Introduction
Soccer is usually associated with speed, skill, balance, and quick movement. But some players stand out for another reason: extraordinary height. While being tall is not essential for success, it can provide major advantages, especially for goalkeepers and players who compete for aerial balls.
The tallest soccer player commonly listed in historical records is Simon Bloch Jørgensen, who is 210 cm (6 ft 10.5 in) tall. He played as a goalkeeper and spent part of his career in the English lower leagues.
In this guide, we will look at some of the tallest footballers, their positions, teams, heights, and what made their careers interesting.
Who Is the Tallest Player in Soccer?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is widely recognized as the tallest soccer player in association football history, standing at approximately 210 cm (6 ft 10.5 in). He played primarily as a goalkeeper and retired from football in 2022.
His height gave him an obvious physical advantage in goal. A goalkeeper with such a large frame can cover more of the goal area and has a natural reach advantage when dealing with high crosses and shots.
However, height alone does not make a great goalkeeper. Positioning, reflexes, footwork, communication, and decision-making remain essential.
Simon Bloch Jørgensen
- Height: 210 cm (6 ft 10.5 in)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: Danish
- Career: Clubs in Denmark, Germany, and England
- Notable club: Waltham Abbey
Jørgensen is frequently placed at the top of lists of the tallest footballers ever. His unusual height made him one of the most physically distinctive players in the sport.
Top Tallest Footballers in History
Several other players have reached heights of 206 cm or more. Interestingly, goalkeepers make up a large portion of the list.
| Player | Height | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Bloch Jørgensen | 210 cm | Goalkeeper |
| Kristof Van Hout | 208 cm | Goalkeeper |
| Paul Millar | 208 cm | Forward |
| Tonny Brogaard | 206 cm | Goalkeeper |
| Tomáš Holý | 206 cm | Goalkeeper |
| Kyle Hudlin | 206 cm | Forward |
| Vanja Iveša | 205 cm | Goalkeeper |
| Yang Changpeng | 205 cm | Forward |
These measurements come from compiled football height records, although historical player measurements can vary slightly between databases.
Kristof Van Hout
At around 208 cm (6 ft 10 in), Kristof Van Hout is another famous giant of football. The Belgian goalkeeper played for clubs including Genk, Standard Liège, and Westerlo.
His enormous frame made him particularly noticeable whenever he stepped onto the pitch. Van Hout is commonly ranked just behind Jørgensen among the tallest professional footballers.
Paul Millar
Paul Millar is particularly interesting because he was not a goalkeeper. The Scottish forward stood around 208 cm tall, making him one of the tallest outfield players associated with professional football.
His height could be useful in attacking situations, particularly when challenging defenders for crosses and set pieces.
Kyle Hudlin
English forward Kyle Hudlin is another player who stands at approximately 206 cm. Unlike many of the tallest players, Hudlin’s position is in attack rather than goal.
His height can be an advantage when competing for long passes, crosses, and aerial challenges.
Why Are the Tallest Soccer Players Often Goalkeepers?
There is a simple reason why goalkeepers dominate lists of the tallest footballers.
A goalkeeper must protect a goal that is 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high. Extra height and reach can help when attempting to stop high shots or claim crosses.
Tall goalkeepers can also create a larger physical presence inside the penalty area. However, this does not mean every successful goalkeeper needs to be exceptionally tall.
Modern goalkeeping also depends heavily on agility, positioning, reactions, distribution, and the ability to play with the feet.
Meet the Tallest Player in English Premier League History
The Premier League’s official website currently lists Kjell Scherpen as the joint-tallest player in competition history at 2.06 meters (6 ft 9 in). The same list also includes Lucas Bergström at 2.05 meters.
Kjell Scherpen
Scherpen is a Dutch goalkeeper whose height makes him one of the most recognizable tall players in English football.
The Premier League’s historical height list also includes several other very tall players:
- Kjell Scherpen — 2.06 m
- Lucas Bergström — 2.05 m
- Carlos Miguel — 2.04 m
- Costel Pantilimon — 2.03 m
- Nikola Žigić — 2.02 m
- Stefan Maierhofer — 2.02 m
- Peter Crouch — 2.01 m
- Dan Burn — 2.01 m
The Premier League itself identifies Scherpen as the joint-tallest player in the competition’s history.
Tallest Goalkeepers vs. Tallest Outfield Players
The tallest footballers are not limited to goalkeepers. Some exceptionally tall forwards and defenders have also played at a high level.
Goalkeepers benefit from height because they need to reach shots and crosses. Outfield players can use height differently. A tall striker, for example, may become a target for crosses and long balls.
Paul Millar, at around 208 cm, is one of the most notable examples of an extremely tall outfield player. Kyle Hudlin, at approximately 206 cm, is another tall forward.
This shows that height can influence different playing styles rather than simply determining a player’s position.
Does Height Give Soccer Players an Advantage?
Height can certainly help, but it is not a guarantee of success.
Advantages of Being Tall
Tall players may have an advantage when:
- Defending crosses
- Winning headers
- Attacking set pieces
- Protecting the ball physically
- Reaching high shots
- Challenging opponents in aerial duels
Possible Challenges
Extreme height can also create challenges. Very tall players may need to work harder on agility, acceleration, balance, and quick changes of direction.
That is why successful tall players usually combine their physical size with strong technical and athletic abilities.
Tallest Football Player Ever vs. Famous Tall Stars
Some footballers are famous for their height even though they are not among the very tallest ever.
Peter Crouch, for example, stands at about 2.01 meters (6 ft 7 in) and became one of the best-known tall English forwards. Erling Haaland, at around 1.95 meters, is also tall by elite football standards, but he is considerably shorter than the record-holders above. The Premier League lists both among its taller players.
This distinction matters because being a famous tall footballer is not the same as being the tallest player in football history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tallest soccer player?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is widely listed as the tallest association football player, at approximately 210 cm (6 ft 10.5 in). He played as a goalkeeper.
Who is the tallest goalkeeper?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is commonly identified as the tallest goalkeeper in football history at around 210 cm. Kristof Van Hout and several other goalkeepers are close behind.
Who is the tallest player in the English Premier League?
Kjell Scherpen is listed by the Premier League as the joint-tallest player in competition history at 2.06 meters (6 ft 9 in).
Who is the tallest football player ever?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is widely recognized as the tallest football player ever recorded, with a listed height of 210 cm. Historical height records can vary slightly depending on the source.
Are the tallest footballers always goalkeepers?
No. Although goalkeepers dominate the tallest-player rankings, some very tall forwards have also played professionally. Paul Millar and Kyle Hudlin are notable examples.
Conclusion
The world of football has produced some remarkable physical specimens. From Simon Bloch Jørgensen at 210 cm to other towering players such as Kristof Van Hout, Paul Millar, and Kyle Hudlin, these athletes demonstrate just how varied football’s physical profiles can be.
Height can provide useful advantages, particularly for goalkeepers and aerial battles, but it is only one part of a player’s game. Technique, athleticism, positioning, decision-making, and consistency ultimately determine success on the pitch.
