Now, you might think soccer players have to be tall to play in the big leagues, but let me tell you, that’s not always the case. There’s a few shorter folks out there who show that you don’t need to be a giant to make it to the Premier League. Let’s take a look at the shortest of the short in the English Premier League, where speed and skill matter more than just height.
First off, we got two players who hold the title for being the shortest in Premier League history: Ryan Fraser from Newcastle United and Tariq Lamptey from Brighton & Hove Albion. Both of ’em measure at a mere 1.63 meters, which is about 5 feet 3 inches tall. That’s not a whole lot of height, is it? But, oh, they sure know how to play ball!

Ryan Fraser, a Scottish international, has been known for his quick feet and sharp movements. Even though he’s shorter than most players on the field, his agility makes him hard to catch. Tariq Lamptey, on the other hand, might be small in stature, but he’s a powerhouse when it comes to sprinting down the field. Both of these players prove that you don’t need height to be a threat in the game. It’s all about that fast pace and clever footwork.
Now, you might ask, “Who else is short in the Premier League?” Well, there’s Michael Obafemi from Southampton, another young lad who’s still growing but only stands at about 5 feet 6 inches. He’s got some growing to do yet, but he’s already making waves with his speed and determination. These shorter players often get overlooked, but they pack a punch with their skills.
Let’s not forget about some other names that pop up from time to time. There’s the likes of David Silva, who might not be playing in the Premier League anymore, but for many years, his small stature and big talent were on full display. Then there’s folks like James Maddison and Phil Foden, who aren’t as short but aren’t towering giants either. It’s about how you use what you got, not just how tall you are.
It’s not always about being the tallest, is it? Many of these shorter players use their size to their advantage. They can slip past defenders, dart through tight spaces, and make those quick, sharp turns that the bigger players just can’t keep up with. So, if you ever thought you had to be as tall as a tree to play soccer, think again! Height ain’t everything, not when you’ve got the heart and the skills to back it up.
- Ryan Fraser – 5ft 3in (1.63m)
- Tariq Lamptey – 5ft 3in (1.63m)
- Michael Obafemi – 5ft 6in (1.68m)
- David Silva – 5ft 7in (1.70m)
- James Maddison – 5ft 9in (1.75m)
So next time you’re watching a game, remember – it’s not about the height; it’s about how you play the game. And these short players? They sure know how to make the most of what they’ve got.

Tags:[shortest soccer player, Premier League, Ryan Fraser, Tariq Lamptey, football height, soccer skills, Michael Obafemi, small soccer players]