Top 10 Tallest Football Players in the History of Football

The world of football, a sport celebrated for its artistry, athleticism, and tactical brilliance, also holds a unique fascination with the physical attributes of its participants. Among these, height stands out as a particularly intriguing characteristic, often sparking debate about its advantages and disadvantages on the pitch. Case in point, Lionel Messi’s short stature. While the beautiful game has witnessed legendary players of all statures achieve greatness, the exceptionally tall footballers present a compelling study of how extraordinary height can shape a player’s career, influencing their playing style, positional suitability, and overall impact on the game.

This analysis seeks to delve into the careers of the tallest football players to ever grace the sport, both those who have left their mark in history and those currently making their presence felt, examining how their towering frames have aided or hindered their pursuit of excellence. By exploring their individual stories and achievements, we aim to understand the true impact of exceptional height in the context of this globally beloved sport and check out the top 10 tallest football players of all time.

Ranking Factors

To effectively analyze the impact of height on the careers of these extraordinary athletes, it is essential to establish clear criteria for evaluation. The following three key factors will be considered when examining each player’s journey:

Aerial Dominance in Attack: This factor assesses a player’s ability to leverage their height to win aerial duels in attacking scenarios, specifically focusing on headed goals scored and opportunities created through their aerial presence. For forwards, this is a crucial element of their offensive contribution.

Aerial Prowess in Defence: This criterion evaluates a player’s effectiveness in utilizing their height to win aerial challenges in defensive situations. This includes making crucial headed clearances, disrupting opposition attacks in the air, and generally providing a commanding presence in defensive areas. This is particularly relevant for defenders and goalkeepers.

Goalkeeping Reach and Command: Specific to goalkeepers, this factor examines how a player’s height translates to an extended reach, enabling them to make saves on shots that might be beyond the grasp of shorter keepers. It also considers their commanding presence within the penalty area, often enhanced by their imposing stature.

Note: Some players featured on our list have the same height but different rankings. This is done after analyzing the different impacts they have had for their respective clubs while having the exact same height.

TOP 10 Tallest Football Players in the World

The annals of football history are dotted with players who stood head and shoulders above their peers, quite literally. Examining the careers of these giants offers valuable insights into how exceptional height has influenced the game across different eras.

10. Tor Hogne Aaroy (Norway, Forward – 204 cm / 6′ 8.5″)

Career Overview: Tor Hogne Aaroy, a Norwegian forward standing at 204 cm, enjoyed a successful career primarily in his native Norway. He played for clubs such as Spjelkavik IL, Aalesund (two spells), and Rosenborg in Norway, and also had a stint with JEF United Chiba in Japan. Aaroy is recognized as one of the tallest outfield players in the history of football. He retired in 2015.

Impact of Height: Aaroy’s significant height was a major asset throughout his career as a striker. During his time with Aalesund, he scored an impressive 90 goals, a testament to his effectiveness in utilizing his aerial ability and physical presence in the penalty area. He even formed a formidable striking partnership with Dedé Anderson, where his height played a crucial role in their attacking prowess. His success in Norway highlights how a tall player can effectively leverage their height, particularly in leagues where a direct, physical style of play can be advantageous.

Attribute	Value
Height	204 cm / 6′ 8.5″
Playing Position	Forward
Nationality	Norway
Notable Achievement	90 goals for Aalesund, played for Rosenborg and in Japan

9. Yang Changpeng (China, Forward – 205 cm / 6′ 9″)

Career Overview: Yang Changpeng, a Chinese forward who measured 205 cm, gained relative fame in the sport, particularly within Asia, due to his notable height. He played for various Chinese league sides, including Wuhan Optics Valley, Chengdu Blades, Meizhou Kejia, and Henan Jianye. Notably, he had a trial with English club Bolton Wanderers but ultimately did not make the team.

Impact of Height: Changpeng’s towering height made him a standout figure in Chinese football, providing him with a distinct advantage in aerial duels. As a forward, this physical attribute would have been particularly beneficial for scoring headed goals and creating opportunities in the attacking third. While he did not achieve widespread recognition in major European leagues, his height made him a memorable player in Asian football, demonstrating how exceptional physical attributes can lead to a certain level of prominence within a specific footballing context.

Attribute	Value
Height	205 cm / 6′ 9″
Playing Position	Forward
Nationality	China
Notable Achievement	Known for his exceptional height in Chinese football

Also Read: Top 10 Tallest Football players in Premier League

8. Vanja Iveša (Croatia, Goalkeeper – 205 cm / 6′ 9″)

Career Overview: Vanja Iveša, a Croatian goalkeeper who also stands at 205 cm, enjoyed a remarkably long professional career that spanned 26 years, from 1995 to 2021. During this extensive period, he played for numerous clubs across Croatia and Turkey, including Pula, Istra 1961, NK Opatija, and Turkish sides Eskisehirspor and Elazigspor. His longevity in the demanding position of goalkeeper is a testament to his durability and skill.

