Top 10 Tallest Football Players In History: A Giant On The Field

Tallest Football Players

Key Takeways

  • Kristof Van Hout and Paul Millar share the top spot at an incredible 6’10”, dominating the field with their height.
  • Simon Bloch Jørgensen tops the list in metric height at 2.10 meters, making him the tallest ever recorded.
  • Most players on the list are goalkeepers or target forwards, leveraging their height for aerial dominance.
  • Despite not always playing for top-tier clubs, these players stood out and gained recognition due to their unique physical attributes.
  • Some like Nikola Žigić and Lacina Traoré paired height with skill,achieving notable success in top leagues.

Introduction

In football, a player’s height matters more at some position than others. Let’s learn about some of the tallest players in Football’s history and see how they performed on the field.

Top 10 Tallest Football Player In History

Kristof Van Hout – 6’10” (2.08 m)

Kristof Van Hout
Source: lavenir

Kristof Van Hout is one name that often pops up when talking about the tallest footballers out there. He towers at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches, and stands as tall as many basketball players! He has had stints with clubs like Standard Liège and Westerlo. What’s really surprising is how agile he is in the goal despite his height. While he may not have played for the biggest names in European football, he’s certainly made his mark in the sport, largely because of his incredible stature. 

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Paul Millar – 6’10” (2.08 m)

Paul Millar
Source: wintips

Paul Millar is right alongside Kristof Van Hout. He made his mark playing for Elgin City in the lower leagues of Scottish football. But Millar wasn’t just tall—he cleverly leveraged his height to dominate in attack. Defenders often struggled to win aerial battles against him, and whenever he was in the box, corners became a serious threat. Though he is not a household name, he certainly stands out as a formidable presence.

Simon Bloch Jørgensen – 6’10” (2.10 m)

Simon Bloch Jørgensen comes third in our list of the tallest footballers in history. He has an impressive height of 2.10 meters, which even makes the goal look tiny. Football Fans often do a double take when they spot him warming up. Although he hasn’t reached the highest levels of the sport, he always stands out for obvious reasons, and goalkeepers of his height are incredibly rare in professional football.

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Tomas Holy – 6’9″ (2.06 m)

Tomas Holy
Source: thesun.co.uk

Tomas Holy is a Czech goalkeeper who has made quite a buzz in English football by playing for teams like Ipswich Town and Gillingham. His height has always been his significant asset, particularly when it comes to handling high balls and set pieces. Standing at 6’9”, he commands the penalty area like few others. But it’s not just his size that stands out; he’s also recognized for his quick footwork and sharp reflexes. This unique blend of height and agility has secured him regular playing time and also won him a dedicated fan base.

Tonny Brogaard – 6’9″ (2.06 m)

Tonny Brogaard
Source: ibongda.com

Tonny Brogaard is popularly known as “The Gentle Giant.” He turns heads primarily because of his impressive height. He joined Doncaster Rovers in the mid-2000s, but unfortunately, he didn’t see much action on the field. Nevertheless, standing tall at 6’9”, he quickly became a fan favorite. While his football career may not have been long or filled with trophies, he carved out a unique place for himself in the hearts of supporters, simply because players of his height are such a rarity in the game.

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Vanja Iveša – 6’9″ (2.05 m)

Vanja Ivesa
Source: wikimedia.org

Vanja Iveša enjoyed a lengthy and impressive career, continuing to play well into his 40s. Standing at 6’9”, he had a commanding presence in the goal, particularly during his time in the Croatian top league and with various clubs in Turkey. He even made history as the oldest player in the Croatian First League. His height not only allowed him to punch away crosses effectively but also helped him intimidate opposing strikers. Unlike some other tall keepers who saw their careers dwindle quickly, Iveša’s journey was marked by longevity and a string of solid performances.

Yang Changpeng – 6’8.5″ (2.05 m)

Yang Changpeng
Source: linternaute.com

Yang Changpeng, also known as “China’s Peter Crouch,” is a Chinese striker who stands out for his height and intimidatint presence in the penalty area. He even got the chance to train with Bolton Wanderers in England, thanks to his distinctive profile. While he has not made a splash in European football, he has played for various clubs in the Chinese leagues. His towering stature certainly makes him a formidable aerial threat, although some critics felt that his technical abilities didn’t quite live up to his physical advantages. Nevertheless, he still is a notable figure in Asian football.

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Lacina Traoré – 6’8″ (2.03 m)

Lacina Traore
Source: mirror.co.uk

Lacina Traoré has played for clubs like Monaco, Everton, and CSKA Moscow. His height gave him a solid edge especially in headers, but what really set him apart was his surprising ball control for someone that tall. Although injuries occasionally disrupted his career, when he was in top form, he posed a threat on the pitch. His fans still fondly recall his remarkable blend of size and skill.

Stefan Maierhofer – 6’8″ (2.02 m)

Stefan Maierhofer
Source: dailymail.co.uk

Stefan Maierhofer has had quite the journey, playing for a range of clubs across Europe, such as Rapid Wien, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Red Bull Salzburg. Standing tall at 6’8”, he was the quintessential target man—perfect for holding up the ball and scoring with his head from crosses. His career has been lengthy and somewhat of a journeyman’s tale, but his imposing presence always made him a notable figure on the pitch. He even found the back of the net for Austria in international matches. 

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Nikola Žigić – 6’7″ (2.02 m)

Nikola Žigić har a  remarkable career, where he showed his talents at clubs like Racing Santander, Valencia, and Birmingham City. This Serbian forward was not just known for his impressive height; he also had solid technical skills. Žigić was a master at scoring headers, but also displayed good control and movement.. He played a key role in helping Birmingham City clinch the League Cup in 2011, netting a goal in the final against Arsenal. 

Conclusion

While not everyone reached the pinnacle of success, their mere presence on the field made a lasting impression. From Kristof Van Hout to Nikola Žigić, these footballers proved that sometimes, just standing out—quite literally—can leave a significant impact on the game.