Tallest Football Player In History – List Of Top 10 Tall In 2024
Let’s talk about the Tallest Football Player In history, we’ll also talk about the tallest active football player in 2024. Football players can be big or small, but being tall can be super helpful, especially for goalkeepers. They must reach high to stop shots, like a giant spider using its long arms.
Other players, like defenders, also benefit from being tall and jumping high. It’s like being a superhero saving the goal by heading the ball away. So, in football, being tall and having good jumping skills can be like having special powers.
In football, tall players usually become goalkeepers or forwards. When we look at World Cup players from 2002 to 2018, goalkeepers were typically the tallest, while midfielders were the shortest. In the 2018 World Cup, the heights of goalkeepers ranged from 179 to 201 cm.
Here are some of the tallest professional players, including those from various club leagues worldwide, those who are the tallest to represent their country, and those who played in the World Cup. Remember that the listed heights are as found online, and some measurements might need more accuracy.
Who Is The Tallest Football Player In History?
With a height of 6ft 10.5 inch, Simon Bloch Jorgensen was the tallest football player in history. He played for Waltham Abbey in Essex as a goal keeper.
Who Is The Tallest Active Football Player In 2024?
Tomáš Holý, a Czech goalkeeper, is the tallest active football player right now. He’s super tall at 2.05 meters (6 feet 8.7 inches) and plays for Ipswich Town in the English Football League Championship.
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Top 10 Tallest Football Players Ever
| Rank | Name | Hight | Position | Club |
| 1 | Simon Bloch Jorgensen | 6ft 10.5 inch | G-k | Waltham Abbey F.C. |
| 2 | Yang Changpeng | 6ft 10.5 inch | Center-F | Chinese Super League |
| 3 | Kristof van Hout | 6ft 10 inch | G-k | Lommel |
| 4 | Vanja Ivesa | 6ft 9 inch | G-k | NK Opatija |
| 5 | Tonny Brogaard | 6ft 9 inch | G-k | AB Taarnby |
| 6 | Tomas Holy | 6ft 9 inch | G-k | Carlisle United F.C. |
| 7 | Kjell Scherpen | 6ft 9 inch | G-k | SK Sturm Graz |
| 8 | Lucas Bergström | 6ft 9 inch | G-k | Chelsea F.C. |
| 9 | Jason Mooney | 6ft 8.5 inch | G-k | Ards FC |
| 10 | Tor Hogne Aarøy | 6ft 8.5 inch | Center-F | Aalesund |
1. Simon Bloch Jørgensen
At a towering height of 6 feet 10.5 inches, Simon Bloch Jørgensen holds the title of the tallest football player. Serving as a goalkeeper for Waltham Abbey in Essex, his exceptional height is a crucial asset. Being so tall allows him to cover more space in the goalpost, making it challenging for opponents to score against him. Simon’s towering stature is a unique advantage in the game, particularly in his position as a goalkeeper.
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2. Yang Changpeng
The Yang Changpeng, standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 10.5 inches, serves as a forward for Henan Jianye in the Chinese Super League. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to playing in his home country, China. Yang’s remarkable height proves to be a valuable asset on the field, especially in his role as a center-forward.
His towering stature provides a significant advantage in winning aerial duels, and he excels as a lethal scorer with headers, thanks to his extraordinary reach that allows him to connect with the ball at considerable lengths.
3. Kristof Van Hout
The Kristof Van Hout, a professional football player from Belgium, is recognized as one of the tallest football players in history, standing at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches. As of May 23, 2022, he signed a one-season contract with Lommel, where he takes on the goalkeeper role. Van Hout’s towering stature makes him a formidable presence in the goal, and his recent contract with Lommel showcases his ongoing commitment to the sport.
4. Vanja Ivesa
The Vanja Iveša, the former goalkeeper for NK Opatija in Croatian football, has retired. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches, Iveša had a remarkable career spanning almost 26 years. He played professionally for various clubs in Croatia, Turkey, and Australia.
Notably, on February 17, 2018, Iveša achieved a significant milestone by breaking the record for being the oldest player ever competing in the Croatian First Football League. His enduring career and accomplishments reflect his dedication and skill as a goalkeeper throughout his extensive time in football.
