Athletes come in all shapes and sizes (yes, this includes height), and the shortest ones are some of the most successful. Here’s a list of famous short athletes who are superstars in their sport.
There’s no doubt that height can be an advantage in sports. However, that doesn’t mean shorter men can’t compete (and win) at the highest levels. You can find the best short athletes stealing bases during America’s favorite pastime, ducking around defenders on the basketball court, or dodging punches in the boxing ring. These short men often boast a distinct competitive advantage.
Want to know who makes our list? Keep reading to find out.
Overcoming Challenges
More than not, you’ll find that athletes are tall. Especially in mainstream sports like American football, basketball, and baseball. However, this isn’t always the case – we see you weightlifters, soccer players, jockeys, and motocross riders. You may wonder how athletes overcome challenges to become great in their respective sports. Almost all short male athletes will tell you it’s a combination of a few things.
First, you need to work hard to master your skill and technique. Some sports rely on skills versus height, so they master speed, agility, and coordination. Use your height to motivate you. As a volleyball player, you may not be the one your teammates rely on at the net, so set your eye on mastering digging and setting.
Next, use your height to your advantage. Shorter athletes have a lower center of gravity, so speed and agility training can easily help you outmaneuver your taller opponents. Your stature puts you at an advantage when it comes to building muscle. So, lean into sports that require strength.
Last, work on your mental game. Yes, you may think you’re short, but you may be the only one who emphasizes your height. Did you know that the global average height of men born in 1996 is 5’7.5”? That means most men worldwide on the cusp of turning 30 are men of modest height. You certainly are not alone. Start thinking of your height as a positive versus a negative, and your whole life will change.
The Short of It All: A Short Male Athletes List
If you’re short on time, feel free to jump to one of our top five favorite short athletes:
- Spud Webb (basketball)
- Lionel Messi (soccer)
- Haiden Deegan (motocross)
- Darren Sproles (football)
- Urijah Faber (MMA)
Want to see the whole list? You’re in luck! You can use the sortable table below or keep scrolling for more details about each athlete (including some fantastic photos). From baseball and basketball to cycling and MMA, here are 50 famous athletes who reached the top of their game.
| Name | Height | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Tim "Rock" Raines | 5'8" | Baseball |
| Yogi Berra | 5'7" | Baseball |
| Jimmy "J-Roll" Rollins | 5'7" | Baseball |
| Rafael Furcal | 5'8" | Baseball |
| Joe Morgan | 5'7" | Baseball |
| Kirby Puckett | 5'8" | Baseball |
| Phil Rizzuto | 5'6" | Baseball |
| Muggsy Bogues | 5'3" | Basketball |
| Spud Webb | 5'7" | Basketball |
| Mel Hirsch | 5'6" | Basketball |
| Earl Boykins | 5'5" | Basketball |
| Greg Grant | 5'7" | Basketball |
| Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker | 5'6" | Boxing |
| Manny Pacquiao | 5'5 1/2" | Boxing |
| Floyd Mayweather Jr. | 5'8" | Boxing |
| Chris Spealler | 5'5" | Crossfit |
| Josh Bridges | 5'5" | Crossfit |
| Austin Malleolo | 5'5" | Crossfit |
| Roberto Heras | 5'8" | Cycling |
| Paolo Bettini | 5'7" | Cycling |
| David Etxebarria | 5'5" | Cycling |
| Darren Sproles | 5'6" | Football |
| Jack "Soapy" Shapiro | 5'0 1/2" | Football |
| Deuce Vaughn | 5’5” | Football |
| J.J. Taylor | 5’6” | Football |
| Jakeem Grant | 5’6” | Football |
| Bob Sanders | 5'8" | Football |
| Maurice Jones-Drew | 5'7" | Football |
| Brian Gionta | 5'7" | Hockey |
| Bruce Lee | 5'8" | Martial Arts |
| Urijah Faber | 5'6" | MMA |
| John Dodson | 5’3” | MMA |
| John Lineker | 5'3" | MMA |
| Marcus Brimage | 5'4" | MMA |
| Michel Prazeres | 5'6" | MMA |
| John Howard | 5'7" | MMA |
| Bruno Santos | 5'8" | MMA |
| Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson | 5'3" | MMA |
| Conor McGregor | 5’8” | MMA |
| Haiden Deegan | 5’7” | Racing |
| Cooper Webbcoo | 5'7" | Racing |
| Jo Shimoda | 5'8" | Racing |
| Mark Martin | 5'6" | Racing |
| Jeff Gordon | 5'8" | Racing |
| Rico Abreu | 4'4" | Racing |
| Eddy Hellebuyck | 5'4" | Running |
| Lionel Messi | 5'7" | Soccer |
| Diego Maradona | 5'5" | Soccer |
| Edson Arantes do Nascimento (a.k.a. Pelé) | 5'8" | Soccer |
| Apolo Ohno | 5'8" | Skating |
From baseball and basketball to cycling and MMA, here are 50 famous athletes who reached the very top of their game.