Impact of Height: Iveša’s significant height of 205 cm would have undoubtedly been a major asset throughout his lengthy career. His imposing stature provided him with an excellent reach, crucial for making saves and commanding his penalty area. While specific details on how his height directly contributed to particular achievements are not readily available in the provided material, a career spanning over two decades at the professional level strongly suggests that his physical attributes, combined with his goalkeeping abilities, played a vital role in his sustained success in the sport.

Attribute	Value
Height	205 cm / 6′ 9″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Croatia
Notable Achievement	Long professional career spanning over two decades

7. Kyle Hudlin (England, Striker – 206 cm / 6′ 9″)

Career Overview: Kyle Hudlin, an English striker who matches Holý’s height at 206 cm, has followed a less traditional path in his footballing journey. He began his career playing for non-league clubs before impressing at Solihull Moors, where he scored 13 goals in 58 National League games. This earned him a move to Huddersfield Town in July 2022. Since joining Huddersfield, he has had loan spells at AFC Wimbledon and Burton Albion, and is currently on loan at Newport County in League Two.

Impact of Height: Hudlin’s towering height is his most prominent attribute as a striker, giving him a significant advantage in aerial duels and making him a natural target man. His goal-scoring record at Solihull Moors, where he was described as a “real handful,” demonstrates his ability to leverage his height to find the back of the net. While he is still striving to establish himself in the higher tiers of English football, his physical dominance and potential finishing ability make him a unique prospect. Despite his height, he is also surprisingly agile and possesses a good touch, suggesting he is more than just an aerial threat.

Attribute	Value
Height	206 cm / 6′ 9″
Playing Position	Striker
Nationality	England
Notable Achievement	Scored 13 goals for Solihull Moors, currently playing in League Two

6. Tomáš Holý (Czechia, Goalkeeper – 206 cm / 6′ 9″)

Career Overview: Tomáš Holý, a Czech goalkeeper also standing at 206 cm, has carved out a notable career in English football. He moved to England in 2017 and has since played for several clubs, including Gillingham, Ipswich Town, and currently Carlisle United. He established himself as a regular goalkeeper, making over 100 appearances for Gillingham. After a stint with Ipswich Town, he had loan spells at Cambridge United and Port Vale before signing permanently with Carlisle United in the summer of 2022, where he has become a key member of their first team, with 73 appearances to date.

Impact of Height: Holý’s significant height has been a crucial factor in his success as a goalkeeper in English football. His towering frame provides him with an extended reach, aiding in shot-stopping and claiming high balls within the penalty area. His ability to command his area and make crucial saves has made him a reliable presence for the various clubs he has represented, highlighting the value of height for goalkeepers in a competitive league environment. His manager at Cambridge United even described him as a “brilliant character,” suggesting his physical attributes are complemented by a strong mentality.

Attribute	Value
Height	206 cm / 6′ 9″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Czechia
Notable Achievement	Over 100 appearances for Gillingham, current No. 1 for Carlisle United

5. Tonny Brogaard (Denmark, Goalkeeper – 206 cm / 6′ 9″)

Career Overview: Tonny Brogaard, a Danish goalkeeper towering at 206 cm, played professionally in his native Denmark. While detailed information about his entire career is limited in the provided material, his presence on lists of the tallest professional footballers highlights his unique physical attribute in the context of the sport.

Impact of Height: As a goalkeeper of such significant height, Brogaard would have inherently possessed an advantage in reaching high balls and commanding his penalty area. His tall frame would have increased his coverage in goal, potentially making it more challenging for opponents to score, particularly from set-pieces and crosses. While specific instances of his height directly leading to notable achievements require further exploration, his inclusion among the tallest players suggests that his physical stature played a role in his professional career in Denmark.

Attribute	Value
Height	206 cm / 6′ 9″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Denmark
Notable Achievement	Played professionally in Denmark

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4. Martin Brennan (England, Goalkeeper – 208 cm / 6′ 10″)

Career Overview: Martin Brennan, another goalkeeper standing tall at 208 cm, holds the distinction of being the tallest English footballer in history. While his professional football career may not be extensive in terms of league appearances, his remarkable height has secured his place in footballing records. Brennan had a noteworthy appearance for Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy, where he showcased his goalkeeping abilities by keeping a clean sheet in a high-pressure encounter.

