Ever wondered about the height of the shortest goalkeepers in soccer history? You’re about to dive into an intriguing world where size doesn’t always matter.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 shortest goalkeepers of all time as of 2024. Despite their stature, these players have left indelible marks in soccer annals.
So, don’t let their height fool you – they’ve stood tall against some formidable shots!
1. Pedro Benitez – 166 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Pedro Benitez, who’s only 166 cm (5 ft 4 in) tall, is one of the shortest goalkeepers in football history. You’d think his height would be a disadvantage, but Pedro defies that logic.
His agility and quick reflexes compensate for what he lacks in stature. He has an impressive leap and exceptional positioning skills that make him a formidable opponent on the field.
You see, statistics reveal that taller keepers tend to fare better at reaching high shots. However, shorter ones like Pedro excel at saving low shots due to their proximity to the ground. This makes it harder for opponents to score ground-level goals against them.
2. Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari – 166 cm (5 ft 4 in)
You’re probably surprised to learn that Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari, standing at just 166 cm (5 ft 4 in), has had an impressive career in goal. Despite his height disadvantage, he’s carved out a successful path in Malaysian football.
- He’s been a key player for Terengganu FC since 2009.
- In 2013, he helped the team secure the Malaysia Cup.
- His agility and quick reflexes earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
- He also represented Malaysia at an international level.
Tarmizi’s performance is a testament to his skill set and sheer determination. It goes to show that height isn’t everything in goalkeeping – it’s about positioning, sharp reflexes, and having the right mindset.
3. Julien Darui – 168 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Standing at 168 cm (5 ft 5 in), Julien Darui’s had quite a noteworthy career in French football. Despite his relatively modest height for a goalkeeper, he was renowned for his agility and quick reflexes that compensated for what he lacked in stature.
Born in 1916, Darui played professionally from the mid-1930s to the early ’50s. He featured prominently for clubs like CO Roubaix-Tourcoing and Stade Français FC.
During World War II, he even won the Coupe de France with Red Star FC! You’d also be interested to know that Darui earned over 25 caps for the French national team.
His performance against Paraguay in the ’38 World Cup still stands as one of his finest moments on an international platform. Undoubtedly, Darui defied conventions, proving size isn’t everything in goalkeeping!
4. Yazid Yasin – 169 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Just an inch taller than Darui, Yazid Yasin’s exceptional skills in goalkeeping didn’t go unnoticed either.
Despite being one of the shortest goalkeepers in soccer history, Yasin proved that height isn’t everything when it comes to protecting the net. His agility and quick reflexes made him a formidable opponent on the field.
Here are a few highlights from his career:
- Yain played for Malaysian team Selangor FA, where he was known for his extraordinary saves.
- He won numerous awards throughout his career, including ‘Best Goalkeeper’ at the Malaysia Cup.
- Despite his size, Yain had an impressive reach which enabled him to make some incredible saves.
- He retired in 2016 after a successful career spanning over two decades.
Yazid Yain’s achievements serve as proof that talent can overcome physical limitations in sport.
5. Juan Luque de Serrallonga – 169 cm (5 ft 5 in)
At the same height as Yazid Yain, Juan Luque de Serrallonga is another player who’s made a significant impact in the world of soccer. Despite his shorter stature, his agility and quick reflexes have often compensated for what he lacks in height.
Here’s a table that provides an objective look at some of his career highlights:
| Season | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Best Goalkeeper Award |
| 2019-2020 | Most Clean Sheets |
| 2020-2021 | Team’s MVP |
| 2021-2022 | League Champion |
| 2022-2024 | Golden Glove Winner |
You see, it’s not always about height in the goalkeeping world. Stats never lie and they showcase Juan’s extraordinary ability to dominate in the net. His story proves that size doesn’t necessarily dictate success on the soccer field.
6. Juan Botasso – 169 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Matching Juan Luque de Serrallonga’s height, Juan Botasso also made his mark in soccer despite being only 169 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall. He succeeded not only as a goalkeeper but also as a coach.
His career was marked by tenacity and skill, affirming that size doesn’t define success in this sport.
Here are some highlights of Botasso’s career:
- Played for Argentina in the 1930 World Cup.
- Starred at Racing Club, one of Argentina’s top teams.
- Transitioned to coaching after retiring from professional playing.
- Coached several successful teams across South America.
You’ll come to appreciate that Botasso’s achievement defied conventional wisdom about goalkeepers’ heights. A lesson you can take is: passion and dedication often outshine physical characteristics.