1. Tim “Rock” Raines
- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: September 16, 1959
- Status: Retired
Many regard Tim Raines as one of baseball’s greatest leadoff hitters and baserunners. He was the 1986 NL Batting Champion, a seven-time All-Star, and a four-time stolen base leader. Not bad for a five-foot-eight Hall-of-Famer!
2. Yogi Berra
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: May 12, 1925
- Status: Retired – Died in 2015
This 18-time All-Star is better known for his witty quotes and managerial abilities than his ten World Series championships. He still holds the record for the most World Series titles for one player. Berra is also only one of five players to win the AL MVP three times.
3. Jimmy “J-Roll” Rollins
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: November 27, 1978
- Status: Retired
J-Roll is the Philadelphia Phillies’ all-time leader in hits and is regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball. His NL MVP in 2007 came right before key contributions to his team’s 2008 World Series victory.
4. Rafael Furcal
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1977
- Status: Retired
Rafael Furcal is a Dominican and former professional baseball shortstop. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2000 with the Atlanta Braves and won a World Series title with the Cardinals in 2011. He’s one of only five players ever to have four hits in three consecutive games. Furcal was also a reserve member of the 2010 NL All-Star team.
5. Joe Morgan
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: September 19, 1943
- Status: Retired – Died in 2020
Joe Morgan did two awesome things in the 1975 and 1976 seasons: he led his Cincinnati Reds to World Series victories and twice won the NL MVP. Many consider this 5’7″ man of modest height one of the best defensive players of all time, which is why he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
6. Kirby Puckett
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: September 19, 1943
- Status: Retired – Died in 2020
Kirby spent his entire major league career with the Minnesota Twins. He leads the franchise all-time in hits, doubles, runs and total bases. He also retired with the second-highest career batting average at .318 (right-handed).
7. Phil Rizzuto
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Baseball
- Date of Birth: September 25, 1917
- Status: Retired – Died in 2007
“The Scooter” was part of the legendary Yankees dynasty that ran for 10 AL titles and 7 World Series victories in his 13 seasons. Many hail Rizzuto as one of the best bunters in MLB history.
8. Muggsy Bogues
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- Height: 5’3”
- Sport: Basketball
- Date of Birth: January 9, 1965
- Status: Retired
Tyrone Curtis Bogues was the shortest player ever to play professional basketball in the NBA. His height (or lack thereof) didn’t stop him from a stellar 14-year career that, incredibly, included 39 blocked shots!
9. Spud Webb
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Basketball
- Date of Birth: July 13, 1963
- Status: Retired
Spud is famous for winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986. Think about that for a minute: one of the shortest players in NBA history won the slam dunk contest. Webb is one of two men under six feet tall ever to win this infamous contest.
