Can a 5'7 Player Succeed in Soccer or Basketball? Height Analysis

I’ll never forget watching a PBA game last season where Allein Maliksi, after being sidelined early in the season, admitted he wasn’t in total shape yet. That moment stuck with me because it highlights something crucial we often overlook: physical conditioning and skill often matter more than raw height, especially for athletes hovering around the 5'7" mark. As someone who’s followed both soccer and basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen countless debates about whether shorter players can truly succeed at elite levels. Let me tell you—they absolutely can, but it requires a specific approach and a relentless mindset.

Take soccer first. I’ve always believed that soccer is one of the most democratic sports when it comes to body types. At 5'7", a player like Lionel Messi—though an outlier in talent—showcases how a lower center of gravity, agility, and technical precision can dominate the field. Statistics from top European leagues indicate that around 18% of professional midfielders and forwards are 5'8" or shorter. These players often excel in dribbling, close ball control, and rapid changes of direction. I remember watching a lower-tier English Championship match where a 5'7" winger consistently outpaced taller defenders, not with sheer speed, but with intelligent positioning and sharp turns. In soccer, height is rarely the deciding factor unless you’re a goalkeeper or central defender. For the average 5'7" aspirant, focusing on endurance, vision, and technical drills can open doors even in competitive leagues.

Basketball, admittedly, poses steeper challenges. The average NBA player height is around 6'6", making a 5'7" frame seem almost improbable. But here’s where I diverge from conventional wisdom: it’s not impossible. Players like Muggsy Bogues, who stood at 5'3", carved out a 14-year NBA career by leveraging lightning-fast reflexes, steals, and playmaking. In today’s game, we see shorter guards excelling in leagues worldwide—for instance, in the Japanese B.League, several starting point guards are under 5'8". From my own observations, shorter basketball players often develop an underdog mentality that fuels their work ethic. They spend extra hours honing their three-point shooting and ball-handling, knowing they can’t rely on height for rebounds or blocks. I’d argue that a 5'7" player with a 40-inch vertical leap and a 90% free-throw accuracy has a real shot, especially if they embrace a niche role as a pesky defender or offensive sparkplug.

That said, Maliksi’s comment about not being in "total shape" resonates deeply here. Whether in soccer or basketball, a shorter athlete can’t afford any physical or mental gaps. I’ve seen too many promising talents derailed by minor fitness issues—something a taller player might get away with temporarily. Data from sports institutes suggest that athletes under 5'8" need approximately 12% higher aerobic capacity and faster recovery times to compete evenly. In my view, that’s where modern training shines: personalized regimens, nutrition tracking, and cognitive drills can bridge the height gap. I personally know a 5'7" semi-pro basketball player who increased his on-court efficiency by 22% just by optimizing his sleep and reaction training.

Ultimately, the question isn’t really about whether a 5'7" player can succeed—it’s about how they redefine success. Global soccer and basketball have room for diverse profiles, and some of the most exciting players I’ve watched were those who turned perceived disadvantages into strengths. If I were coaching a 5'7" athlete, I’d tell them to forget the tape measure and focus on what they can control: skill mastery, situational IQ, and relentless conditioning. Because at the end of the day, heart and preparation often outweigh inches.