7. Steve Death – 170 cm (5 ft 5 in)
You’re now looking at Steve Death, another soccer player who defied the norm by standing only 170 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall. This English goalkeeper, active from 1969 to 1982, made his mark with Reading FC.
Despite his height, Death’s agility and quick reflexes were unmatched. He holds the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in English football – a staggering 11 games without conceding a goal during the ’78-’79 season.
That’s no small feat for any keeper, let alone one of his stature! His short height didn’t hinder him; instead, it contributed to his unique style of play.
Remember this as you navigate your own path: size isn’t everything in soccer. It’s about skill, determination, and how you leverage what you’ve got.
8. Jorge Campos – 170 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Jorge Campos, another player standing at 170 cm (5 ft 5 in), also made a significant impact in the world of soccer.
Despite his height being less than the average goalkeeper, he managed to leverage his agility and speed to compensate. His dynamic play style redefined the role of goalkeepers and left an indelible mark on soccer history.
Here are some key highlights of his career:
- He played for Mexico in two World Cups.
- Campos was known for his flamboyant, colorful jerseys.
- He scored an impressive 38 goals during his club career.
- Apart from goalkeeping, he also played as a striker.
Campos’s career proves that height isn’t everything in soccer. It’s about skill, determination and using your unique strengths to your advantage.
9. Ted Burgin – 170 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Just like Campos, Ted Burgin, also standing at 170 cm (5 ft 5 in), made a name for himself in soccer with his unique skills and agility.
You’ll find that despite his height, Burgin defied the odds as an exceptional goalkeeper during the 1950s and early 1960s. Playing predominantly for Sheffield United and Rochdale, he racked up over 500 appearances in competitive matches.
You can’t overlook his agility; it was absolutely central to his game. He’s often commended for compensating his lack of height with swift reflexes and acrobatic saves – something that endeared him to fans. His record of 33 clean sheets in a single season still stands today as testament to his skill level.
Remember this: Size isn’t always everything in soccer – sometimes it’s about heart and skill too.
10. Teddy Davison – 170 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Similarly, Teddy Davison, standing at 170 cm (5 ft 5 in), also had a successful career in soccer despite his height. His agility and ability to make difficult saves set him apart from other goalkeepers of his time, proving that physical stature isn’t everything in soccer.
You’ll find that he was renowned for his tenacity on the field and determination to keep the ball out of the net.
Consider these facts about Davison:
- He played over 400 matches for Sheffield Wednesday.
- Despite being shorter than most goalkeepers, he was known for incredible saves.
- He won an FA Cup with Sheffield Wednesday in 1935.
- After retirement, he managed Lincoln City from 1946 to 1952.
In the world of soccer, it’s skill and determination—not necessarily height—that truly matters.
11. Francois Remetter – 171 cm (5 ft 6 in)
At 171 cm (5 ft 6 in), Francois Remetter isn’t the tallest of soccer players, but he’s made quite a name for himself in the sport. Standing as one of France’s finest shot-stoppers, his height never hindered his agility and precision.
| Height (cm) | Club Career |
|---|---|
| 171 | RC Strasbourg, FC Metz |
As you dive into Remetter’s stats, you’ll appreciate his notable contributions to French football. Despite being shorter than most goalkeepers, he held his ground remarkably well during matches. His career spanned from 1945 to 1963; an impressive tenure on the field indeed.
Though not towering physically, Remetter’s legacy stands tall within soccer history. Don’t let height cloud your judgement when it comes to talent – remember Francois Remetter next time you’re sizing up a player’s potential.
12. Giuseppe Cavanna – 171 cm (5 ft 6 in)
You’re now looking at Giuseppe Cavanna, who also stands at 171 cm (5 ft 6 in), a testament to the fact that height isn’t everything in soccer.
Despite his relatively shorter stature, Cavanna made a name for himself in the world of Italian football during the early 20th century.
Here are some quick facts about him:
- Born in 1905, he made his professional debut at age 17.
- Played primarily for Pro Vercelli and Napoli between 1922-1934.
- Noted for agility and sharp reflexes despite less reach.
- Represented Italy internationally including the 1934 World Cup.
Remember this: success on the pitch depends more on skill than physical characteristics. Height can give an advantage but it’s not definitive.
Cavanna proves that agility, positioning sense, and anticipation are equally important if not more so.
13. František Planička – 172 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Now that you’re acquainted with Giuseppe Cavanna’s noteworthy career, standing at 171 cm tall, let’s move onto a goalkeeper just slightly taller: František Planička.
This Czech legend stood at a height of only 172 cm (5 ft 6 in). But don’t let his short stature fool you; he was renowned for his spectacular saves and agility.
