List of 10 Best Goalkeepers Under 6 Foot Tall of All-Time

Historically, goalkeepers were expected to be tall and imposing figures, able to use their height to their advantage when defending the goal. However, some of the best goalkeepers of all time have been under six feet tall. In this article, we will explore the top 10 greatest short goalkeepers of all time.

The average height of a goalie and how much it matters

In the realm of sports, height proves to be a significant advantage in various areas, including soccer. The role of height in goalkeeping is even more crucial, with the average height of a goalkeeper in professional soccer being around 6’2″ to 6’4″ (1.88 meters to 1.93 meters).

Goalkeepers who are shorter than this can face additional challenges when defending the goal. While tall goalkeepers can take advantage of the longer reach and are able to cover more ground and dominate the aerial game, short goalies may have difficulty reaching high shots or crosses. They may also struggle to cover the entire goal area.

However, height is not the only factor that determines a goalkeeper’s success. Goalkeepers such as Iker Casillas, Victor Valdez, and David Ospina have managed to be highly successful in spite of being shorter than the average height for goalkeepers.

These keepers compensated for their height disadvantage by improving their reaction time, positioning, jumping ability, and decision-making skills. This goes to show that with unwavering dedication and hard work, goalkeepers who fall a few inches below the average height can still thrive.

You may want to read: How to dive as a goalkeeper? – Comprehensive guidance

10 greatest short goalkeepers in football history, ranked

Here are the top 10 best goalkeepers under 6 feet tall of all time, ranked in order of their achievements and impact on the game:

10. Iker Casillas (5 ft 11 in)

iker-casillas-height

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: Spain
  • Notable clubs: Real Madrid, Porto
  • International caps: 167

Iker Casillas is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, despite being just under 6 feet tall. He won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including five La Liga titles and three Champions League titles. He also played a key role in Spain’s success in the 2010 World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

9. Pat Jennings (5 ft 11 in)

pat-jennings-short-goalkeepers-under-6-foot-tall

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: Northern Ireland
  • Notable clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, New York Cosmos
  • International Caps: 119

Pat Jennings is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of British football. Despite his lack of height, he was known for his incredible shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box. He won multiple domestic and international titles with his club and country teams.

8. José Luis Chilavert (5 ft 11 in)

jose-luis-chilavert-greatest-short-goalies-of-all-time

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: Paraguay
  • Notable clubs: Velez Sarsfield, Real Zaragoza, Strasbourg
  • International Caps: 74

José Luis Chilavert was not just a goalkeeper, but also a free-kick specialist and occasional penalty taker. Despite his lack of height, he was a formidable presence in the box and helped lead Paraguay to the knockout stages of the World Cup on multiple occasions. He was also known for his aggressive and fiery temperament on the pitch.

7. František Plánička (5 ft 7.5 in)

legendary-goalkeeper-frantisek-planicka

  • Height: 5 ft 7.5 in (171 cm)
  • Country of origin: Czechoslovakia
  • Notable clubs: Slavia Prague, Bohemians Prague
  • International Caps: 73

František Plánička is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Czech football history. Despite his diminutive stature, he was known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box. František helped lead Czechoslovakia to the final of the 1934 World Cup and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

6. Rene Higuita (5 ft 9 in)

rene-higuita-height-goalkeeper

  • Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
  • Country of origin: Colombia
  • Notable clubs: Atletico Nacional, Bursaspor, Veracruz
  • International Caps: 68

Rene Higuita was not just a goalkeeper, but also a pioneer of the sweeper-keeper position. He was known for his flamboyant style of play, including dribbling outside of his box and performing scorpion kicks. Higuita was an incredibly talented shot-stopper and played a key role in Colombia’s run to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup.

5. Fabien Barthez (5 ft 11 in)

fabien-barthez

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: France
  • Notable clubs: Marseille, Manchester United, Monaco
  • International Caps: 87

Fabien Barthez was a key player in the French national team that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship. Despite his small stature, he was known for his bravery and shot-stopping abilities. He also won multiple domestic titles with his club teams.

4. Teddy Davison (5 ft 7 in)

teddy-davison-short-goalkeepers-all-time

  • Height: 5 ft 7 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: England
  • Notable clubs: Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, Brighton & Hove Albion
  • International Caps: 0

Teddy Davison was a legendary goalkeeper in the English lower leagues. Despite being one of the shortest goalkeepers in history, he was known for his bravery and ability to dominate his area. He spent most of his career in the second and third divisions of English football, but his performances earned him a place in the folklore of his clubs.

