Football has always been a game of diverse talents and physical attributes, with players of all shapes and sizes making their mark on the pitch. While skill, agility, and tactical intelligence are paramount, the towering presence of exceptionally tall players can be a game-changer.
This article delves into the lives and careers of the top 10 tallest footballers in history, exploring how their extraordinary heights influenced their roles and performances.
Simon Bloch Jørgensen (6’10.5″ / 210 cm)
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 10.5 inches, Simon Bloch Jørgensen holds the title of the tallest footballer ever. The Danish goalkeeper has played mostly in the lower divisions of English football, including stints at Waltham Abbey and Dulwich Hamlet. His height gives him a significant advantage in goal, particularly in reaching high balls and commanding the penalty area. Despite his towering frame, Jørgensen has remained relatively low-profile, playing for semi-professional and lower-league clubs throughout his career.
Jørgensen’s career highlights include his tenure with Danish club B.93 and later moves within the English football pyramid. His unique physical attributes have made him a fan favorite at the clubs he has represented, showcasing the often-overlooked aspect of height in goalkeeping.
Kristof van Hout (6’10” / 208 cm)
Belgian goalkeeper Kristof van Hout is a close second, standing at 6 feet 10 inches. Van Hout has played for several notable clubs, including Genk, Standard Liège, and Willem II. His career has been marked by his exceptional reach and ability to cover more of the goal than most keepers. Van Hout’s height has not only helped him in shot-stopping but also in coming out to claim crosses and set-pieces.
Van Hout’s success includes winning the Belgian Cup with Genk, which stands out as a significant achievement in his career. His presence in the box often intimidates opposing forwards, giving his team an edge during defensive situations.
Paul Millar (6’10” / 208 cm)
Scottish striker Paul Millar, also 6 feet 10 inches tall, is known for his height and his time with Elgin City in the Scottish League Two. Millar was a potent aerial threat, using his height to dominate defenders and score numerous headers. Unfortunately, his career was prematurely ended by a cruciate ligament injury, but during his active years, he left a lasting impression with his prolific scoring record.
Millar’s ability to use his physicality to his advantage made him a standout player in the lower leagues of Scottish football. His knack for finding the net with his head made him a crucial player for Elgin City, and his legacy lives on among the club’s supporters.
Tonny Brogaard (6’9″ / 206 cm)
Danish goalkeeper Tonny Brogaard, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, gained fame when he joined English club Doncaster Rovers in 2005. However, most of his career was spent in Denmark with semi-professional clubs like Boldklubben Frem and Greve IF. Brogaard’s height made him a dominant figure in goal, particularly in dealing with high balls and set-pieces.
Brogaard’s brief stint in England introduced him to a wider audience, but his consistent performances in Denmark showcased his reliability as a goalkeeper. His height often gave him the upper hand in one-on-one situations, allowing him to make crucial saves.
Tomáš Holý (6’9″ / 206 cm)
Czech goalkeeper Tomáš Holý, also 6 feet 9 inches tall, is currently playing for Carlisle United in England’s League One. Holý’s height has been a significant asset, allowing him to cover more ground and make impressive saves. He has previously played for Ipswich Town and Gillingham, making a name for himself in the English lower leagues.
Holý’s journey through various clubs highlights the importance of physical attributes in goalkeeping. His ability to reach shots that others might not and his commanding presence during set-pieces make him a valuable player for any team.
Kyle Hudlin (6’9″ / 206 cm)
English forward Kyle Hudlin is known for his towering stature and aerial prowess. At 6 feet 9 inches, Hudlin has played for Solihull Moors and Huddersfield Town. His height makes him a constant threat on set-pieces and crosses, often using his head to score crucial goals. Hudlin’s physical presence is a key component of his playing style, making him a unique asset in the attacking third.