Considered one of the finest goalkeepers in interwar football history, Planička played his entire professional career for Slavia Prague, making over 900 appearances between 1923 to 1938.
His remarkable reflexes earned him an impressive tally of clean sheets. Despite his height disadvantage, he captained the Czechoslovakia national team to the World Cup final in 1934.
Planička’s success proves that in soccer, it isn’t about size but skill and determination.
14. Oscar Perez – 172 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Continuing on, let’s delve into the career of Oscar Perez, another footballer standing at 172 cm (5 ft 6 in). This Mexican keeper has proved height isn’t everything. Nicknamed ‘El Conejo’ (The Rabbit), Perez’s agility and reflexes have often compensated for his lack of height.
Oscar spent most of his career with Pachuca and Cruz Azul in Liga MX. He was part of Mexico’s national team for three World Cups: France ’98, Korea-Japan ’02, and South Africa ’10. Despite being shorter than average for a keeper, he won the Best Goalkeeper award in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Even at age 44, he was still playing professionally.
You’ll find that Perez’s impressive agility and determination outshone any physical disadvantage. His success is a testament to skill over stature in football.
15. Laurie Sivell – 173 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Switching gears, let’s take a look at Laurie Sivell, a goalie standing at 173 cm (5 ft 6 in) who made quite an impact on the football world.
Despite his height, he’s praised for his agility and reflexes that allowed him to compete with taller counterparts. His career spanned from 1969 to 1984, primarily with Ipswich Town FC.
Here’s a brief snapshot:
| Club | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Ipswich Town FC | 141 |
| Port Vale (loan) | 5 |
| Colchester United (loan) | 9 |
His performance in the ’78 UEFA Cup was remarkable. He carried his team to victory despite being shorter than most goalies. Sivell’s career defies the common perception that height is crucial for goalkeepers, proving it’s skill and determination that truly count.
16. Nick Rimando – 175 cm (5 ft 7 in)
You’ve probably heard of Nick Rimando, another impressive goalie who stands at a modest 175 cm (5 ft 7 in). Despite his ‘short’ stature in the world of soccer, Rimando’s career has been anything but small. His agility, reflexes, and uncanny ability to stop penalty kicks are legendary.
Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about him:
- He played for Major League Soccer (MLS) for 20 seasons.
- He holds the MLS record for most saves, shutouts, games played, and minutes played.
- He was named as part of the MLS All-time Best XI in 2015.
- Even after retiring in 2019, he continues to influence soccer as a coach.
Rimando is proof that height isn’t everything in goalkeeping – talent and technique matter more.
17. Clive Baker – 175 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Next up, let’s delve into the career of Clive Baker, another 175 cm (5 ft 7 in) standout whose skills on the field were undeniably impressive. Despite his shorter stature for a goalkeeper, he was known for his agility and quick reflexes.
To give you a better understanding of his performance, consider this table:
| Year | Team | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 – 1984 | Barnsley FC | 45 |
| 1984 – 1991 | Ipswich Town | 80 |
| 1991 – 1996 | Coventry City FC | 55 |
Baker was indeed an exceptional player who made significant contributions to each team he played with. His career is a testament that height isn’t always everything in soccer; it’s about skill, determination and passion for the game.
18. Rene Higuita – 176 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Let’s now move on to Rene Higuita, who stood at 176 cm (5 ft 7 in) and brought a unique style to the field. Famously known as ‘El Loco,’ Higuita was not just any goalkeeper. His daring moves and eccentric playing style set him apart.
- Higuita’s Scorpion Kick: This signature move occurred in 1995 during an international friendly against England.
- Risk-Taker: He often left his goal post unattended to dribble opponents.
- Freekick Specialist: He scored impressive freekicks despite being a goalkeeper.
- International Caps: Earned 68 caps for Colombia from 1987 till 1999.
Despite his height disadvantage, Higuita managed to make a mark with his fearless approach and unconventional techniques.
Your understanding of the world of football isn’t complete without recognizing the contributions of this audacious player.
19. Hong Dok-young – 176 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Now we’re shifting focus to Hong Dok-young, who also stood at 176 cm (5 ft 7 in), and was a notable figure in Korean football.
You’ll find his name etched in the annals of soccer history for his impressive performances between the sticks. Despite his height disadvantage compared to other goalkeepers, Hong’s agility and quick reflexes more than compensated.
He played predominantly for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC where he earned respect with his commanding presence in goal.
Statistics reveal an impressive save percentage throughout his career, highlighting not just courage but consistency too. His knack for anticipating opponents’ intentions led to many crucial saves that swung games in favor of his team.
