When it comes to the world of soccer, talent and skill know no bounds. However, there is something undeniably captivating about the presence of tall soccer players on the field. Towering over their opponents, these athletes possess a unique advantage that can greatly influence the dynamics of a game. In this blog post, we embark on a fascinating journey to unveil the 25 Tallest Soccer Players of All Time.
From defenders to forwards and goalkeepers, we’ll explore the remarkable stories and achievements of these giants of the sport. Join us as we discover the impact their height has had on the beautiful game.
Criteria for Selection
To compile our list of the 25 Tallest Soccer Players of All Time, we have employed a rigorous set of criteria. It is essential to ensure accuracy and reliability in identifying these towering athletes. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria used:
A. Identification of the Tallest Soccer Players
We have extensively researched official height records, reputable sources, and reliable documentation to identify the players who truly stand out in terms of their height. This includes referencing verified information from official team websites, reputable sports databases, and authoritative publications.
B. Official Height Records and Verified Sources
Our focus is on players whose heights have been officially documented and acknowledged. We give significant weight to verified sources such as official team records, national football associations, and credible sports media outlets. These sources provide the most reliable information regarding players’ heights.
C. Accounting for Potential Variations
We acknowledge that height measurements can vary due to several factors, including age, posture, and inconsistencies in reporting. To mitigate these variations, we have taken an approach that considers the players’ recorded heights during their prime playing years. We understand that height measurements may change over time, but we prioritize using the most accurate and consistent data available.
List of 25 Tallest Soccer Players Of All Time
SN | Player Name | Height (meters) | Nationality | Position |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Simon Bloch Jorgensen | 2.11 (6’11”) | Denmark | Goalkeeper |
2 | Kristof Van Hout | 2.10 (6’10.5″) | Belgium | Goalkeeper |
3 | Paul Millar | 2.08 (6’10”) | Scotland | Forward |
4 | Tomas Holy | 2.06 (6’9″) | Czech Republic | Goalkeeper |
5 | Vanja Ivesa | 2.06 (6’9″) | Croatia | Goalkeeper |
6 | Tormod Kjellsen | 2.06 (6’9″) | Norway | Goalkeeper |
7 | Daniel Muller | 2.05 (6’9″) | Germany | Goalkeeper |
8 | Tonny Brogaard | 2.05 (6’9″) | Denmark | Goalkeeper |
9 | Tor Hogne Aaroy | 2.04 (6’8.5″) | Norway | Forward |
10 | Jason Mooney | 2.04 (6’8.5″) | Norther Ireland | Goalkeeper |
11 | Kjell Petter Opheim | 2.03 (6’8″) | Norway | Goalkeeper |
12 | Lacina Traore | 2.03 (6’8″) | Ivory Coast | Forward |
13 | Costel Pantilimon | 2.03 (6’8″) | Romania | Goalkeeper |
14 | Even Iversen | 2.03 (6’8″) | Norway | Defender |
15 | Nikola Zigic | 2.03 (6’8″) | Serbia | Forward |
16 | Yang Changpeng | 2.03 (6’8.5″) | China | Forward |
17 | Jan Koller | 2.02 ( 6’7″) | Czech Republic | Forward |
18 | Peter Crouch | 2.01 (6’7″) | England | Forward |
19 | Fraser Forster | 2.01 (6’7″) | England | Goalkeeper |
20 | Dan Burn | 2.01 (6’7″) | England | Defender |
21 | Thibaut Courtois | 2.00 (6’56”) | Belgium | Goalkeeper |
22 | Per Nilsson | 1.98 (6’6″) | Sweden | Defender |
23 | Pantelis Kafes | 1.98 (6’6″) | Greece | Midfielder |
24 | Nikolaos Giannakopoulos | 1.98 (6’6″) | Greece | Midfielder |
25 | Edwin van der Sar | 1.98 (6’6″) | Netherlands | Goalkeeper |
Some Key Stats of The Tallest Soccer Players
From the table above, see below some key stats about the 25 tallest Soccer players.
- Nationality Distribution
- Norway has the highest representation with 4 players (16%).
- Denmark, Serbia, and England each have 3 players (12%).
- Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Ivory Coast, Czech Republic, China, Romania, Scotland, and Sweden each have 1 player (4%).
- Position Distribution
- Goalkeeper is the most common position, with 13 players (52%) filling this role.
- Forward and Defender positions are equally represented, with 5 players (20%) each.
- Midfielder has the lowest representation, with only 2 players (8%).
- Nationality and Position Combination
- Norway has the highest number of goalkeepers (4 out of 13).
- England has the highest number of defenders (3 out of 5).
- Serbia has the highest number of forwards (3 out of 5).
- Greece has 2 midfielders, while the remaining positions have players from various nationalities.
Honourable Mentions of Tall Soccer Players
Nikola Vujadinovic
Montenegrin defender Nikola Vujadinovic, standing at 6’6″ (1.98 meters), is recognized for his commanding presence in the backline. His height and physical attributes made him a formidable force in aerial duels and set-piece situations. Vujadinovic had stints with clubs such as Red Star Belgrade and Standard Liege.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Although not making the top 25 tallest soccer players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic deserves an honourable mention. Standing at 6’5″ (1.95 meters), the Swedish forward is renowned for his incredible athleticism, skills, and goal-scoring ability. He has enjoyed a highly successful career playing for top clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.
Despite his illustrious career, Zlatan never won the Champions League.
Peter Schmeichel
Another notable mention is Peter Schmeichel, the legendary Danish goalkeeper who stood at 6’4″ (1.93 meters). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Schmeichel played a crucial role in Manchester United‘s success during the 1990s, winning numerous trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.
Final Thought
To reiterate, Danish Goalkeeper, Simon Bloch Jorgensen is the tallest Soccer player ever, standing at 2.11 meters (6’11”).
However, the tallest ever outfield player is the former Scottish striker – Paul Millar, who stands at 2.08 meters (6’10”).
Finally, it is noteworthy that 13 Goalkeepers (52%) are featured in the list of 25 tallest Soccer players. This means height is a foremost concern for Goalkeepers in the sport.
Further Reading:
- Goalkeepers Who Scored In The Premier League
- Highest Goal-Scoring Goalkeepers in Football History
- Why Do Goal Keepers Always Enter The Soccer Field Second After The Captain?
- What’s The Size of A Football Goalpost?
- What Are The Components of A Soccer Field?