Who Is the Shortest Footballer in the World?
Élton José Xavier Gomes, commonly known simply as Élton, is often cited as the shortest professional footballer in the world. He is widely listed at about 1.54 metres (5 feet 1 inch). The Brazilian attacking midfielder built a long professional career despite being much shorter than the average elite men’s football player.
How tall is the shortest footballer?
Élton’s reported height is approximately 154 centimetres. That places him among the smallest professional footballers in the history of association football. Some sources list his height slightly differently, so rankings can change depending on the database or competition being considered.
There is no single universally recognised governing-body record for the shortest football player. Player profiles may use rounded measurements, old data or different methods of recording height. For that reason, it is more accurate to describe Élton as the player commonly recognised as the shortest professional footballer rather than claim that every historical list agrees.
Who is Élton José Xavier Gomes?
Élton is a Brazilian footballer from Alagoas who played mainly as an attacking midfielder or winger. He became known for close control, quick changes of direction and technical skill in tight spaces. His low centre of gravity helped him protect the ball and turn away from larger defenders.
He began his senior career in Brazil before playing for clubs in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Romania and the United Arab Emirates. His career is particularly associated with Al-Qadsiah, Al-Fateh and other clubs in Middle Eastern football. Rather than relying on physical strength, he made an impact through balance, acceleration, dribbling and passing.
Other very short professional footballers
Élton is not the only footballer frequently mentioned in discussions about height. Argentine midfielder Marcin Garuch has also appeared on lists of the shortest professional players, with some profiles placing him at around 1.54 metres. Brazilian forward Jafal Rashed and several lower-league or futsal players have also been described as exceptionally short, although published measurements are not always consistent.
Comparisons should therefore specify the competition and type of football involved. A list of the shortest players in men’s professional association football may not match a list covering women’s football, futsal, youth football or players from every historical era.
Does height matter in football?
Height can be useful for goalkeepers, centre-backs and forwards competing for aerial balls, but it is not a requirement for success in every position. Shorter players can have advantages such as a lower centre of gravity, rapid balance recovery and the ability to change direction quickly.
Technical quality, awareness, timing and decision-making often matter more than height for creative midfielders and wingers. Players such as Élton demonstrate how dribbling ability, movement and close control can compensate for a lack of physical stature.
Shortest footballer versus shortest player in other sports
The phrase “shortest player in the world” can refer to different sports, so it should not be confused with the shortest basketball player, futsal player or professional athlete generally. In this context, the answer concerns men’s association football and professional outfield players. The answer may differ if the search includes every level of football or all genders and formats.
