Tallest Footballer Record

Height always grabs attention in football. We watch the smallest playmakers weave through defenders, and we also watch giants rise above the crowd to win headers. Among these giants, one question keeps coming back: who is the tallest footballer? The answer is simple on the surface, yet the story behind it is rich and interesting. The tallest professional footballer widely recognized today is the Danish goalkeeper Simon Bloch Jørgensen, who stands at 2.10 meters (about 6 feet 10.5 inches). But the road to that record, the players close to it, and what height really means for performance are all worth exploring. This guide is written in clear, easy English so beginners can learn fast and enjoy the topic.

What “Tallest Footballer” Really Means

Professional vs. Amateur Football

When people talk about the tallest footballer, they generally mean the tallest player to appear at a professional level. This includes top divisions and recognized lower leagues where players have professional contracts. Many tall players exist in amateur or youth football, but the record usually points to those who have played as professionals. This helps keep the record consistent and easy to compare across countries.

Official Height vs. Claimed Height

Height can be tricky. Some websites list one number, and a club’s media guide lists another. Players are often measured without shoes, but sometimes the number is rounded. For example, a player listed at 2.06 meters (6’9”) in one place could be listed at 2.05 meters (6’8.7”) somewhere else. For a true record, people prefer heights confirmed by clubs, federations, or medicals taken during a transfer. Still, small differences remain, and fans debate them online. That is why the tallest player record can spark arguments even when there is a clear leader.

Goalkeepers vs. Outfield Players

Most of the tallest footballers are goalkeepers. This makes sense. A long reach helps goalkeepers punch high crosses, catch long balls, and tip shots over the bar. Outfield players can be tall too, especially center-backs and target strikers, but extremely tall outfielders are rarer. Football asks for quick turns, acceleration, and balance. Very tall bodies make those movements harder, so fewer extremely tall players succeed as outfielders at the top level.

The Current Record Holder: Simon Bloch Jørgensen

Who He Is

Simon Bloch Jørgensen is a Danish goalkeeper known for his extraordinary height: 2.10 meters (6 feet 10.5 inches). He has played in Denmark and in England, including time in the English non-league system. While he has not been a superstar at the highest tier, his presence on the pitch is impossible to miss. For many fans, he is simply “the tallest footballer.”

Career Path in Brief

Simon’s career has included stints with Danish clubs and moves to England, where he played for teams in the lower divisions and non-league football. These levels are still part of the professional and semi-professional pyramid, and they are highly competitive. Goalkeepers at these levels deal with a wide range of styles: direct long balls, strong aerial play, scrappy set pieces, and fast counterattacks. For a tall keeper, these leagues provide a real test: can height be an advantage even when the pace is hectic and the defenses are under pressure?

How Height Shapes His Goalkeeping

At 2.10 meters, Simon’s wingspan is a major asset. He can reach high crosses that many keepers cannot. He can cover the top corners more easily and make strikers reconsider powerful shots aimed high. On corners and free-kicks, his presence alone can force opponents to change their delivery. But height also brings challenges. Very tall keepers must work harder at getting down quickly for low shots. They must manage their footwork carefully so they can shift their weight and set their feet before a shot. In modern football, quick reactions and swift positioning are essential. Simon’s story shows that even with record height, success still depends on technique, timing, and decision-making.

Other Very Tall Footballers Worth Knowing

Kristof Van Hout (2.08 m / 6’10”)

Kristof Van Hout, a Belgian goalkeeper, is one of the most famous giants in the game. At 2.08 meters, he has played for clubs such as Genk and Westerlo, and even spent time in the Indian Super League. With his size, he commands the box on set pieces. Van Hout’s career shows that being very tall can be an advantage across different leagues and styles. He has been one of the closest challengers to the “tallest” label for years.

Paul Millar (2.08 m / 6’10”)

Paul Millar is a Scottish striker who reached 2.08 meters. He played for Elgin City and became a cult figure among fans who love unusual football stories. Outfield players at this height are rare because it is difficult to combine that frame with the balance, agility, and endurance needed in open play. Millar’s career highlights how set pieces and target-man roles can bring out the best in very tall forwards. He was particularly useful for flick-ons, knockdowns, and drawing defenders to create space.

Yang Changpeng (about 2.05 m / 6’9”)

Yang Changpeng is a Chinese forward who drew attention for his height and for trials in England early in his career. While he did not become a global star, his story shows how scouts around the world are curious about extreme physical profiles. He offered an aerial threat and a unique style of play inside the box, especially against defenses not used to handling someone that tall.

