football is a sport that prioritizes attributes such as strength, speed, and agility. While height may provide an advantage in certain positions, there are players who have defied the notion that height is a determining factor for success on the field. In this article, we will explore the current crop of the shortest football players in 2024.

These individuals, despite their vertically challenged stature, demonstrate their ability to excel and make their mark on the pitch.

Keep reading as we delve into the world of the shortest footballers currently active in the global game.

9. Mathieu Valbuena – 1.67 metres

Despite his lack of height, the former French international, Mathieu Valbuena, has proven himself to be a valuable player. Standing at 1.67 meters tall (or 5 feet 5.748 inches), Valbuena showcases his skills in dribbling and creativity, making him an asset in the attacking line.

At the age of 36, Valbuena currently plays for Greek club Olympiacos. Additionally, he is often associated with a news scandal involving his former France teammate, Karim Benzema.

8. Marco Verratti – 1.65 metres

The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder played a crucial role in Italy's victory at the Euro 2020 tournament. Despite his small stature, standing at 1.65 meters tall (or 5 feet 4.961 inches), he has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world at present.

7. Lorenzo Insigne – 1.63 metres

Despite being one of the shortest players in the game, standing at 1.63 meters tall (or 5 feet 4.173 inches), former SSC Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne proves to be a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. His skillful and direct dribbling was evident during the Euro 2020 tournament.

In addition to his dribbling abilities, the 34-year-old possesses a powerful shot, which played a significant role in Italy's victory, securing their second Euro title. Currently, Lorenzo Insigne is a player for Toronto FC in the MLS, where, despite his age, he continues to showcase his talents and remains one of the top players in the league.

6. Maximiliano Moralez – 1.60 metres

The diminutive attacking midfielder, standing at 1.60 meters tall, currently plies his trade for Racing, a club in the Argentine Primera División. He has represented his native Argentina once at the international level.

Maximiliano, nicknamed "Frasquito" which translates to "little flask" in English, has previously played for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A and New York City FC in the MLS.

5. Madson Formagini Caridade – 1.57 metres

Madson, a seasoned Brazilian footballer, measures at 1.57 meters (5 feet 2 inches) in height. He initiated his career with Vasco de Gama and subsequently represented various clubs, including Santos, within Brazil.

Known for his skillful play in the attacking midfield position, Madson possesses exceptional set-piece abilities. At the age of 36, he continues to contribute his talents to the game and is presently associated with Fortaleza in Brazil.

4. Saliu Popoola – 1.57 metres

Saliu Popoola, a Nigerian footballer, currently serves as a midfielder for Moroccan club Wydad Fès.

At the age of 28, Popoola is recognized as one of the shortest African footballers globally. Notably, in 2015, he was ranked as the third shortest footballer in the world. Additionally, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics.

3. Daniel Villalva – 1.55 metres

The diminutive Argentine winger, standing at 1.55 meters tall, has primarily competed in his home country of Argentina and Mexico.

Known for his skillful attacking abilities, he made history in 2009 by becoming the youngest player ever to debut for River Plate. Currently, he represents Ferro Carril Oeste.

2. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes – 1.54 metres

Measuring at a height of just 1.54 meters, the Brazilian attacking midfielder stands as one of the shortest players in the world of football.

Elton has garnered recognition for his impressive pace and remarkable dribbling skills. He made a name for himself while playing for various Saudi Arabian clubs such as Al-Nassr, Al-Hamriyah, and Al-Fateh.

1. Marcin Garuch – 1.54 metres

Undoubtedly, Marcin Garuch, a relatively unknown Polish player, stands out as one of the shortest individuals currently active in the world of football.

Garuch holds the distinction of being recognized as the shortest professional soccer player in Europe.

Despite his height of just 1.54 meters (5 feet 0.63 inches), this player competes in the Polish second division and possesses impressive technical skills, as well as excellent ball control.