5. Tonny Brogaard
The Tonny Brogaard, a Danish football goalkeeper, last played for Boldklubben Frem in Denmark’s first division. Renowned for his height, he stands at an imposing 206 cm (6 feet 9 inches). Throughout his senior career, Brogaard contributed his skills to several clubs, including Frame, Fremad Amager, Doncaster Rovers, Greve IF, and Avedøre IF. His imposing stature likely played a significant role in his goalkeeping career, providing him a physical advantage in defending the goal.
6. Tomáš Holý
The Tomáš Holý, a Czech professional footballer, is a goalkeeper for EFL League Two club Carlisle United. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches, Holý is recognized as one of the tallest football players globally. As a goalkeeper, he possesses strong skills in kicking and stopping shots.
Holý’s considerable height gives him a natural advantage in covering the goal, gathering crosses, and executing long passes. This unique physical attribute enhances his effectiveness on the field, making him a formidable presence in the goalkeeping position.
7. Kjell Scherpen
The Kjell Scherpen, a Dutch professional footballer, currently serves as a goalkeeper for Vitesse, playing on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches, his notable performances led to a move to Ajax in 2019. Subsequently, he joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2021.
However, he is currently on loan to Vitesse, showcasing his skills and contributing to the Netherlands under-21 national team. Scherpen’s height is a remarkable physical attribute that adds to his effectiveness as a goalkeeper on the field.
8. Lucas Bergström
As a goalkeeper, Lucas Bergström from Finland made a significant move to the Premier League club Chelsea. Relocating to the United Kingdom, he joined Chelsea’s development academy in 2019, having previously played for the Finnish club TPS.
In 2021, Bergström advanced to Chelsea’s U23 team, where he faced off against some of the top players in the world. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches, his towering stature is a crucial factor contributing to his prowess as a goalkeeper, allowing him to perform at the highest level in the game.
9. Jason Mooney
The Jason Mooney, a Northern Irish semi-professional footballer, has played as a goalkeeper throughout his career. He started his football journey in the youth division with Ards, where he succeeded by winning the Youth League Cup in April 2008. Mooney is notably recognized for his impressive height, standing at 6 feet 8.5 inches, making him one of the tallest soccer players.
In 2019, he signed with Donaghadee FC, marking his latest known playing affiliation. Mooney’s substantial height likely gives him a significant advantage in his role as a goalkeeper, contributing to his overall presence on the field.
10. Tor Hogne Aarøy
The Tor Hogne Aarøy, a former Norwegian football forward, stands at an impressive height of 2.04 meters (6 feet 8+1⁄2 inches), making him one of the world’s tallest professional footballers. His towering stature earned him the title of the tallest player in the EA Sports video game FIFA 15, listed at 6 feet 8.5 inches.
Aarøy played for various clubs throughout his senior career, including Spjelkavik, IL, Aalesund, Frigg, Rosenborg, and JEF United Chiba. His considerable height likely provided him with a unique advantage on the field, particularly in aerial duels and goal-scoring situations, contributing to his notable presence in football.
More Than Just Height – How Size Matters On The Ground
In football, being tall is more than just reaching for the sky. Size plays a big role in the pitch, influencing how players perform and contribute to their teams.
Strong in the Air: Taller players often have an advantage in aerial battles. When the ball is up high, they can use their height to reach it before others, making them strong in heading duels. This is especially crucial for defenders and goalkeepers who must clear the ball away from their goal.
The target for Crosses: In attack, taller players become valuable targets for crosses into the box. Teams often look for their tall strikers or midfielders during set-pieces and crosses as they can outjump their opponents, increasing the chances of scoring with a powerful header.
Covering More Ground: Height is not just about reaching high but also covering more ground. Taller goalkeepers, for example, can stretch out their arms to block shots and cover a larger goal area, making it tougher for opponents to score. This extended reach can be a game-changer in crucial moments.
FAQs
No, running does not contribute to an increase in height once you’ve completed your growth as an adult. Regardless of physical activity, the skeletal structure cannot lengthen after this stage. However, running can give the appearance of increased height by promoting better posture.
The average height of professional football players can vary, but it’s generally around 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet. Players come in different sizes, and success in football depends on a combination of skills, tactics, and teamwork.
Absolutely. Short players often possess agility, speed, and technical skills that can be equally valuable on the football pitch. Many successful players, including some of the best in the world, are of shorter stature and excel through their unique attributes and playing style.
The title of the tallest football player varies, but Simon Bloch Jørgensen, a goalkeeper standing at 6 feet 10.5 inches, is often recognized as one of the tallest in football history.