Hudlin’s ability to dominate defenders in the air provides his team with an additional attacking dimension. His height allows him to win aerial duels consistently, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Vanja Iveša (6’8.5″ / 205 cm)
Croatian goalkeeper Vanja Iveša, standing at 6 feet 8.5 inches, has had a lengthy career spanning several countries, including Croatia, Turkey, and Australia. Iveša’s height made him an imposing figure in goal, helping him excel in catching crosses and making reflex saves. His career highlights include playing for clubs like NK Istra 1961 and Sydney United.
Iveša’s international experience showcases the global nature of football and how physical attributes like height can translate into success across different leagues and styles of play. His consistent performances have earned him respect in every league he has played in.
Yang Changpeng (6’8.5″ / 205 cm)
Chinese forward Yang Changpeng, also 6 feet 8.5 inches tall, has played for various clubs in China, including Wuhan Zall and Shanghai Shenhua. Known as “China’s Peter Crouch” due to his height and playing style, Yang’s physical presence has been a key asset, particularly in aerial duels. His height allows him to win headers and hold up the ball effectively.
Yang’s comparison to Peter Crouch highlights the impact of height in football. His ability to use his physicality to his advantage has made him a standout player in Chinese football, where his unique attributes are often a game-changer.
Tor Hogne Aarøy (6’8.5″ / 204 cm)
Norwegian striker Tor Hogne Aarøy, standing at 6 feet 8.5 inches, has had a career marked by his heading ability and physicality. Aarøy played for clubs like Aalesunds FK and JEF United Chiba in Japan. His height made him a constant aerial threat, especially in set-piece situations, and his ability to score headers was a significant part of his game.
Aarøy’s success in both European and Asian football underscores the universal value of height in the game. His aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability have made him a feared striker wherever he has played.
Lacina Traoré (6’8″ / 203 cm)
Ivorian forward Lacina Traoré, nicknamed “The Big Tree,” is 6 feet 8 inches tall. Traoré has played for several high-profile clubs, including Anzhi Makhachkala, AS Monaco, and Everton. His height and strength have made him a dangerous presence in the box, particularly on headers and set-pieces. Traoré’s physical attributes have allowed him to excel in various leagues across Europe.
Traoré’s nickname, “The Big Tree,” perfectly encapsulates his physical presence on the pitch. His ability to use his height and strength to outmuscle defenders and score goals has made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for.
The Impact of Height in Football
The presence of these towering figures in football raises an interesting discussion about the role of physical attributes in the sport. While skill, technique, and tactical intelligence are crucial, the physicality brought by exceptionally tall players can offer unique advantages, particularly in positions such as goalkeeping and center-forward.
Goalkeepers: For goalkeepers, height is a significant asset. Taller goalkeepers can cover more of the goal, reach higher shots, and dominate their penalty area more effectively. The likes of Simon Bloch Jørgensen, Kristof van Hout, and Tomáš Holý demonstrate how height can be leveraged to excel in goalkeeping, providing a sense of security to their teams during defensive situations.
Forwards: Forwards like Paul Millar, Kyle Hudlin, and Lacina Traoré use their height to win aerial duels, score headers, and hold up the ball. Their physical presence in the box often forces defenders to alter their approach, creating opportunities for their teammates. The ability to use height as an offensive weapon has been a hallmark of their playing styles, making them valuable assets during set-pieces and crosses.
Versatility and Adaptability: The careers of these tall footballers also highlight their adaptability and versatility. Players like Vanja Iveša and Yang Changpeng have successfully transitioned between different leagues and styles of play, using their physical attributes to adapt and excel. This adaptability is a testament to their skill and understanding of the game, showing that height alone is not enough without the necessary footballing intelligence and technique.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Tallest Footballers in History in history have made significant impacts on the game, using their unique physical attributes to their advantage. While some have played at the highest levels of the sport, others have found their niches in lower leagues. Regardless of where they played, these towering figures have left an indelible mark on football, demonstrating that height can be a valuable asset on the pitch. Also check out the top 5 best moments of Football.