Lacina Traoré (about 2.03 m / 6’8”)

Lacina Traoré, an Ivorian striker, combined rare height with mobility. He played in top European leagues and continental competitions, showing that a very tall forward can still move well, link play, and finish. Traoré’s size gave him an edge in the air, but he also learned to use his body to shield the ball and bring others into play. His career reminds us that football intelligence and timing are just as important as inches.

Costel Pantilimon (about 2.03 m / 6’8”)

Costel Pantilimon, a Romanian goalkeeper, is another modern giant. He has played in major European leagues and international matches. With great height and a calm style, Pantilimon shows how tall keepers can use positioning and composure to make saves look simple. He also highlights the importance of footwork; for keepers, big steps must still be fast steps.

Other Notable Tall Players

There are many others near the top of the height charts: Tor Hogne Aarøy (around 2.04 m), a Norwegian forward known for his aerial dominance; Tomáš Holý (about 2.06 m), a Czech goalkeeper; and, of course, the very famous Peter Crouch (about 2.01 m), who used technical skill and timing to become a top-class Premier League striker. While not the tallest ever, Crouch’s career proved that tall players can be graceful, smart, and influential.

Why Extreme Height Is Rare in Football

The Demands of Movement

Football requires quick changes of direction, sharp acceleration, and constant movement. A lower center of gravity helps with balance and turning. Very tall players have a higher center of gravity, which can make sudden turns and stops more difficult. This does not mean tall players cannot move well—many do—but it explains why the average height of elite footballers sits well below 2 meters.

Endurance and Repetition

Over 90 minutes, players can cover 10 to 12 kilometers with many sprints, jumps, and duels. Larger bodies can be harder to fuel and maintain across those distances. Load management and conditioning become deeply important. Clubs track sprint counts, high-intensity runs, and accelerations to keep tall players healthy throughout the season.

Skill and Space

Modern tactics create small, crowded spaces where quick touches and smart positioning matter. Being tall does not prevent skill, but tight control under pressure takes extra training when your limbs are longer. Coaches often tailor drills to help tall players keep the ball close and get their hips and shoulders aligned for accurate passing.

Advantages of Being Very Tall

Aerial Power

Balls in the air—goal kicks, long throws, corners, and crosses—are easier to win if you are tall and time your jump. This is clear for goalkeepers and center-backs, and it matters for strikers on set pieces too. Teams sometimes design training just to use a tall player as a target in key moments.

Reach and Coverage

For goalkeepers, reach is gold. It increases the area they can cover without diving and helps them touch shots that would beat smaller keepers. In a crowded penalty area, a tall keeper can punch clear and relieve pressure. Extra height can also create a psychological advantage: strikers may rush a shot when they see a giant filling the goal.

Set-Piece Threat

Coaches love having one very tall player to aim at during corners and free-kicks. Even if that player does not score, he can attract multiple defenders and open space for teammates. A near-post flick-on or a back-post knockdown can be decisive in tight matches.

Challenges Tall Players Must Solve

Low Shots and Fast Feet

Tall goalkeepers must get down quickly for low shots. This requires strong core muscles, flexible hips, and sharp footwork. Many tall keepers work on split-step timing (a small hop before a shot) so they can explode down or across. They also practice smothering technique, which helps cover low angles without losing balance.

Turning and Acceleration

Outfield players with long legs need excellent first steps. They also need training that builds stability in their ankles, knees, and hips. Short agility drills, ladder work, and controlled turns help tall players handle quick changes of direction. Coaches often combine these drills with ball work to keep technique sharp.

Injury Prevention

With a larger frame, forces on joints can be higher. Good strength training becomes essential, especially for hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Clubs use monitoring tools to track load and fatigue. Proper sleep, nutrition, and recovery are vital for players of all sizes, and even more so for the very tall.

The Tallest by Position

Goalkeepers

Most of the tallest players in football history are goalkeepers. Along with Simon Bloch Jørgensen (2.10 m) and Kristof Van Hout (2.08 m), you can find many keepers at 2.00 m or more in leagues across Europe and beyond. The position rewards reach, but it also demands technique, communication, and footwork with the ball. Being tall can put you in the shop window, but to stay there, you must master the details.

Center-Backs

Center-backs are often very tall because they must defend crosses and win aerial duels. However, center-backs at 2.05 m or above are rare. The best center-backs combine good size with acceleration and sharp reading of the game. Coaches ask them to hold a high line, press forward, and recover quickly if play breaks down. Balance and hip mobility are key.

