Who are the shortest footballers in the world?

• Football was traditionally viewed as a sport for the big, tall and strong players
• However, the shortest footballers such as Alexis Sanchez and Lorenzo Insigne have changed that narrative in recent years
• Standing 1.53 metres tall, Marcin Garuch is the shortest active professional footballer in the world

Football was traditionally viewed as a sport for the big, tall and strong players. However, the shortest footballers such as Alexis Sanchez, Lisandro Martinez, Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne have changed that narrative in recent years. These players have shown the world that anyone can play football at the top level as long as they are talented and have the stamina to play a whole match.

To celebrate them, we have decided to bring you a list of the top 10 shortest footballers in the world and the teams they play for.

1. Marcin Garuch – 1.53 Metres

Marcin Garuch. Photo/ RNN.NG.

Standing 1.53 metres tall, Marcin Garuch is the shortest active professional footballer in the world. He is from Poland and has spent his entire career playing for Polish clubs such as Miedz Legnica, Chojniczanka, OFK Grbalj and GKS Belchatow.

2. Elton Arabia – 1.54 Metres

Brazilian footballer Elton Jose Xavier Gomes, popularly known as Elton Arabia or just Elton, is one of the shortest footballers in the world with a height of 1.54 metres. The 37-year-old started his career in Brazil playing for Corinthians but has mostly been in the Middle East with top clubs such as Al Nassr, Al Rayyan, Al Fateh, Dubai Club and Al Wehda. It is due to his unique connection with the Middle East that he is known as Elton Arabia.

Elton Arabia. Photo/ Prosport.

3. Daniel Villalva – 1.55 Metres 

Daniel Villalva is an inspiration to many young people who feel disadvantaged in football due to their height. Despite being just 1.55 metres tall, he has impressed many with his performance on the pitch and became the youngest player ever to play for River Plate in 2009.

After spells at Argentinos Juniors, Veracruz and Guarani among other clubs, Villalva currently plays for Ferro Carril Oeste. Despite being a top talent who has been praised for her brilliant passing and dribbling skills, he has never played in Europe.

4. Maximiliano Moralez- 1.60 Metres 

Maximiliano Moralez is a professional footballer from from Argentina who is signed to MLS club New York City FC. Moralez is just 1.65 metres tall, making him one of the shortest footballers in the world. Prior to moving to the MLS he played for clubs such as Racing, FC Moscow and Velez Sarsfield.

5. Lorenzo Insigne – 1.63

Lorenzo Insigne is one of the most talented Italian footballers of his generation. He is best known for his time with Napoli, a club he played for since his youth days. The 32-year-old, who is capable of playing on either flank or through the centre, is signed to Toronto FC.

Lorenzo Insigne. Photo/ Haberler.

6. Marco Verratti – 1.65 Metres 

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Marco Verratti was considered one of the best midfielders in the world. The Italian joined Qatar Stars League club Al-Arabi last summer where he has been playing. Verratti is one of the shortest footballers with a height of 1.65 metres.

7. Mathieu Valbuena – 1.67 Metres 

Also known as ‘Little Prince’, Mathieu Valbuena is a French midfielder who plays for Cypriot First Division club Apollon Limassol. Valbuena, who is 39, has played for several top clubs over the course of his career and is now close to announcing his retirement. He is 1.67 metres tall.

8. Xherdan Shaqiri – 1.69 Metres 

Xherdan Shaqiri is another popular name on the list of the shortest footballers in the world. He is 1.69 metres tall but that hasn’t stopped him from playing for giant clubs such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Liverpool. Shaqiri currently plays for MLS club Chicago Fire.

9. Alexis Sanchez – 1.69 Metres 

Widely regarded as the greatest Chilean footballer of all time, Alexis Sanchez is a name many football fans are familiar with. The 35-year-old has played for various top clubs, including FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan. Sanchez, who is 1.69 metres tall, is currently at Inter Milan for a second spell.

Alexis Sanchez. Photo/ FC Barcelona.

10. Joe Allen – 1.70 Metres

Known for his creativity in the midfield, Joe Allen was a crucial player for the Wales national team until his retirement from international football in 2022. Currently playing for his boyhood club Swansea City, Allen also had a spell at Liverpool between 2012 and 2016.