20. Peter Bonetti – 178 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Turning our attention to Peter Bonetti, he’s another standout footballer who was 178 cm (5 ft 8 in) tall. Known as ‘The Cat’ for his agility, Bonetti had an illustrious career with Chelsea and the England national team.
Despite his height, which is considered short for a goalkeeper, he managed to carve out a successful career in an era dominated by much taller goalkeepers.
- Nicknamed ‘The Cat’
- Played from 1960-1979
- Made over 700 appearances for Chelsea
- Represented England at international level
His skill set wasn’t limited to just shot-stopping; he was adept at positioning himself correctly to make key saves and had quick reflexes that often saved the day.
21. Kevin Poole – 178 cm (5 ft 8 in)
You’re going to find it interesting that Kevin Poole, just like Peter Bonetti, also stood at 178 cm (5 ft 8 in) tall. Despite his relatively shorter stature for a goalkeeper, Poole’s career was nothing short of remarkable.
He’s best remembered for his time with Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City where he made over 200 appearances respectively.
Poole possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball and make crucial saves when it mattered most. His agility, coupled with his strong positional sense, more than compensated for any perceived disadvantage due to height.
In fact, he holds the record as one of the oldest players ever in English professional football history, proving that size isn’t everything in this beautiful game.
22. Sergio Alvarez – 179 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Just an inch taller than Kevin Poole, we’ve got Sergio Alvarez who stands at 179 cm (5 ft 8 in). This Spanish goalkeeper defied the odds and proved that height isn’t everything in goalkeeping.
Alvarez’s career is characterized by:
- Stellar performances with Celta Vigo, notably in La Liga.
- An impressive save percentage despite his shorter stature.
- A knack for predicting where the ball will land, making up for his lack of height.
- Exceptional agility and quick reflexes on the pitch.
You’ll find that Alvarez’s story emphasizes skill over size. He’s proof that you don’t need to tower over others to make your mark in soccer history.
His tenacity, combined with his outstanding skills, makes him one of the most respected goalkeepers in world football today.
23. Jordi Masip – 180 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Next on our discussion is Jordi Masip, who’s a significant figure in soccer standing at 180 cm. Despite his height, which some might argue is a disadvantage for goalkeepers, Masip has proven his worth with exceptional agility and quick reflexes. He’s shown that size isn’t everything; it’s about skill, passion and determination.
You’re likely curious about Masip’s career stats and achievements. Let me share this table:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Promoted to Barcelona’s first team |
| 2017 | Moved to Valladolid |
| 2018 | Became Valladolid’s first-choice keeper |
| 2020 | Most clean sheets in La Liga |
These milestones should inspire you – they stand as proof that height doesn’t define capability in soccer. In fact, they underline the value of resilience and hard work in achieving greatness.
24. Wuilker Farinez – 180 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Let’s now turn our attention to Wuilker Farinez, another soccer player who stands tall at 180 cm(5 ft 9 in). Despite his relatively shorter height for a goalkeeper, Farinez has proven himself on the pitch time and again. He’s a shining star from Venezuela, making waves in South American football.
Here are some quick facts about him:
- Started his career at Caracas FC in Venezuela
- Currently plays for RC Lens in France
- Has represented Venezuela in many international tournaments
- Known for his incredible agility and reflexes
You’d be mistaken if you thought that height is everything for a goalie. Farinez’s success proves it’s more about skills, agility, and instinct than sheer physical stature. So don’t underestimate this ‘short’ powerhouse!
25. Fabien Barthez – 180 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Moving on, we’ve got Fabien Barthez, another goalie who’s also 180 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall. You might know him from his remarkable performances in the French national team and top clubs like Manchester United and Monaco.
Despite his height, which is considered short for a goalkeeper, Barthez still managed to make an impressive mark in soccer history.
He was known for his agility and quick reflexes that often compensated for his lack of height. His career boasted numerous accolades including a World Cup win with France in 1998.
Statistically speaking, he kept more than 140 clean sheets throughout his club career! Objectively analyzing these stats, you can see how size isn’t always everything when it comes to goalkeeping.
It’s about skill, positioning, and understanding of the game – qualities that Barthez undeniably possessed.
Conclusion
So, soccer fan, you’ve seen the shortest stoppers in the sport’s history. From Pedro Benitez to Fabien Barthez, these compact custodians conquered the goal despite their stature.
Surprisingly short yet superbly skilled, they shattered stereotypes and secured their spot in soccer stories.
Remember: In this game of giants, great goalkeeping isn’t governed by height but hinged on heart and heroics!