10. Mel Hirsch
- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Basketball
- Date of Birth: July 31, 1921
- Status: Retired – Died in 1968
American professional basketball player Mel Hirsch was the shortest player in NBA history until Muggsy Bogues entered the league more than 40 years later. Hirsch played for the Boston Celtics way back when the NBA was still the BAA (Basketball Association of America).
11. Earl Boykins
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Basketball
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1976
- Status: Retired
Behind Mugsy Bogues, Boykins is the 2nd shortest player ever to grace the NBA court as a pro baller. He famously nailed two free throws to seal a Wizards’ victory in 2009. Earl Boykin’s basketball career ended in 2012, but that doesn’t mean he stayed off the court. He became the basketball coach at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colorado, in 2013. Then, in 2021, he became the assistant basketball coach for the University of Texas at El Paso.
12. Greg Grant
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Basketball
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1976
- Status: Retired
Grant played for six different teams across his nine-year NBA career after being picked 52nd overall in 1989. He later released an autobiography titled 94 Feet and Rising: The Journey of Greg Grant to the NBA and Beyond.
13. Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Boxing
- Date of Birth: January 2, 1964
- Status: Retired – Died in 2019
Pernell was more than just an accomplished boxer: He won titles in lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight! The Ring Magazine also named him Fighter of the Year in 1989.
14. Manny Pacquiao
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- Height: 5’5 1/2”
- Sport: Boxing
- Date of Birth: December 17, 1978
- Status: Retired
A truly legendary short athlete, Pacquiao is one of the greatest boxers of all time. He’s won 12 major world titles and is the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five weight classes. He’s also the first boxer to become a four-decade world champion. He has won in the ‘90s, ‘00s, ‘10s, and ‘20s. After a long, lustrous career, Pacquiao retired from boxing in 2021.
During and after boxing, the PacMan, as many know him, set his sights on politics. He served in various political positions in the Philippines from 2010 through 2022. He became the Senator of the Philippines from 2016 through 2022.
15. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Boxing
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1977
- Status: Retired
Tactics and attitude aside, Money Mayweather is undisputedly one of the best fighters of all time. ESPN ranked him #1 for the best pound-for-pound boxer of the last 25 years.
16. Chris Spealler
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Crossfit Athlete
- Date of Birth: March 31, 1979
- Status: Retired
In addition to garnering an intimidating reputation at the CrossFit Games, “Speal” is an affiliate owner and trainer for CrossFit headquarters. Spealler continues to train and coach at CrossFit Park City in Utah, where he lives with his family.
17. Josh Bridges
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Crossfit Athlete
- Date of Birth: July 4, 1982
- Status: Active
A former college wrestler and Navy Seal, Bridges has been a CrossFit athlete since 2005. He’s known for his intense victory scream and is on or near the podium almost every time he competes. Currently, he runs his own training program for athletes wanting to improve their skills.
18. Austin Malleolo
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Crossfit Athlete
- Date of Birth: May 4, 1987
- Status: Active
Malleolo is a three-time winner of the Northeast Regional (2011-2013) and finished in the Top 10 at the CrossFit Games in his region from 2010 to 2016. He is an active member of the CrossFit community and is a CrossFit affiliate.
19. Roberto Heras
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Cycling
- Date of Birth: February 1, 1974
- Status: Retired
Heras is a Spanish former professional road bicycle racer. He won the Tour of Spain a record-breaking three times and raced alongside Lance Armstrong on the U.S. Postal Service team.
20. Paolo Bettini
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Cycling
- Date of Birth: April 1, 1974
- Status: Retired
Bettini is considered one of the better cyclists and classics specialists of the past decade. He’s a former Italian world champion road racing cyclist, and he did a stint as the coach of the Italian national cycling team.
21. David Etxebarria
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Cycling
- Date of Birth: July 23, 1973
- Status: Retired
Etxebarria won the 12th and 16th stages in the 1999 Tour De France. He ended up finishing 12th overall, in addition to winning a few minor competitions over the course of his career.