3. Tony Meola (5 ft 11 in)

tony-meola-short-goalkeepers

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: United States
  • Notable clubs: Kansas City Wizards, New York Red Bulls
  • International Caps: 100

Tony Meola was one of the most successful American goalkeepers of all time. He played in three World Cups for the United States and was a key player in the 1994 World Cup team that reached the round of 16. Despite his lack of height, Meola was known for his agility and shot-stopping abilities.

2. Jorge Campos (5 ft 9 in)

jorge-campos-height

  • Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
  • Country of origin: Mexico
  • Notable clubs: UNAM, Los Angeles Galaxy, Cruz Azul
  • International Caps: 130

Jorge Campos was not just a goalkeeper, but also a striker for his teams. He was known for his eccentric and colorful uniforms, as well as his acrobatic saves. Despite being under 6 feet tall, Campos was a formidable presence in the goal. The small goalkeeper helped lead Mexico to the knockout stages of the World Cup on multiple occasions.

1. Dino Zoff (5 ft 11 in)

dino-zoff-shortest-goalie

  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
  • Country of origin: Italy
  • Notable clubs: Juventus, Udinese, Mantova
  • International Caps: 112

Dino Zoff is considered one of the greatest short goalkeepers of all time. Despite being under six feet tall, he was known for his exceptional reflexes, positioning, and leadership qualities. He won the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy and was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Conclusion

In conclusion, height is not always the most important attribute for a goalkeeper. As this list shows, some of the greatest short goalkeepers of all time. These players have shown that with talent, dedication, and hard work, anyone can succeed in this crucial position on the football field.

Follow ASC Football for more articles on football legends and interesting football training exercises.

Also read: List of Top 10 Football Players of All Time

The post List of 10 Best Goalkeepers Under 6 Foot Tall of All-Time appeared first on ASC Soccer Coaching & Training.



source https://ascfootball.net/10-best-short-goalkeepers-of-all-time/

Nhận xét

Đăng nhận xét

Bài đăng phổ biến từ blog này

How to Play Right Back Soccer Position – A Complete Guide

Hình ảnh
Right back soccer , also known as the right fullback position, plays a vital role in the beautiful game. While often overshadowed by their more glamorous teammates, the right back serves as an unsung hero, contributing both defensively and offensively. In this article, we will explore the responsibilities, skills, and strategies associated with the right back position, along with notable players who have excelled in this role. Whether you’re a fan, a coach, or a player aspiring to be the best right back, this article will provide you with valuable insights. What is a right back in soccer The right back (RB) position is located on the defensive line, typically on the right side of the field, opposite the left back. The primary responsibility of a right back is to defend against opposing wingers and provide support to the midfield and attack from the right flank. They are often involved in overlapping runs, crosses, and contributing to offensive plays. In the modern game, right backs...
Đọc thêm

La Croqueta Soccer Move: How to Play Like Andres Iniesta!

Hình ảnh
The La Croqueta move in soccer, which was made famous by the renowned player Andres Iniesta, involves the use of fast footwork and agility to outmaneuver multiple opponents. In this article, we will delve deeper into this impressive skill and how to do La Croqueta soccer move . What is the La Croqueta soccer move? The La Croqueta soccer move is a dribbling technique used to trick the opponent into thinking the player will move in one direction, then quickly change direction to move the ball in the opposite direction. The player uses one foot to push the ball to one side and then quickly pulls it back with the other foot, creating a crisscross motion. The move is often used to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities in tight situations. To execute this soccer technique effectively, you must possess agility, be nimble, and have the ability to generate sufficient force to surpass opposing defenders after completing the initial ball handling. Origins of La Croqueta move in...
Đọc thêm

What is A False 9 in Soccer: Definition and Role in Modern Football

Hình ảnh
If you are a soccer enthusiast, you may have heard of the term “False 9” or “Fake 9” position in soccer. This term has become increasingly popular in the world of soccer over the last decade. In this article, we will explore what is a False 9 in soccer , its history, its tactical significance and its role in modern football. In modern soccer, teams are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and surprise their opponents. One such innovation is the False 9 position. It is a tactic that involves the center forward dropping deep into midfield to create space and unsettle the opposition’s defense. What is a False 9? A False 9 (F9) is a soccer position where a center forward drops deep into the midfield, creating space for the wingers and attacking midfielders to exploit. The False 9 acts as a false target for the opposition’s defense, forcing them to come out of their shape to press the player in possession. This creates gaps in the defense that can be exploited by the attacking pl...
Đọc thêm