Height can be a significant advantage in soccer, particularly for goalkeepers and central defenders. While most players in the sport range between 5’7” and 6’2”, there are some towering figures who exceed these averages significantly. In this article, we take a look at the 10 tallest soccer players in the world, analyzing their careers, positions, and how their height impacts their game.
1. Simon Bloch Jorgensen – 6’11” (210 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Denmark
Simon Bloch Jorgensen is officially the tallest professional soccer player in the world. The Danish goalkeeper, standing at a staggering 6 feet 11 inches, has played for clubs such as Waltham Abbey and Accrington Stanley. While he hasn’t reached the highest levels of European football, his incredible height gives him an undeniable aerial advantage, making him a formidable presence in goal.
2. Kristof Van Hout – 6’10” (208 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Belgium
Belgian goalkeeper Kristof Van Hout is another giant in the world of soccer. At 6 feet 10 inches, he has played for clubs such as Standard Liège and K.V. Kortrijk. His height provides him with an exceptional reach, making him difficult to beat in aerial duels. Though he hasn’t had a stellar international career, he remains one of the tallest goalkeepers ever.
3. Paul Millar – 6’9” (207 cm)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Scotland
Scottish striker Paul Millar stands at 6 feet 9 inches and played for Elgin City in Scotland. Despite his height, he was known for his agility and ability to hold up the ball well. However, injuries hampered his career, preventing him from reaching greater heights in professional football.
4. Tomáš Holý – 6’9” (206 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Czech Republic
Tomáš Holý is a Czech professional goalkeeper who has played for clubs such as Ipswich Town and Gillingham in England. At 6 feet 9 inches, his ability to command the penalty area and claim crosses makes him a valuable asset for any team.
5. Vanja Iveša – 6’9” (206 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Croatia
Croatian goalkeeper Vanja Iveša enjoyed a long professional career, playing for clubs in Croatia and Turkey. His impressive stature made him a dominant shot-stopper, though agility and quick reflexes are just as crucial in modern football.
6. Lacina Traoré – 6’8” (203 cm)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Ivory Coast
Lacina Traoré, nicknamed “The Big Tree,” is a 6-foot-8-inch striker who has played for clubs such as Monaco, Anzhi Makhachkala, and Everton. His height allows him to win aerial duels with ease, making him a perfect target man in attack. Despite his potential, injuries have limited his impact on the biggest stages.
7. Kjell Petter Opheim – 6’8” (203 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Norway
Norwegian goalkeeper Kjell Petter Opheim, standing at 6 feet 8 inches, played in Norway’s lower leagues. His towering presence between the sticks made him a formidable opponent for strikers.
8. Tor Hogne Aarøy – 6’8” (203 cm)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Norway
Another towering figure from Norway, Tor Hogne Aarøy was a 6-foot-8-inch striker known for his physical presence and heading ability. He played for Japanese club JEF United and in the Norwegian leagues, where his height gave him a significant advantage in aerial battles.
9. Costel Pantilimon – 6’8” (203 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Romania
Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon played for clubs such as Manchester City, Sunderland, and Nottingham Forest. His 6-foot-8-inch frame made him a dominant presence in the box, and he won a Premier League title with Manchester City in 2012.
10. Zeljko Kalac – 6’8” (203 cm)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Australia
Zeljko Kalac, known as “Spider,” was an Australian goalkeeper who played for AC Milan, Leicester City, and several Australian clubs. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he was famous for his long reach and shot-stopping ability. He was part of AC Milan’s squad that won the 2007 UEFA Champions League.
How Height Affects Performance in Soccer
While height provides significant advantages, particularly for goalkeepers and strikers, it also comes with challenges:
Goalkeepers: Taller goalkeepers like Kristof Van Hout and Costel Pantilimon have a greater reach, making them excellent shot-stoppers. However, they sometimes struggle with agility and quick reflexes compared to shorter, more compact goalkeepers.
Forwards: Tall forwards like Lacina Traoré and Tor Hogne Aarøy can dominate aerial duels, making them dangerous during set pieces. However, their height can sometimes affect their speed and balance.
Defenders: Although this list doesn’t feature many defenders, taller center-backs often excel in aerial duels, making them crucial in defending set-pieces.
Conclusion
The tallest soccer players in the world often have a unique role in the sport, whether as goalkeepers who can cover more ground or as target strikers who can win aerial battles. While height provides advantages, soccer remains a game of skill, agility, and strategy. Regardless, these towering players have left their mark on the sport, proving that size can be a game-changer in the right circumstances.