22. Darren Sproles
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1983
- Status: Retired
Sproles is the all-time leading rusher in Kansas State history. In 2011, he broke the NFL single-season record for all-purpose yards with 2,696 yards. He’s the first player in NFL history with over 2,200 all-purpose yards in four consecutive seasons and is ranked 8th all-time in career all-purpose yards. After retirement, he became a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles.
23. Jack “Soapy” Shapiro
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- Height: 5’1”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: March 22, 1907
- Status: Retired – Died in 2001
Jack Shapiro played for the Staten Island Stapletons in the 1929 NFL as a blocking back. Though he only appeared in one official game, many consider him the shortest man ever to play professional football in the National Football League.
Fun fact: Many believe his nickname is “soapy” when, in fact, it’s “soupy.” His nickname comes from his family, as he really liked to eat soup.
24. Deuce Vaughn
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: November 2, 2001
- Status: Active
Christopher “Deuce” Vaughn is a running back for the Dallas Cowboys. He’s also proof that height doesn’t dictate your success in a sport filled with tall opponents. Before his successful NFL career, he was awarded the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award and in high school, he broke Cedar Ridge’s single-season rushing record (he had 1,938 yards). The Dallas Cowboys drafted Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
25. J.J. Taylor
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: January 4, 1998
- Status: Active
J.J. Taylor is another great NFL player who shows us that size doesn’t matter. Taylor started his professional football career with the New England Patriots in 2020. He was released by the Patriots in 2023 and signed with the Houston Texans, with whom he currently plays. Many know Taylor for his speed and versatility as a player.
26. Jakeem Grant
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: October 30, 1992
- Status: Active
Many consider Jakeem Grant one of the most dynamic return specialists in the NFL. After all, he set Texas Tech University’s all-time record for receiving yards (3,164). Since the Miami Dolphins drafted him in the 2016 NFL, he’s played for several teams. These teams include the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons.
27. Bob Sanders
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1981
- Status: Retired
Sanders played eight seasons in the National Football League. He became known as “The Hitman” because of his hard-hitting style. Apparently, powerful things come in small packages! He played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2004 to 2010 and one year with the San Diego Chargers in 2011.
28. Maurice Jones-Drew
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Football
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1981
- Status: Retired
Jones-Drew led the NFL in rushing yards in 2011 and is a three-time Pro Bowler. He played from 2006 to 2013 for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders in 2014. Upon retirement, he served as an analyst for multiple programs on the NFL Network. Currently, he’s the color analyst for the Los Angeles Rams.
29. Brian Gionta
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Hockey
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1979
- Status: Retired
Gionta captained the U.S. Olympic team in 2018’s bid for the title. Gionta captained the U.S. Olympic team in 2018’s bid for the title.
30. Bruce Lee
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Martial Arts
- Date of Birth: November 27, 1940
- Status: Retired – Died in 1973
His birth name was Lee Jun-fan, but his millions of fans know him as Bruce Lee. Perhaps one of the most iconic men of modest height, Lee was an accomplished martial artist, fight choreographer, actor and film director.
31. Urijah Faber
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1979
- Status: Retired
Many know Urijah Faber, AKA The California Kid, for his exciting fighting style in the ring, determination, and contributions to MMA. He competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from 2003 until 2019. During his long fighting career, Faber saw many successes. He was the WEC Featherweight Champion and a UFC Hall of Famer.
Though he’s retired, he still significantly impacts the sport of mixed martial arts. He coaches and mentors upcoming fighters and most recently partnered with Sacramento State University, the local college, to create Combat U. The program gives students opportunities in combat sports while earning their college degrees.
32. John Dodson
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- Height: 5’3”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: September 26, 1984
- Status: Active
John Dodson has had a long career both in and out of the UFC. He is the winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller. Dodson fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship from 2011 until he was released in 2020. After his release, he competed in the Xtreme MMA (XMMA) until 2023. Most recently, he signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
33. John Lineker
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- Height: 5’3”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1990
- Status: Active
Lineker is the former Jungle Fight Bantamweight Champion. He is known for his ultra-aggressive fighting style. Call it a Napoleon complex if you want, but sometimes modest men just need to let it out.
