Smallest footballers in history including Diego Maradona and the Welsh Pirlo

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Height and physicality are often sighted as reasons why some young players don’t make it as footballers, but some of the worlds best aren’t the tallest.

Lionel Messi is one of the many modern-day examples of players who have broken the mould and used their height to the best of their ability, with Lorenzo Insigne another forward who doesn’t tower over defenders.

There is a strange joy in watching a short player race down the wing and dominate a game, and all over the world, there have been stars capable of such.

So, who are some of the smallest players in the history of football? Daily Star Sport takes a look…

Joe Allen (5ft 6in)

For some reason, Joe Allen is an icon of the Premier League, and it might be due to how he could dominate a midfield despite consistently being the shortest player on the pitch.

The 5ft 6in-star has played in the top flight of English football with Swansea City, Liverpool and also Stoke, who he has played for since 2016.

Allen has been an important player wherever he has played, and on the international stage for Wales too, drawing immense praise from those who used to manage the 31-year-old or play alongside him.

Brendan Rodgers, who coached Allen at Swansea and Liverpool, has previously labelled the playmaker the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ and ‘Welsh Xavi’. Some praise.

Elton (5ft 1in)

Not many football fans will have any idea who Elton is, unless, of course, they played FIFA over seven years ago – namely FIFA 14.

The Brazilian was one of the most talked-about stars of the game due to how he is Brazilian and was also able to do every skill on the game – a highly sought after trait.

Elton is very much a journeyman of Asia, enjoying spells at clubs in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The attacking midfielder originally came through the academy at Brazilian side Corinthians but only made six appearances for the club before being sent out on loan and then being sold.

Maximiliano Moralez (5ft 2in)

Argentine playmaker Maximiliano Moralez has been one of the stars of the MLS over the past few years, and his height has proved a major asset by giving him a low centre of gravity and unpredictable movement.

The 34-year-old currently plays for New York City FC, being deployed as a no.10 and using his creativity and flair to craft open chances.

Moralez came through the academy at Argentine side Sporting before enjoying a two-year loan spell at FC Moscow, where he was loaned back to his boyhood club.

The midfielder then spent another few years in Argentina before establishing himself as a top talent in the Serie A with Atalanta, making 142 appearances for the club between 2011 and 2015.

Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari (5ft 1in)

Now retired, Jafal Rashed Al-Kuwari is one of the shortest players in football history.

The midfielder was 5ft 1in tall and one of the stars of Qatari football during his 19-year career between 1990 and 2009.

Al-Kuwari spent his entire career at Al-Sadd, who now-Barcelona boss Xavi recently managed, and impressed so much there that he took the captains armband for the Qatar international team.

The 49-year-old’s last match was a farewell fixture up against AC Milan.

Diego Maradona (5ft 5in)

Undoubtedly the most famous name on this list, Diego Maradona is one of the shortest footballers in history.

The Argentine was 5ft 5in and one of the best players the world has ever seen, winning the Ballon d’Or twice and leading his country to victory in the World Cup in 1986.

Maradona played for Barcelona, Sevilla and Napoli in his career, making the greatest impact at the latter which led to the Serie A outfit retiring the no.10 shirt in his honour.

The former Boca Juniors star had all the assets that you would want for an attacking midfielder, with his passing, dribbling and vision often drawing plaudits.

The footballing legend passed away in 2020.

• Premier League

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