Introduction
The tallest soccer player is a fascinating topic because professional football is usually associated with speed, technique, and athletic movement rather than extreme height. One name frequently mentioned among the tallest professional footballers is Danish goalkeeper Simon Bloch Jørgensen, who is listed at 2.10 metres (6 feet 10½ inches). He played for several clubs during a career that included football in Denmark and England.
His height naturally attracted attention, but being exceptionally tall is not enough to succeed in football. Goalkeepers need quick reactions, positioning, confidence, footwork, and strong decision-making. This article looks at Jørgensen’s height and career while also comparing him with other exceptionally tall footballers.
Who Is the Tallest Soccer Player?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is commonly cited as one of the tallest professional footballers in recorded football history, with a listed height of 2.10 metres (6 feet 10½ inches). He played primarily as a goalkeeper.
There is an important detail when discussing records such as this: football does not have one universally maintained global database that settles every historical height claim. Different sources can therefore produce slightly different lists.
Jørgensen’s height puts him above several other famous giant goalkeepers, including Kristof Van Hout, who is commonly listed at 2.08 metres.
Why Are Tall Players Often Goalkeepers?
Height can be particularly useful for goalkeepers because greater reach may help them cover more of the goal and deal with crosses and high balls. Being tall can offer advantages on the pitch, but real success also depends on skill, agility, and experience.
A goalkeeper still needs explosive movement, balance, communication, anticipation, and the ability to react quickly to shots from close range.
Simon Bloch Jørgensen’s Football Journey
Jørgensen was born in Flensburg, Germany, in 1992 and developed as a goalkeeper in Denmark. His youth career included spells with Frem, Copenhagen, and B.93. He later began his senior career with B.93 before moving through several clubs.
His senior career included clubs such as B.1908, Frem, Waltham Forest, Brønshøj, Accrington Stanley, Whitehawk, Greve IF, Dulwich Hamlet, and Waltham Abbey.
His time at Accrington Stanley is particularly notable for readers interested in English football. He joined the club in 2017, although he did not make a league appearance there. His career later continued in non-league football in England.
Rather than being known for a long top-flight career, Jørgensen became widely recognized for his extraordinary stature and his journey through professional and non-league football.
Other Tallest Footballers
Jørgensen is not the only footballer to reach remarkable heights. Football has produced several players above two metres, particularly in goalkeeping positions.
Kristof Van Hout is listed at around 2.08 metres (6 feet 10 inches), making him another famous example of an exceptionally tall goalkeeper.
Other tall players have included Vanja Iveša at 2.05 metres and Jason Mooney at approximately 2.04 metres. Costel Pantilimon, another well-known goalkeeper, is listed at 2.03 metres.
These examples show why searches for the “tallest footballers” often produce a list dominated by goalkeepers.
Who Is the Tallest Player in Soccer?
If the question is about the player commonly cited at the greatest height, Simon Bloch Jørgensen is frequently listed at 2.10 metres. However, the answer depends on which records and definitions are being used.
For example, official Premier League information published in July 2026 lists Kjell Scherpen and Lucas Bergstrom among the tallest players in Premier League history, with Scherpen listed at 2.06 metres and Bergstrom at 2.05 metres.
This is different from asking about the tallest professional footballer worldwide. A Premier League record covers players who appeared in that particular competition, while a global list can include players from many leagues and levels.
Tallest Player in English Premier League History
The answer also depends on the source and how the record is defined.
The Premier League’s own historical list, updated in July 2026, identifies Kjell Scherpen at 2.06 metres (6 feet 9 inches) as joint-tallest in the competition’s history. The same list includes Lucas Bergstrom at 2.05 metres and Carlos Miguel at 2.04 metres.
Guinness World Records has a separate record page that identifies Nikola Zigic as the tallest player to play in the English Premier League, measuring 2.03 metres (6 feet 7 inches) during his time with Birmingham City in the 2010–11 season.
The difference illustrates why readers should check the date, methodology, and scope of a football height record rather than relying on a single list.
Why Height Matters in Modern Football
Being extremely tall can provide certain physical advantages, especially for goalkeepers. A taller goalkeeper may have greater reach when challenging for crosses or attempting to stop shots near the upper corners.
For outfield players, height can also be useful in aerial challenges. Tall defenders and forwards can become important targets during corners, free kicks, and long passes.
However, modern football requires much more than physical size. Goalkeepers must often act as the first passing option, while defenders need speed and agility. This means a very tall player still needs technical ability and tactical awareness to compete at a high level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tallest soccer player?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is commonly listed among the tallest professional footballers at 2.10 metres (6 feet 10½ inches). He played as a goalkeeper.
Who is the tallest goalkeeper?
Simon Bloch Jørgensen is frequently cited as one of the tallest goalkeepers at 2.10 metres. Kristof Van Hout, at around 2.08 metres, is another famous example.
Who is the tallest player in English Premier League history?
The Premier League’s July 2026 historical list names Kjell Scherpen at 2.06 metres as joint-tallest in the competition’s history. Guinness World Records separately lists Nikola Zigic at 2.03 metres for its English Premier League record.
Is the tallest football player always a goalkeeper?
No. Tall outfield players also exist, but goalkeepers are especially common among the tallest footballers because height and reach can be useful when defending the goal.
Does being tall make a footballer better?
Not necessarily. Height can provide certain physical advantages, but football success also depends on technique, movement, positioning, decision-making, fitness, and tactical understanding.
Conclusion
The story of the tallest soccer player shows that football comes in many different physical shapes and styles. Simon Bloch Jørgensen, standing at a listed 2.10 metres, is frequently cited among the tallest professional footballers ever. His career as a goalkeeper took him through clubs in Denmark and England, including Accrington Stanley and Waltham Abbey.
At the same time, records can vary depending on whether the discussion covers global professional football, the Premier League, or a specific record-keeping organization. The Premier League’s current historical information, for example, identifies Kjell Scherpen as joint-tallest in its competition at 2.06 metres.