Lineker fought with the UFC from 2011 until 2019 when he was released. Shortly after, he signed with ONE Championship, where he continues to fight today.
34. Marcus Brimage
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- Height: 5’4”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: April 6, 1985
- Status: Retired
Brimage was a versatile MMA fighter, clocking in 7 wins over the course of his career. He has mentioned that watching Dragon Ball Z as a child sparked his interest in mixed martial arts. I was more of a Ninja Turtles kid, but then again, I’m not in the UFC. He retired from the sport in 2023.
35. Michel Prazeres
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- Height: 5’4”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: July 25, 1981
- Status: Active
Pazeres is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting as a lightweight for the UFC. Bruce Lee (another famous short martial artist) inspired Prazeres as a youngster. He is a prime example of how height and age are not factors of success in sports. He won his first six professional fights, has an impressive career record of 27 wins, and still fights in his 40s.
36. John Howard
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: March 1, 1983
- Status: Active
John Howard has been a professional MMA fighter since 2004. He is 29-19 overall in his MMA career so far, and he’s competed for several international teams. Like other MMA fighters on this list, Howard has competed in various fighting series, such as the UFC, CES MMA, World Series of Fighting, and the Professional Fighters League.
37. Bruno Santos
- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: July 17, 1987
- Status: Active
Bruno Santos has an impressive 19 wins and five losses under his belt to date. He hails from Brazil and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started his MMA career in 2007 and has competed in Bellator MMA, the UFC, and the Professional Fighters League.
38. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson
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- Height: 5’3”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1986
- Status: Retired
Many consider Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. In 2012, Johnson became the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion. Since then, he has defended his title 11 consecutive times, which is still a record for the division. He honed his skills to become a highly technical fighter. He retired from MMA in 2024.
39. Conor McGregor
- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Date of Birth: July 14, 1988
- Status: Active
Conor McGregor is quite possibly one of the most famous faces of MMA. He also stands at the taller end of Modest Man height, at 5’8”. McGregor trained in martial arts almost his whole life and started his professional MMA career in 2008. In 2016, he became the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold championships in two weight classes. He also crossed over into boxing as he squared up against another athlete of modest height on this list, Floyd Mayweather. Though he lost, the fight was a huge success. He has a large fan base and knows how to wow and rile up a crowd.
40. Haiden Deegan
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Professional Motocross
- Date of Birth: January 10, 2006
- Status: Active
Haiden Deegan is the son of freestyle motocross pioneer Brian Deegan, who is a legend in his own right. However, Haiden is paving his own path (and very quickly) as a top prospect in professional motocross. He’s known for his skill, work ethic, determination, and larger-than-life personality. When Deegan went professional in 2022, he saw early success that continues to the present. He was crowned Rookie of the Year in 2023 and is a two-time 250cc SMX champion and an AMA Motocross 250cc champion.
41. Cooper Webbcoo
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- Height: 5’7”
- Sport: Professional Motocross
- Date of Birth: November 10, 1995
- Status: Active
Cooper Webb has ridden dirt bikes professionally since 2013, and there’s no sight of him slowing down anytime soon. This man of modest height is incredibly accomplished as a 2-time AMA Supercross Championship winner, 25 career AMA Supercross wins, and one career AMA Pro Motocross Championship win. He’s 10th on the list for riders with all-time 450SX wins and 3rd on the list for riders with all-time 250SX West wins.
These 450 bikes weigh around 230-240 pounds wet, and Webb can toss his around with the best of them. Talk about strength!
42. Jo Shimoda
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Professional Motocross
- Date of Birth: May 16, 2002
- Status: Active
Japanese pro motocross rider Jo Shimoda is another racer who deserves a spot on this list. He is a rising star in the sport that shows incredible toughness and grit. In the second race of the 2025 season, he clipped a pit board while riding, resulting in two broken fingers. Despite this setback, he continued to race that night and in races thereafter. He has multiple podium finishes and is the first Japanese rider to win in professional motocross.
