When it comes to height and genes, there is little doubt at all that Paola Vargas is a woman with an “aura.” She has an actual physical presence, a presence that one feels, and is not merely a name on a roster. As the second shortest Brazilian soccer player ever and only a second in her playing career in Europe, it is easy to forget that in herself and her accomplishments, she is still a very long way from resembling the images that litter the hallowed halls of sports pages – but that is part of the allure of her work both on and off the field. If one were to compare her to former football star Lassana Diagne, one would find that the striking height difference – which stands at 5 feet and 11 inches, as opposed to Diagne’s official record of 7 feet and 17 inches – is indeed striking, as is her obvious natural athleticism.
The comparisons are not merely based on looks alone however. Where many other soccer players have puffed up and boasted about their huge height, Vargas has remained quietly modest. While her on-field demeanor may not be to your liking, there is no doubting the impact that her physique has had on her career. Inevitably, it has helped to fuel her drive and ambition, and the drive and ambition that come from being one of the shortest in a sport where height is considered such a valued commodity is an important factor in the success that Vargas brings to her National team. It helps that her on-field personality is more relaxed and confident than that of her predecessors.
But still, it is difficult to escape the shadow of her past. Height is a huge factor in the popularity of the game in Brazil, and the Brazilians have always been known to be attracted to women with an enviable height difference – whether naturally or surgically. Paola Vargas is not the first woman in Brazil’s National Soccer Hall of Fame, nor will she be the last. In fact, the increasing height of football players in Brazil is set to affect the rest of the game – with many clubs now offering an attractive package to female players wishing to increase their height, which includes pay, fitness and coaching support. If you are a taller woman and interested in playing a sport, it is worth looking at how you can increase your height fast – so find out more about the options available.