Top 10 Tallest Football Player of All Time - Ranked

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 player 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 player of all time.

List of Tallest Footballer in the World

Now, let's take a look at our list of the tallest footballer in the world based on the research:

How We Ranked the Tallest Football Player Ever

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 helped in assessing a player’s ability to leverage their height to win aerial duels in attacking scenarios. And made it easier to rank them on our list of the tallest football player.

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.

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.

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.

Who is the Tallest Football Player 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. Now let's take a look at the Tallest footballer in the world.

10. Tor Hogne Aaroy (Forward)

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 and holds the tenth place in the list of the tallest footballer in the world.

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.

9. Yang Changpeng (Forward)

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.

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. His 6'9" frame places him in the ninth position for the tallest football player ever recorded.

8. Vanja Iveša (Goalkeeper)

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.

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. Standing above all, he was known as the tallest football player in his league.

7. Kyle Hudlin (Striker)

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.

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.

6. Tomáš Holý (Goalkeeper)

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 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.

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.

5. Tonny Brogaard (Goalkeeper)

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 attributes in the context of the sport.

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.

4. Martin Brennan (Goalkeeper)

Martin Brennan, another goalkeeper standing tall at 208 cm, holds the distinction of being the tallest football player in English football 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.

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.

3. Paul Millar (Forward)

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.

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 single goal in two appearances in the Scottish League One Play-Offs further highlighted his knack for delivering in pivotal moments. Paul Miller is widely recognized as the tallest football player ever at 6'10".

2. Kristof Van Hout (Goalkeeper)

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.

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. His exceptional height earned him recognition as the tallest football player in the world.

1. Simon Bloch Jorgensen (Goalkeeper)

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.

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. Standing at 6'10", he is considered the tallest football player in the world.