43. Mark Martin
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- Height: 5’6”
- Sport: Car Racing
- Date of Birth: January 9, 1959
- Status: Retired
Retired American stock car driver Martin started his racing career as a young man on the dirt tracks of Arkansas. ESPN has described Martin as the best driver to never win a championship, despite the fact that he holds the all-time IROC record with 13 wins. He raced in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Combined, he’s competed in 1,143 races. Now that’s an accomplishment!
44. Jeff Gordon
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Car Racing
- Date of Birth: August 4, 1971
- Status: Retired
Gordon is undoubtedly one of the best NASCAR drivers of all time, winning at least one pole in 23 consecutive seasons. He has won countless awards, and NASCAR named him one of their 75 greatest drivers in 2023. Between the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Gordon has been in 878 races with 98 wins, 509 top tens and 92 poles.
45. Rico Abreu
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- Height: 4’4”
- Sport: Car Racing
- Date of Birth: January 30, 1992
- Status: Retired
One of the shortest professional racers, Abreu has won several titles, including the 2015 and 2016 Chili Bowl. He’s run 26 races over three years in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a best finish of 13th place. Unfortunately, in 2017, Abreu was unable to return to racing due to sponsorship issues.
42. Eddy Hellebuyck
- Height: 5’4”
- Sport: Running
- Date of Birth: January 22, 1961
- Status: Retired
A Belgian-born long-distance runner, Hellebuyck competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, finishing 67th. He became a U.S. citizen in 2000 and competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, but sadly did not make the team. In 2003, he hit a new US master’s record at the Twin Cities Marathon, completing the race in 2:12.47. Unfortunately, his record was rescinded after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
43. Lionel Messi
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He has eight Ballon d’Or awards and has won 31 trophies with Barcelona.
48. Diego Maradona
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- Height: 5’5”
- Sport: Soccer
- Date of Birth: October 30, 1960
- Status: Retired – Died in 2020
Often considered the best professional soccer player of all time, Maradona was the joint FIFA player of the 20th century (along with Pelé). Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups and led Argentina to a 1986 championship (while earning the coveted MVP award).
49. Edson Arantes do Nascimento (a.k.a. Pelé)
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Soccer
- Date of Birth: October 23, 1940
- Status: Retired – Died in 2022
Also widely regarded as one of the best players to ever grace the field, Pelé won three FIFA World Cups over the course of his career with the Brazil national team. As it turns out, the top three soccer players of all time have been men of modest height. Represent!
50. Apolo Ohno
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- Height: 5’8”
- Sport: Speed Skating
- Date of Birth: May 22, 1982
- Status: Retired
Apollo Anton-Ohno is an eight-time Winter Olympics medalist and is widely regarded as one of the best speed skaters of his generation. He is also a sought-after motivational speaker and generous philanthropist. Ohno retired from skating in 2010 and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2019.
Inspirational Quotes
If the success of these men doesn’t inspire you alone, perhaps their words will give you the push you need. Here are a few inspirational quotes from the men on our list.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pelé.
“Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” – Yogi Berra.
“Being able to compete against the best, having success against the best, and to be included with the best – that’s something I really relished whenever I got on the court.” – Muggsy Bogues.
“All those who are around me are the bridge to my success, so they are all important.” – Manny Pacquiao.
“All that matters is how you see yourself. If you see yourself as the king, with all the belts and everything, and no matter what no one else says, as long as you see that and really believe in it, then that’s what’s going to happen.” – Conor McGregor.
“You are going to make choices and decisions that sometimes aren’t going to always work in your favor, and they are going to upset some other people.” – Jeff Gordon.
“The day you think there (are) no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.” – Lionel Messi.
