Soccer is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. While many people think of soccer as a low-scoring, slow-paced game, there are actually some very tall players in the sport. In fact, the average height of a professional soccer player is around 6 feet tall.
So, who are the tallest soccer players in the world? Let’s take a look at 25 of the tallest players ever to play the game:
25. Jack Butland 6’5.2″ [1.96 m]
Jack Butland is a towering goalkeeper, standing at 6ft 5.2in. He made his name while playing for Stoke City in the Premier League. In 2018, he was named to England’s squad for the World Cup. This was his second major international tournament, as he had also been named to the squad for Euro 2012. However, he failed to make an appearance in either tournament.
Following the World Cup, his form dipped, and he lost his place in the England setup.
24. Álex Rodríguez 6′.56″ [1.97 m]
Alex Rodriguez is Panama’s goalkeeper and first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2018. However, he was back up to first-choice Jaime Penedo and failed to make an appearance.
Panama didn’t fare well in the tournament and crashed out without picking up a single point from their group games. Rodriguez hopes to make a bigger impact in future tournaments and help lead Panama to success.
23. Koen Casteels 6’5″ [1.97 m]
Koen Casteels is a towering presence in the world of soccer. The 6’5″ goalkeeper has played for several German clubs and was selected as Belgium’s third-choice keeper for the 2018 World Cup. However, he didn’t see any playing time as the Belgians finished in third place. At least he made the top 10 list of tallest footballers in the tournament.
22. Frederik Schram 6’6.1″ [1.98 m]
Frederik Schram is a towering goalkeeper who represents Iceland at the international level. He made his debut in 2017 but failed to make an appearance as Iceland finished bottom of their group. So far, he has only played club soccer in Denmark. Standing at an intimidating height of 6 feet 6.6 inches, Frederik is sure to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. Keep an eye out for this rising star in future matches.
21.Simeon Nwankwo 6’6.3″ [1.99 m]
Simeon Nwankwo is a towering Nigerian forward who made his debut in the build-up to the 2018 World Cup. He was picked for the 23-man squad by Gernot Rohr but saw limited playing time as Nigeria crashed out at the group stage. Nwankwo is an impressive 6ft 6.6in tall and will be looking to make his mark on the international stage in future tournaments.
20. Jannik Vestergaard 6’6.4″ [1.99 m]
Jannik Vestergaard is the tallest outfield player in the world, but he never got to show his skills at the 2018 World Cup. Denmark was eliminated in a penalty shootout against Croatia in the last 16. Vestergaard’s height could have been a major advantage, but sadly he never got the chance to prove it on the biggest stage. It’s a missed opportunity for both Vestergaard and Denmark.
19. Thibaut Courtois 6’6.6″ [1.995 m]
Thibaut Courtois is one of the top goalkeepers in the world and doesn’t need any introduction. The Real Madrid keeper has been a mainstay in the Belgium national team for nearly a decade now.
He was also ever-present in the Belgium starting XI during the 2018 World Cup. He was selected as the best keeper at the tournament and won the Golden Glove award.
18. Lovre Kalinić – 6’7.1″ [2.01m]
Lovre Kalinić was one of the tallest players at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Standing at a towering 201cm, or 6ft 7.1in, he was second only to Danijel Subašić in the Croatian setup. However, he did manage to play in the group game against Iceland and put in a strong performance.
Eventually, Croatia and the World Cup’s tallest footballer finished the tournament as runners-up after losing to France. Kalinić proved his height was an asset in the goalkeeper position, and his solid performance against Iceland showed he was a valuable team member.
17. Peter Crouch – 6’7.2″ [2.02m]
English striker Peter Crouch is known for his height and his ability to score with his head. He’s had spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and currently, Burnley.
Crouch has also been capped 42 times by England, scoring 22 goals and appearing at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
16. Even Iversen – 6’8″ [2.03 m]
Norwegian central attacking midfielder Even Iversen has played for clubs such as Rosenborg, Lillestrom, and FK Bodø/Glimt. He’s also been capped 16 times by Norway, scoring 1 goal.
Iversen’s height makes him a dangerous presence in the air, and he’s known for his superb heading ability.
15. Lacina Traore – 6’8″ [2.03 m]
The Big Tree is one of the most towering forwards in world soccer. He has 13 caps for Ivory Coast and has played for top-level clubs like Monaco. His height and athleticism make him a deadly threat on headers and inside the box. At 31 years of age, he continues to dominate on the pitch with his physicality and power. Opponents beware – the Big Tree is ready to soar above the competition.
14. Kjell Petter Opheim – 6’8” [2.03 m]
Norwegian defender Kjell Petter Opheim has spent his entire career with Norwegian club Viking FK, making over 150 appearances for the team. His height and strength make him a formidable presence on the backline, able to win aerial duels and shut down opposing attackers. He’s also been capped three times by Norway.
13.Costel Pantilimon – 6’8″ [2.03 m]
Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has played for clubs such as Manchester City, Sunderland, and Watford. His height gives him an advantage in one-on-one situations and claiming crosses. He’s also been capped 18 times by Romania.
12. Jason Mooney – 6’8.5″ [2.04 m]
Northern Irish goalkeeper Jason Mooney currently plays for League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City. His height and agility make him a force to be reckoned with between the posts. He was also capped once by Northern Ireland in 2011.