Strikers

Target strikers thrive on crosses, flick-ons, and hold-up play. Tall strikers can bully defenders in the air and pin them with strong upper-body control. Yet the modern game also values pressing and quick interchanges around the box. The tallest strikers must work hard on link-up play and first-touch quality to fit into fast, technical systems.

How Tall Is 2.10 Meters? A Simple Picture

Everyday Comparison

2.10 meters is about 6 feet 10.5 inches. That is taller than most door frames in many homes. If a keeper that tall stands with arms up, the reach is astonishing. From the ground to the fingertips can be well over 8 feet (around 2.4 meters or more depending on arm length). On crosses, that reach can remove danger before it even starts.

On the Pitch

In a crowded six-yard box, a 2.10-meter keeper stands above the crowd like a basketball center. Teammates can trust him to attack the ball. Opponents must plan differently, often aiming corners away from the keeper or driving low balls to avoid high claims.

Tips for Tall Youth Players and Their Coaches

Embrace Your Frame, Train Your Feet

If you are a tall young player, your height is an advantage—but only if you develop strong basics. Focus on first touch, short passing, and turning in tight spaces. Use a wall or rebounder to get hundreds of touches each day. Practice receiving with both feet and turning both ways.

Build Stability and Mobility

Work on core strength, ankle stability, and hip mobility. Short agility ladders, mini-hurdles, and balance drills help you move your body quickly and safely. Flexibility training will make it easier to get low for tackles or saves and reduce the risk of soft-tissue injuries.

Learn to Time Your Jumps

Being tall is not enough for winning headers. Practice timing. Start with light, repetitive drills: step, hop, jump, land. Add a ball later. For keepers, practice catching at the highest point with your knee up for protection. For outfielders, practice heading technique so you strike the ball cleanly with the forehead and keep your neck strong.

Myths and Facts About Height in Football

Myth: “If you are tall, you will be a great footballer.”

Fact: Height alone does not make a player great. Technique, decision-making, and fitness are essential. Many tall players are average without good training. Many average-height players become stars because they master the game’s details.

Myth: “Smaller players cannot compete in the air.”

Fact: Timing and positioning can beat height. Smaller players often jump earlier or find better angles. They can win crucial headers by reading the play and using their body smartly.

Myth: “Tall goalkeepers cannot save low shots.”

Fact: Tall keepers can be excellent at low saves with the right technique. Good footwork, strong core, and smart positioning close the gap. Many tall keepers practice “set and drop” moves to get low quickly.

How the Record Is Verified

Measurements and Sources

Clubs usually measure players during medicals. National teams and leagues also list official heights. Media guides and databases then share those numbers. A record like “tallest footballer” relies on comparing many sources and choosing the most reliable ones. For Simon Bloch Jørgensen, multiple professional sources confirm 2.10 meters, which keeps him at the top.

Why Disagreements Happen

Disagreements arise because of rounding, old listings, or simple errors. Also, some players grow slightly in their late teens. Others are mislisted for years. Fans prefer clear, documented numbers. That is why debates continue even when there is a widely accepted leader.

Notable Moments from Very Tall Players

Set-Piece Sway

Tall players often swing big matches on set pieces. A late corner in a tight game can turn into a winning goal thanks to a towering header. Coaches sometimes bring on their tallest player near the end just for this purpose. The chaos of a crowded box becomes an opportunity.

Commanding the Box

Very tall goalkeepers shift the entire geometry of a match. Opponents cross lower and faster to avoid easy claims. Defenders relax a bit more, knowing the keeper has range. A single punch or catch can launch a quick counterattack and change the game’s momentum.

The Future of the Tallest Footballer Record

Will We See Someone Taller?

It is possible. Global scouting now reaches more countries and academies than ever. Nutrition and training keep improving. A 2.12-meter (6’11.5”) or even taller player could appear. But to hold a professional place, that player would still need excellent technique, fitness, and game understanding. Football does not reward size alone.

Evolving Tactics

As high pressing and quick buildup continue to dominate, tall players must be good with the ball. Keepers, especially, must pass under pressure and start attacks. If a very tall player can also play with both feet and move smoothly, clubs will welcome him at any level.

Tallest Outfielders vs. Tallest Goalkeepers

Outfield Benchmarks

Paul Millar at 2.08 meters is one of the tallest outfield players on record. Yang Changpeng at around 2.05 meters and Tor Hogne Aarøy at about 2.04 meters are also among the tallest forwards. These players show that outfield giants can contribute, especially in systems that use direct balls, crosses, and strong hold-up play.