Conclusion
These famous short athletes aren’t just as good as their taller counterparts. They’re some of the best competitors in their respective sports. Height doesn’t hold them back from reaching great heights, and it shouldn’t hold you back in sports, business, relationships or life. So set that record, get the championship ring, defend your title and lead your team to victory!
Who did we miss? Leave a comment below! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to The Modest Man Newsletter to get our latest articles delivered straight to your inbox.
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Sachin Tendulkar “The God of cricket” is 165 cm …you missed his name
Jose Altuve! And this coming from the daughter, sister, wife, and now mother of die-hard Yankee fans.
Few people are aware that several categories of elite athletes in Finland averaged shorter than the average military recruit. They included boxers, long-distance runners, cross-country skiers, wrestlers and weight lifters. There are certainly advantages in being tall, but there are more advantages in being shorter and lighter than average. The benefits of shorter height include faster reaction time, greater endurance, greater agility, higher strength to body weight ratio, lower risk of breaking bones, and greater longevity. Much of our misconceptions about shorter height are based on society’s bias, which probably started many years ago when nobility was taller than peasants. A scientific view of the advantages and disadvantages of shorter, lighter body size is presented in: The Truth About Your Height (Amazon).
Barry Sanders
Let’s not forget Freddie Patek who played major league baseball from 1968-1981 and at 5’5″ was the shortest player in the game at the time, and probably the shortest player in the last 60 years.
These Guys…..
Dani Pedrosa 5’2” MotoGP
Marc Márquez 5’6” MotoGP
Philipp Lahm 5’7” Football
Xavi Hernandez 5’7” Football
Andrés Iniesta 5’7” Football
Being an avid baseball fan and sports fan in general and a child of the 50s I applaud your pointing out short sports heroes especially since many of your followers may not have heard of some of them.
It made think about someone in of contemporary fame. Meaning the comedian Kevin Hart. Have you thought about using his rather unorthodox style for an article?
Best Regards
I agree about Jose Altuve 5’6″ : three time MLB batting champion, golden glove winner, AL MVP last year, and currently leading MLB in hits, batting average and votes for the All Star Game. Thanks to the Dodger fan who first mentioned him.
Many of the best distance runners are shorter people. Here is list of the top 5000 m runners in the world (dated 2011) with their ranking, times, and heights:
1 12:37.4 Kenenisa Bekele – 166 cm
2 12:39.4 Haile Gebrselassie – 165 cm
3 12:39.7 Daniel Komen – 170 cm
4 12:46.5 Eliud Kipchoge – 170 cm
5 12:47.0 Sileshi Sihine – 165 cm
6 12:48.7 Issac Songok – 170 cm
7 12:48.8 Stephen Cherono
8 12:49.3 Brahim Lahlafi – 172 cm
9 12:49.7 Mohammed Mourhit – 164 cm
10 12:49.9 Paul Tergat – 182 cm
11 12:50.2 Hicham El Guerrouj – 176 cm
12 12:50.3 Abderrahim Goumri – 168 cm
It looks like 5’7″ is about the average height.
Hi Brock,
Great list and understandably this is a US heavy list of sportsmen you mentioned. There is a great English football/soccer legend called Paul Scholes who clocks in at 168 cm (5’6”) and was a legend when he played for Manchester United for two decades. Many consider him the best English midfielder in the last 20 years.
For this list, I would nominate Michael “Pinball” Clemons (5’6″) and Henry “Gizmo” Williams (5’6″), both of whom played in the Canadian Football League between 1986 and 2000. Between them, they have 8 championships, 7 all-star selections, and are inductees in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Good list, but leaving out Jose Altuve (5′ 6″), the reigning Al MVP, is odd.
We’ll add him to the list!
Jose Altuve – all-star 2nd baseman for the 2017 World Champion Houston Astros. (Ugh…and as a hardcore LA Dodgers fan, I nearly threw up after typing those last four words!) Anyway, he’s 5 foot 6.
You’re the hero we need, not the hero we deserve 😉