Jason Mooney is a goalkeeper who has played for various clubs in Northern Ireland and England. He started his career with Ards, making his debut in 2007, before moving to Bangor in 2008. He spent time with Ards Rangers and Comber Recreation before signing for Wycombe Wanderers in 2011.
He spent a season on loan at Oxford City, helping them win a promotion to the Conference North. He was released by Wycombe following their relegation to League Two, but signed for Tranmere Rovers in July 2012. He made three appearances for Tranmere in 2013-14, culminating in their relegation to League Two. In May 2014, he signed for York City, making 5 appearances in 2014-15 before being recalled by Tranmere Rovers. He was released by York by mutual consent ahead of a transfer to Accrington Stanley.
11. Yang Changpeng – 6′8.5” [2.05 m]
Chinese defender Yang Changpeng currently plays for Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua. His height and physicality make him a dominant presence on the backline, able to win aerial battles and shut down opposing attackers.
League and has also been capped 18 times by the national team. Standing at a towering 6’8.5″, he dominates aerial duels and is a force to be reckoned with on defense. Opposing attackers beware – Yang Changpeng will make scoring difficult against his team.
10. Tor Hogne Aaroy – 6′8.5″ [2.04 m]
Norwegian midfielder Tor Hogne Aaron currently plays for Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08. He’s also been capped three times by the national team, scoring one goal. His height and heading ability make him a danger on set pieces and cross into the box.
9. Daniel Muller – 6’9″ [2.05 m]
German goalkeeper Daniel Muller currently plays for German club Hansa Rostock, standing at an imposing 6’9″ tall. His height allows him to dominate his area and claim high balls with ease.
7. Stefan Maierhofer – 6’9″ (2.06 m)
Austrian forward Stefan Maierhofer has played for several clubs in Germany, England, Ireland, and Austria. Standing at 6’9″ tall, he’s a dominant presence in the air and known for his heading ability. He’s also been capped six times by Austria, scoring one goal.
6. Tonny Brogaard – 6’9″ [2.06 m]
Danish goalkeeper Tonny Brogaard currently plays for Danish Superliga side AGF Aarhus. His height and agility make him a formidable presence between the posts, able to dominate his penalty area and make acrobatic saves. He was also capped once by Denmark in 2011.
5. Vanja Ivesa – 6’9″ [2.06 m]
Croatian goalkeeper Vanja Ivesa currently plays for the Croatian club Rijeka. His height and quick reflexes make him a strong presence in goal, able to shut down opposing attackers and command his penalty area. He’s also been capped four times by Croatia.
4. Tomas Holy – 6’9″ [2.06 m]
Tomas Holy is an imposing goalkeeper standing at 6’9″ tall, who is just starting his fourth season with Ipswich Town in the English Football League Championship. Holly has had a productive career thus far, although he has not quite reached the expectations that some had for him in his younger days.
Many thought he was destined to become the Czech Republic’s national team goalkeeper, but he has yet to represent the country since 2009, when he played for their U18 squad. Regardless, Holy is making a living as a top-class goalkeeper. When he is locked in, he can be a dominating force between the sticks.
3.Paul Millar – 6’10” [2.08 m]
Scottish goalkeeper Paul Millar currently plays for Scottish League Two club Elgin City. Standing at an impressive 6’10”, he’s a dominant presence in goal and able to claim high balls with ease. He’s also been capped twice by Scotland’s U19 national team.
2. Kristof Van Hout – 6’10.5″ [2.08 m]
Belgian goalkeeper Kristof Van Hout currently plays for Dutch Eredivisie side Willem II, standing at almost 7 feet tall. His height allows him to easily dominate his penalty area and claim high balls. He’s also been capped once by Belgium in 2008 but has yet to earn another international call-up. Despite his height, Van Hout has had a relatively unremarkable club career thus far. However, at only 30 years old, there’s still time for him to make a name for himself and potentially earn more international recognition. Only time will tell if he can reach his full potential as a towering presence in goal.
1. Simon Bloch Jorgensen – 6’11” [2.10 m]
Who is the tallest soccer player in the history of professional soccer worldwide?
The current goalkeeper for Waltham Abby FC is the tallest soccer player in history, and he’s had a lot of success in his career so far. He’s played professionally in the Netherlands, and although he’s been used less recently, he still has a chance to continue his career for a while. As he gains more experience, who knows what heights he’ll reach? Keep an eye on this towering talent.
Is height an advantage for soccer players?
It can be, particularly for goalkeepers and players who excel in aerial battles on the field. However, being tall does not automatically make a player skilled or successful. Many factors, including technique and physical fitness, play a role in a player’s success. Additionally, some positions may require different body types and skills, so height may not necessarily be as advantageous in those cases. Overall, it is just one aspect of a player’s abilities and should not be relied upon as the sole determinant of their potential.
Even though height is an advantage for a soccer player, no one from this list has won Ballon d’Or Award, so it is not that big of an advantage.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some very tall soccer players worldwide! While many people think of soccer as a low-scoring, slow-paced game, the tall stature of some of these players proves the sport has plenty of power and athleticism. If you’re a soccer fan, check out some of these tallest players in action!
