The Premier League is known for its intense athleticism, with towering figures dominating the pitch, from powerful forwards to commanding defenders. The average height of a Premier League player is around six feet (182 cm), comparable to top-tier players like Robert Lewandowski or Sergio Ramos. Despite this, the Premier League has also seen its fair share of shorter players who have defied expectations with their talent, agility, and ability to leave a mark on one of the world’s toughest football leagues.

Here’s a look at the 9 shortest players to have ever graced the Premier League:

9. Fabio Vieira (5ft 7″ or 171 cm)

At 5ft 7″ (171 cm), Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira stands at the height that’s more typical for many professional footballers, but still shorter than many of his peers in the Premier League. Vieira, who debuted for Arsenal in the 2022-2023 season, is known for his creativity and vision. Having previously shone for Porto and the Portuguese national youth teams, he was a standout in the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he earned praise for his performances. His only major honour in England to date is the 2023 FA Community Shield, and while still developing, Vieira has already shown glimpses of his promise.

8. Julio Enciso (5ft 6″ or 170 cm)

Standing at just 5ft 6″ (170 cm), Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso is one of the shorter players in the Premier League. Despite his height disadvantage, Enciso has made a significant impact at Brighton & Hove Albion. In his relatively short time in England, he has won the Premier League Goal of the Season award, as well as Brighton’s Goal of the Season for 2023. Enciso’s pace, technical ability, and finishing skills make him a constant threat on the pitch. He also represents Paraguay internationally, having scored his first goal for his country in the 2024 Copa America.

7. Daniel Podence (5ft 5″ or 168 cm)

Portuguese winger Daniel Podence, at just 5ft 5″ (168 cm), has had a notable career in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Podence is known for his lightning speed, exceptional dribbling, and creativity on the wing. Over his career, he has made over 350 appearances for clubs like Sporting CP, Olympiacos, and Wolves. Despite his size, Podence has consistently been a thorn in the side of defenders, using his agility and quick feet to outmaneuver larger opponents. He is also a regular for the Portuguese national team, having made his debut in 2020.

6. Aaron Lennon (5ft 5″ or 167 cm)

One of the Premier League’s most well-known shorter players, English winger Aaron Lennon also stands at 5ft 5″ (167 cm). Throughout his career, Lennon made more than 500 appearances for clubs such as Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Burnley. A pacey and tricky winger, Lennon was a key player for Spurs in their most successful years, winning the League Cup in 2008. Although he never scored for the England senior team, Lennon earned 21 caps and was known for his contribution to the national team in various international tournaments.

5. Jody Morris (5ft 5″ or 166 cm)

Jody Morris, at 5ft 5″ (166 cm), was a tenacious midfielder who made 136 Premier League appearances for Chelsea and Leeds United. Morris, who made his debut for the England Under-21s in 1996, was known for his combative playing style. He was part of Chelsea’s FA Cup-winning team in 1997 and helped the club secure the UEFA Super Cup. Despite not being a towering figure on the field, his ability to control the midfield and provide leadership made him a valuable asset to his teams during his playing career.

4. Billy Gilmour (5ft 5″ or 165 cm)

Billy Gilmour, at 5ft 5″ (165 cm), is another shorter player who has impressed with his technical ability and football intelligence. The Scottish midfielder began his Premier League journey with Chelsea before moving to Brighton, and has also spent time on loan at Serie A club Napoli. Known for his composure on the ball and precise passing, Gilmour was named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year in 2020 and was part of their 2021 Champions League-winning squad. Despite his diminutive stature, Gilmour continues to show that size is not the most important factor when it comes to footballing brilliance.

3. Alan Wright (5ft 4″ or 164 cm)

English full-back Alan Wright is one of the shortest players in Premier League history, standing at 5ft 4″ (164 cm). Despite his height, Wright had a successful career, playing over 300 games for clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa. He was part of the Aston Villa team that won the Football League Cup in 1996 and earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. Wright was known for his speed and technical defending, often proving that agility and positioning could be just as effective as height in a defender’s arsenal.

2. Ryan Fraser (5ft 4″ or 164 cm)

At 5ft 4″ (164 cm), Scottish winger Ryan Fraser is another player whose size belies his impact on the pitch. Fraser has played for clubs such as Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Southampton, making nearly 300 Premier League appearances. His pace, creativity, and eye for goal have earned him a place in the Scotland national team, where he has contributed with crucial goals in World Cup qualifiers. Fraser’s speed and ability to break down defences make him a nightmare for full-backs, proving that height is not always an indicator of success in the Premier League.

1. Tariq Lamptey (5ft 4″ or 163 cm)

The shortest player in Premier League history, Tariq Lamptey stands at just 5ft 4″ (163 cm). Despite his small stature, the English-born Ghanaian right-back has proven himself to be an outstanding talent. Lamptey first made his name at Chelsea before moving to Brighton, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising full-backs. Known for his blistering pace, Lamptey is a constant attacking threat down the right flank. Although injuries have hampered his career at times, Lamptey remains an exciting prospect who has already made his mark in the Premier League.

Conclusion

While the Premier League often sees towering figures dominate the field, these shorter players have shown that skill, speed, and technique can be just as effective, if not more so, than height. From Tariq Lamptey’s pace to Fabio Vieira’s vision and Jody Morris’s tenacity, these players have carved out impressive careers, proving that in football, heart and determination often outweigh size.