Goalkeeper Benchmarks

Goalkeepers like Simon Bloch Jørgensen (2.10 m) and Kristof Van Hout (2.08 m) demonstrate the upper limits of height in the professional game. Many keepers in the 2.00–2.05 meter range have built strong careers. In recent years, teams also value keepers who can sweep behind a high line and distribute cleanly, not just those who dominate the air.

Training Ideas for Very Tall Players

Footwork Grids and Short Steps

Set up a small square with cones and work through quick step patterns with the ball. Keep touches short and controlled. The goal is to keep your hips low and your strides compact so you can change direction fast.

Low Save Technique for Keepers

Practice a constant rhythm: set, read, drop, and smother. Use medicine balls or light resistance bands to build core power. Drill one-vs-one situations to learn the right moment to spread and close angles without diving in too early.

Heading with Purpose

Work on three types of headers: clearing headers (defensive), glancing headers (flick-ons), and power headers (attacking). Keep your eyes open through contact. Practice timing runs from the edge of the box to attack the ball at full speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the tallest professional footballer?

The tallest professional footballer widely recognized today is Simon Bloch Jørgensen, a Danish goalkeeper at 2.10 meters (about 6 feet 10.5 inches).

Who are some close contenders?

Kristof Van Hout (2.08 m) is one of the most famous challengers. Among outfield players, Paul Millar (2.08 m) is extremely tall, while Yang Changpeng (around 2.05 m) and Tor Hogne Aarøy (about 2.04 m) are also notable names.

Does being tall guarantee success?

No. Height is an advantage in some areas, but football rewards complete skill sets: touch, vision, timing, fitness, and decision-making. Many average-height players become elite because they master these areas.

Are tall goalkeepers always better on crosses?

They often have an edge, but only if they judge flight paths, take correct positions, and commit at the right moment. Bad timing can waste even the biggest reach.

Is there a tallest women’s footballer record?

Women’s football also has tall players, especially goalkeepers and center-backs. Exact “tallest ever” records can be harder to confirm and may change as more data becomes available. The same ideas about height apply: it helps in the air but must be matched with technique and fitness.

Common Misconceptions About the Record

“I saw a taller player on social media.”

Social media can spread unverified claims. A player may look taller in a photo due to camera angles or footwear. For records, trust official measurements from clubs or leagues.

“A youth player in my town is taller.”

He might be. But the recognized record focuses on professional footballers. Youth players could become the next record holders if they turn pro and their height is officially documented.

How Clubs Use Very Tall Players Tactically

Set-Piece Blueprints

On attacking corners, coaches often stack runners and isolate the tallest player at the back post or near post. Variations can send the tall player short to drag markers away, opening a lane for another runner. The threat, not just the touch, shapes the defense.

Defending Crosses

With a tall keeper, full-backs can squeeze higher and center-backs can defend a bit more aggressively knowing the keeper can claim or punch deliveries. This affects the team’s pressing shape and can pin the opponent deeper.

The Human Side of Being the Tallest

Expectations and Pressure

When you are the tallest, fans expect you to win every header or stop every high ball. That pressure is real. Tall players must stay calm, trust their training, and keep improving the smaller parts of the game—first touch, positioning, communication—that decide matches.

Finding the Right Fit

Some leagues suit tall players more than others. A league with many crosses and long balls may favor a towering keeper or target striker. A league that uses short passing and intense pressing might challenge them more. Smart career choices matter as much as physical gifts.

Key Takeaways for Beginners

The Record

Simon Bloch Jørgensen at 2.10 meters stands as the tallest professional footballer widely recognized today. This is the benchmark number you can remember.

The Context

Other giants like Kristof Van Hout and Paul Millar are close behind, especially among goalkeepers and target forwards. Tall outfield players exist but are rarer at extreme heights.

The Game Truth

Height helps in the air and in goal, but football is still about skill, movement, and decision-making. The best tall players master the basics and adapt to the modern game’s tempo.

Conclusion

The tallest footballer record is more than a fun fact. It opens a window into how football works. We see why height can be powerful and why it is not everything. Simon Bloch Jørgensen, at 2.10 meters, has the headline number, and players like Kristof Van Hout and Paul Millar show how close others have come. But the deeper story is about balance—between size and skill, reach and footwork, power and timing. For fans and beginners, this balance explains why football is so rich. Any body type can find a place, and any player can grow by focusing on technique, smart movement, and understanding of the game. Height may win the headline, but the full game, as always, belongs to those who master the details.