Impact of Height: Brennan’s height was undoubtedly a significant asset in his role as a goalkeeper, directly contributing to his clean sheet in the EFL Trophy match for Cambridge United. Even though he lacked substantial first-team experience, his impact extended beyond regular matchday appearances. Brennan dedicated himself to developing young players within Fulham FC’s junior system, where he mentored the next generation of goalkeepers. In this role, he could leverage his unique physical characteristics and extensive experience to guide aspiring talents, demonstrating how, even without a lengthy playing career, exceptional height can still contribute to the sport’s development.

Attribute	Value
Height	208 cm / 6′ 10″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	England
Notable Achievement	Tallest English player, clean sheet in EFL Trophy

3. Paul Millar (Scotland, Forward – 208 cm / 6′ 10″)

Career Overview: Paul Millar, a Scottish striker who also measured 208 cm, made his mark primarily in the Scottish lower leagues. He played for Elgin City in Scotland’s League Two, where his height and physical presence as a centre-forward became his defining characteristics. Unfortunately, Millar’s professional career was prematurely ended by a cruciate ligament injury when he was in his mid-20s. Despite the curtailed career, his impact at Elgin City was notable.

Impact of Height: As a forward, Millar’s exceptional height made him a considerable threat within the opposition’s penalty area. Over his 79 appearances for Elgin City, he netted 18 goals and provided 9 assists, demonstrating his effectiveness in utilizing his aerial skills. His ability to win aerial duels made him a crucial player during set-piece situations, providing his team with a unique tactical advantage in closely contested matches where his height could directly influence the outcome. His single goal in two appearances in the Scottish League One Play-Offs further highlighted his knack for delivering in pivotal moments.

Attribute	Value
Height	208 cm / 6′ 10″
Playing Position	Forward
Nationality	Scotland
Notable Achievement	Tallest outfield professional ever

2. Kristof Van Hout (Belgium, Goalkeeper – 208 cm / 6′ 10″)

Career Overview: Kristof Van Hout, a Belgian goalkeeper standing at 208 cm, enjoyed a more prominent career compared to other historical tallest players. He played extensively in the Belgian Pro League, the top tier of Belgian football, representing clubs such as Kortrijk, Standard Liège, Genk, and Westerlo. Van Hout also ventured outside Belgium, having a stint in the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos. His career spanned several years before he eventually retired in 2023. Notably, he even featured in the UEFA Europa League during his time in Belgium.

Impact of Height: Van Hout’s towering height was undeniably a significant asset throughout his goalkeeping career. His commanding presence between the posts contributed to his success in the Belgian Pro League, where he recorded an impressive 17 clean sheets in 64 top-flight appearances for various clubs. Furthermore, his participation in the UEFA Europa League underscores how his exceptional reach and overall imposing stature made him a difficult goalkeeper to beat, showcasing the tangible benefits of height at a high professional level.

Attribute	Value
Height	208 cm / 6′ 10″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Belgium
Notable Achievement	Played in the Belgian Pro League and the Europa League

1. Simon Bloch Jorgensen (Germany, Goalkeeper – 210 cm / 6′ 10.5″)

Career Overview: Simon Bloch Jorgensen, a German goalkeeper, holds the distinction of being the tallest professional footballer ever recorded, standing at an astounding 210 cm. Throughout his career, Bloch Jorgensen primarily played in the lower leagues of various footballing nations, including his native Germany, Denmark, and England. His most recent club was Waltham Abbey, based in Essex, which competes in the lower tiers of the English football pyramid. While he reached the Danish second tier with B.93, his career largely unfolded outside the major European leagues.

Impact of Height: Bloch Jorgensen’s extraordinary height would have undoubtedly provided him with a significant advantage in terms of reach as a goalkeeper. His towering frame would have allowed him to cover a substantial portion of the goal, potentially making him a formidable presence against shots aimed high or towards the corners. However, his career trajectory in lower leagues suggests that while height is a considerable asset for a goalkeeper, other crucial attributes such as agility, reflexes, and tactical awareness are equally vital for achieving success at the highest levels of the sport.

Attribute	Value
Height	210 cm / 6′ 10.5″
Playing Position	Goalkeeper
Nationality	Germany
Notable Achievement	Tallest professional ever

List of the 10 Tallest Football Players Ever

Based on the research, here is a list of the top 10 tallest football players in history:

Rank	Name	Height (in cms)	Country
1	Simon Bloch Jorgensen	210	Germany
2	Kristof Van Hout	208	Belgium
3	Paul Millar	208	Scotland
4	Martin Brennan	208	England
5	Tonny Brogaard	206	Denmark
6	Tomáš Holý	206	Czechia
7	Kyle Hudlin	206	England
8	Vanja Iveša	205	Croatia
9	Yang Changpeng	205	China
10	Tor Hogne Aaroy	204	Norway

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