Four sports stars who prove good things come in small packages

Plenty of men and women over the years have proved that height is no barrier to becoming a sporting giant. Check out this gallery of sport's smaller stars.

Published : Sep 07, 2017 19:42 IST

Photo: Getty Images

Sport: Football Height: 1.7m/5ft7 Nicknamed 'the flea' when he emerged from Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2004. Eight LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and an unmatched five Ballon d'Or triumphs have followed for a player widely regarded as an all-time great playing in the modern day.

Photo: Getty Images

Sport: Boxing Height: 1.73m/5ft8 Mayweather made it 50-0 when he defeated Conor McGregor in a Las Vegas megafight last month, but he might be a less imposing figure than you'd imagine if you bumped into him in the street. What he lacks in height, however, he more than makes up for in confidence… and perhaps cash in the bank. Mayweather – or 'Money' as he is also known – earned an estimated $230million from the McGregor bout.

Photo: Getty Images

Sport: Football Height: 1.73m/5ft8 Watching back at clips of Pele's goals - he scored over 1000 of them - it is remarkable how many of them were headers when you factor in the Brazilian great's relatively squat stature. Marrying mind-blowing technique with raw power made Pele a teenage phenomenon as Brazil won the 1958 World Cup and ensured his star burned bright throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Photo: Getty Images

Sport: Football Height: 1.65m/5ft4 Maradona is revered with god-like status by fans of Argentina and Napoli, having been the driving force behind the Albiceleste's 1986 World Cup win as well as two Serie A triumphs for the Partenopei - a feat neither have managed to repeat since. Maradona's legendary number 10 shirt is retired at the Stadio San Paolo and his feats - from the 'Hand of God' to the 'Goal of the Century', both coming in one game against England - stand among the game's most iconic moments.

1 / 0
Sport: Football Height: 1.7m/5ft7 Nicknamed 'the flea' when he emerged from Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2004. Eight LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and an unmatched five Ballon d'Or triumphs have followed for a player widely regarded as an all-time great playing in the modern day.
Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment