Who Is the Shortest Footballer in the World? Height and Career Explained

Elton José Xavier Gomes is widely identified as the shortest professional footballer in the world. The Brazilian attacking midfielder is commonly listed at around 1.54 metres, or approximately 5 feet 1 inch.

That figure places Elton among the shortest football players to reach the professional game, but it should be treated as a widely reported measurement rather than a universally maintained world record. Football has no single global register covering every professional, semi-professional and amateur player, and published heights can vary between clubs and databases.

Who is the shortest footballer in the world?

Elton was born in Brazil and developed a reputation for close control, quick changes of direction and creativity in attacking areas. His low centre of gravity helped him keep the ball close to his feet, making it harder for larger defenders to dispossess him in tight spaces.

He began his senior career in Brazilian football before playing abroad. His career included spells with clubs such as Corinthians Alagoano, Steaua București in Romania and several teams in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. His time in the Gulf region brought him particular attention, as he became known as an unusually small but technically gifted professional footballer.

Elton’s listed height is often written as 1.54 m, although some sources give slightly different figures. For that reason, descriptions such as “widely regarded as the shortest professional football player” are more accurate than presenting one measurement as an uncontested official record.

How short is Elton compared with other footballers?

At 1.54 m, Elton is considerably shorter than the average outfield professional. Many elite male footballers stand between roughly 1.75 m and 1.90 m, although height varies significantly by position and playing style.

Other well-known short footballers have also stood out because of their technical ability. Argentine midfielder Diego Buonanotte has commonly been listed at about 1.61 m, while former Spanish international Pedro Rodríguez is around 1.67 m. Lionel Messi, often mentioned in searches for the shortest famous footballer, is approximately 1.70 m and is not the shortest professional player.

These comparisons show why the wording matters. The shortest footballer in the world is not necessarily the shortest player to appear in a major international tournament, the shortest active player today or the shortest footballer ever recorded at any level.

Why height does not decide a footballer’s position

Shorter players can gain advantages in balance, turning speed and ball control. A lower centre of gravity may allow a player to shift direction quickly, especially when receiving the ball between defenders. Quick feet and body positioning can also help a smaller midfielder avoid challenges without relying on physical strength.

There are trade-offs. A shorter player may find aerial duels, physical shoulder challenges and defensive set pieces more difficult. Coaches therefore tend to assess movement, acceleration, awareness and technical quality rather than height alone.

Elton’s career is a useful example. His game was built around technique and agility, not winning high balls or overpowering opponents. The same principle explains why several short footballers have succeeded as attacking midfielders, wingers or forwards.

Is Elton the shortest active footballer?

Not necessarily. The answer depends on the definition of “active” and the competition being considered. A player may be active in a lower division, regional league or country whose squad data is not widely published. Some databases also list players at 1.54 m or close to it, creating more than one possible candidate for the shortest professional football player.

There is also a difference between the shortest footballer in the world and the shortest player in a specific competition. A league may have its own notably short player, while an international tournament may feature a different record holder.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortest footballer’s height?

Elton José Xavier Gomes is generally listed at approximately 1.54 m, or 5 feet 1 inch.

Is Lionel Messi the shortest soccer player?

No. Messi is short compared with many elite footballers at about 1.70 m, but Elton and several other professionals are shorter.

Who is the shortest footballer to play professionally?

Elton is one of the most frequently cited answers, with a reported height of around 1.54 m. Because player records are not maintained in one complete worldwide database, similarly listed players can also appear in historical comparisons.

Does being short help in football?

It can help with balance, agility and close control, but it can also create disadvantages in aerial contests and physical challenges. Success depends on the complete skill set of the player.