<p>Emerging evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can encode functional peptides, which participate in the regulation of both physiological and pathological processes. CircRNA-derived peptides are involved in the regulation of various cellular functions and signaling pathways by interacting with specific biological molecules. These peptides can influence tumor progression by modulating key signaling pathways and by promoting or inhibiting malignant phenotypes through defined mechanisms. Consequently, the suppression of particular circRNA-encoded peptides may contribute to the inhibition of glioma progression or facilitate tumor elimination. Given that the expression of certain circRNAs is elevated in glioma tissues and associated cells, they hold potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of circRNA-encoded peptides, focusing on their regulatory roles and functional mechanisms in glioma. We discuss how these small peptides contribute to glioma pathophysiology and consider their prospective applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>