Top 10 Shortest Soccer Players Of All Time

Soccer is a sport that requires a lot of skills, such as speed, agility, technique, vision, and creativity. While some players rely on their physical attributes, such as height, strength, or stamina, others use their talent and intelligence to overcome their limitations. We will look at shortest soccer players who proved that size doesn’t matter when it comes to playing the beautiful game.

10. Rui Barros

Rui Barros is a Portuguese legend who played as an attacking midfielder for clubs such as Porto, Juventus, and Marseille in the late 1980s and 1990s. He was known for his dribbling skills, speed, and scoring ability, which earned him the nickname “The Little Genius”. He helped Porto win four league titles, two Portuguese Cups, and the European Cup in 1987. Rui also represented Portugal in two World Cups and one European Championship.

Height	5 Feet, 3 Inch
Age	58 years
Date of Birth	November 24, 1965
Position	Attacking Midfield

9. Levi Porter

Levi Porter is an English winger who started his career at Leicester City, where he made his debut at the age of 18. He was a product of the club’s youth academy and also played for the England U-16 and U-17 teams. He was praised for his pace, flair, and crossing ability, but he struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his career. He later played for various lower-league and non-league clubs, such as Burton Albion, Hinckley United, and Melton Town.

Height	5 Feet, 3 Inch
Age	36 years
Date of Birth	April 6, 1987
Position	Winger

8. Maxi Moralez

Maxi Moralez is an Argentine playmaker who currently plays for New York City FC in the MLS. He began his career at Racing Club in his homeland, where he won the 2007 U-20 World Cup with Argentina, alongside stars like Sergio Aguero and Mauro Zarate. He then moved to Europe, where he played for FC Moscow, Velez Sarsfield, and Atalanta. He joined New York City FC in 2017 and became one of the best players in the league, winning the MLS Best XI award in 2019.

Height	5 Feet, 3 Inch
Age	36 years
Date of Birth	February 27, 1987
Position	Midfielder

7. Madson Formagini Caridade

Madson is a Brazilian right-back who currently plays for Santos in the Brazilian Serie A. He started his career at Bahia, where he impressed with his defensive skills, speed, and stamina. He then played for several clubs in Brazil, such as Vasco da Gama, Athletico Paranaense, and Grêmio. He joined Santos in 2020 and became a regular starter for the team. He is also known for his long throw-ins, which can create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Height	5 Feet, 2 Inch
Age	31 years
Date of Birth	January 13, 1992
Position	Defender

6. Benedict Vilakazi

Benedict Vilakazi is a South African midfielder who played for clubs such as Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and AmaZulu in his country. He was a creative and versatile player, who could play as a winger, a playmaker, or a striker. He was also a prolific scorer, who netted 46 goals in 184 appearances for Orlando Pirates. He represented South Africa in the 2004 African Cup of Nations and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Height	5 Feet, 1 Inch
Age	41 years
Date of Birth	September 8, 1982
Position	Midfielder

5. Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari

Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari is a Qatari legend who played as a midfielder for Al Sadd and the Qatar national team. He was the captain of Qatar from 1992 to 2002 and led them to the 1992 and 2000 Gulf Cup titles. He was also a key player for Al Sadd, where he won six league titles, four Emir Cups, and the 1989 Asian Club Championship. He retired in 2009 and became a spokesman for the club.

Height	5 Feet, 2 Inch
Age	51 years
Date of Birth	September 27, 1972
Position	Midfielder

4. Marcin Garuch

Marcin Garuch is a Polish midfielder who currently plays for Miedz Legnica in the Polish second division. He began his career at Gornik Zabrze, where he made his debut at the age of 16. He then played for several clubs in Poland, such as Polonia Bytom, Zaglebie Lubin, and GKS Katowice. He is a technical and skillful player, who can create chances and score goals with his left foot.

Height	5 Feet, 1 Inch
Age	35 years
Date of Birth	September 14, 1988
Position	Midfielder

3. Daniel Villalva

Daniel Villalva is an Argentine striker who currently plays for Veracruz in Mexico. He started his career at River Plate, where he made his debut at the age of 16 and scored his first goal a few months later. He was a fan favorite at River Plate, where he was nicknamed “Keko” and admired for his speed, dribbling, and finishing. He later played for clubs in Argentina, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Height	5 Feet, 1 Inch
Age	31 years
Date of Birth	July 6, 1992
Position	Midfielder

2. Elton jantjies

Elton is a Brazilian midfielder who currently plays for Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia. He began his career at Corinthians, where he won the 2005 Brazilian Cup and the 2005 FIFA Club World Championship. He then moved to Saudi Arabia, where he played for several clubs, such as Al-Fateh, Al-Nassr, and Al-Taawoun. He helped Al-Fateh win their first ever league title in 2013 and was the top scorer of the league in 2014.

Height	5 Feet, 1 Inch
Age	76 years
Date of Birth	March 25, 1947
Position	Midfielder

1. Élton José Xavier Gomes

Élton José Xavier Gomes is the shortest soccer player in the world, who plays as a midfielder for Ohod Club in Saudi Arabia. He was born in Brazil, but he acquired Saudi Arabian citizenship in 2013 and represented the Saudi national team. He is a gifted player, who can dribble, pass, and shoot with both feet. He has played for several clubs in Saudi Arabia, such as Al-Hazm, Al-Faisaly, and Al-Shabab. He is also known as “Eltonarinho”, a combination of his name and the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.