5 Best Short Strikers In The World 2024
A footballer’s height isn’t everything but it sure gives an edge to players in certain games. In Games like football, basketball, and volleyball it is very important to win aerial battles. It’s a less or more psychological aspect of the game but height also helps in blocking shots or heading in goals. All these factors do not define the fate of players on the field. In today’s day and age, several short players have made their mark such as Leo Messi or Eden Hazard. It is surprising that most of the short players are good at playmaking and are great midfielders. Let’s take a look at the top 5 short strikers in the world of football in 2024.
1: Daniel Alberto Villalva Barrios (5′ 3″)
The shortest player in the Argentina team currently, Daniel started playing at the age of 17. He has also represented Argentina in the 2009 U-17 World Cup. He is known for his role as a striker and attacking midfielder. He became the youngest player ever to play for River Plate.
Despite his small size he is very competent and fast on foot. His dribbling ability, control of the ball, and agility are notable skills. Daniel is a skilful and dynamic player who brings his vision into the game. He is a valuable asset on the field who can play different positions.
He began his professional career in River Plate (2008-2015), one of the most popular clubs in Argentina. Later he moved to a Mexican club called Veracruz. Ever since then he has changed many clubs and is currently with the CA La Paz team in 2024.
2: Marcin Garuch (5′ 1″)
One of the world’s shortest active professional football players, Marcin Garuch is 153 centimetres tall. He is very good at controlling the ball and his height also puts him at an advantage. He is a big inspiration to kids worldwide who believe their skills are more significant than natural barriers.
Marcin began his career in Poland and has also spent most of his life playing in Polish leagues. He was a part of many clubs early in his career, he also played for the Chicago Fire Reserves in the United States. Currently, he plays for a Polish football team called Miedz Legnica II, which he joined in 2018.
3: Julio Enciso (5′ 8″)
Born in 2004, this 20-year-old is one of the most promising attackers in a youth team. At 5 feet 6 inches, he is not your typical premier league striker. He started playing at a very young age and is the youngest player to play professionally at the age of 15 in Paraguay. He signed a four-year contract with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2022 transfer fee worth £9.5 million.
Julio scored his first goal at Falmer Stadium which was chosen as BBC Goal Of the Season for 2022-23 and Premier League Goal of the Season. Undoubtedly he is one of the most exciting young talents out in the field who are just getting started.
4: Raheem Sterling (5′ 8″)
Raheem Shaquille Sterling is a professional football player who plays for England National Team. He was born in Jamaica and plays for Premier League club Chelsea at present. Throughout his career, he has been a consistent player with a good streak of goals. He had more than 158 career goals across his professional matches. No wonder he has played with big clubs like Liverpool, and Manchester City.
He has been named the PFA Young Player of The Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in the 2018-19 season. Raheem has an adaptable and flexible style of play.
5: Lionel Messi (5′ 7″)
It is nearly impossible to not mention the name of the football world star, all-time favourite Lionel Messi. He is an Argentine professional player who captains Argentina’s National team. He currently is a member and captain of the Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Messi stopped growing when he was nine years of age, people criticized him that this would stop him from being a footballer in the future. It was followed by a series of disagreements, treatments, and a whole new club and home, Barcelona. Messi proved all these people wrong and eventually made a legacy of his own.
Despite his natural disadvantage today he stands as an undeniable titan on the field. His dribbling skills, leadership, and hunger for excellence are always the talk of the world. Throughout his career, he has made several new records for most goals in La Liga, most hat-tricks in La Liga and UEFA Champions League for eight times, and many more.
This is a short list of players who have defied and overcome their natural disadvantages to become the best in the game. Their stories serve as guiding lights, inspiring others to the path of greatness.
