Seven famous (active) short football players

Here is a fun list, one of the shortest football players currently playing the sport. And as a benchmark I will use my own height and I’m only 5’7″. Here goes:

Antonio Di Natale: Height 5’7″

Di Natale plays for Udinese, and if you remember, he was the only person to score against Spain in the Euro 2012. A brilliant and versatile striker, he’s short but pops up in the right place at the right time.

Andres Iniesta: Height 5’7″

Probably one of the best midfielders in today’s generation, and while he may not score as many goals as Messi, he is a legend in his own right. Xavi and him are the best play makers in the modern game and the highlight of his career is surely that famous World Cup final goal.

Xavi Hernandez: Height 5’7″

Like I mentioned earlier, Xavi and Iniesta are a lethal combo. His passing range is second to none, and that’s exactly why he provides numerous important assists for both club and country.

Lionel Messi: Height 5’7″

Another short magician and another phenomenal player. Let’s not drag Ronaldo into this discussion at least. The Argentinian is so quick it’s probably down to his low centre of gravity.

(Lot of Spanish and Barcelona players right? Barcelona must have the shortest players ever!)

Paul Scholes: Height 5’7″

One of the finest midfielders ever, this one club magician of a man is absolutely irreplaceable. I don’t think Manchester United will ever be the same without Paul Scholes. He’s simply irreplaceable.

David Silva: Height 5’7″

David Silva is what makes Manchester City tick. The attacking midfielder is crucial to their success, and his incisive passing plays an important role. And yes, he too is Spanish. (The Spanish team is proof that height means nothing in football).

Philipp Lahm: Height 5’7″

The Bayern Munich and German full-back is a fantastic player. And he has proved this time and again. He deserves special attention though, because as defenders go, he is too short. Yet, he is among the best fullbacks in the game and has been nicknamed ‘Magic Dwarf’. And now that Guardiola, who loves attacking full-backs, is going to Bayern, expect more from Lahm next season.

Former players too, like Pele (5’7″), Maradona (5’5″), Garrincha (5’6″), Roberto Carlos (5’6″) were short but gifted. They were legendary gods of football whose heights were no hindrance towards their game, nor to their fame.