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For players at the highest levels, strength in soccer can be a great asset. Strength plays a role that some overlook, whether it’s jockeying for position or getting power behind a shot.

Which are the most powerful soccer players around the world? These 15 are a nightmare matchup for any team trying to slow them down.

15. N’Golo Kante

  • Height: 5′ 6″ / 168cm
  • Weight: 154 lbs/70kg

This list may be the most surprising. Guys who are only 5‘6“ tall or not considered to be strong and intimidating, but Kante is the exception to the rule.

He has never backed down throughout his career, whether it be for Chelsea or the French National Team. He’s been one of the most consistent players for both teams, and as a central midfielder, he matches up with anyone.

He might be the best soccer player in the world today, pound for pound. He is strong enough to keep his place and can be a dynamic player when given the chance. He is a master at possession and one of the most skilled ball carriers in the game.

14. Mamadou Skho

  • Height: 6′ 2″ / 187cm
  • Weight: 183 lbs/83kg

Mamadou Sakho is widely considered one of the best soccer players the world. Currently, Montpellier is Ligue 1’s center back making it a difficult matchup.

He is tall and strong and has the leadership ability to help any team. Because of his style, he always has many fans no matter where they play.

13. Micah Richards

  • Height: 6′ 2″ / 187cm
  • Weight: 183 lbs/83kg

English soccer fans are well aware that right-back Michael Richards can be a formidable matchup opponent for any club. Although he’s not very tall, Richards’ strength allows him to remain strong and continue a solid career.

While he spent most of his time with Manchester City over 10 years, fans will always remember him for being one of the best in the EPL.

12. Hulk (Givanildo Vieira de Sousa)

  • Height: 5′ 11″ / 180cm
  • Weight: 189 lbs/86kg

If the name doesn’t sound particularly familiar, maybe his nickname will do the trick. Hulk, a Brazilian forward, has had a solid career. He’s spent time with many different clubs, and has 48 caps for the Brazilian National Team.

He makes use of his strength and size to reach the goal box. This has enabled him to score consistent goals despite not having many of the attributes of top soccer forwards.

His nickname was derived from his resemblance to Lou Ferrigno (the actor who played the Incredible Hulk).

11. Adama Traore

  • Height: 5′ 10″ / 178cm
  • Weight: 159 lbs/72kg

He has the greatest combination of speed, strength, size and speed. He is fast and agile, and can sometimes look like a winger or a strong man. This has enabled him to be a success in the Premier League of Wolverhampton as well as the Spanish National Team.

What’s frustrating is that now he is a bit of a seasoned vet, he still hasn’t been able to figure out the final ingredient to be one of the stars in soccer. He could do it with a bit more knowledge and composure.

10. Christian Benteke

  • Height: 6′ 3″ / 192cm
  • Weight: 183 lbs/83kg

Crystal Palace’s Belgian striker is a player who relies on both speed and strength. He is a strong player who has risen to the highest level of soccer thanks to his speed.

At 6′ 3″ tall, he almost always has the size advantage over his opponents. He has been able to play internationally for the Belgian National Team. A team becomes more intimidating when they have this kind of strength on the pitch.

9. Yaya Toure

  • Height: 6′ 2″ / 189cm
  • Weight: 198 lbs/90kg

Yaya Toure has used his strengths very well to build a solid career. He spent a good amount of time as a senior player for Manchester City, but he’s had stints with other big clubs as well.

The midfielder can play either offensively or defensively at any stage. He is strong in passing, has excellent field vision, and can be very physical with or without the ball.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

  • Height: 6′ 5″ / 195cm
  • Weight: 209 lbs/ 95kg

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in his prime, could be regarded as the greatest player on this list. This is the type of answer you would get if you asked him. He’s starting to get up there in age now, but he almost always has a size and strength advantage over his opponents.

His strong build has enabled him to remain competitive over the years. Many are surprised that he is still going strong, but he has shown that it’s not all about speed and agility to be the best of the best.

7. Romelu Lukaku

  • Height: 6′ 3″ / 192cm
  • Weight: 207 lbs / 94.9kg

Since his arrival from Inter Milan, Lukaku has had a significant impact on Chelsea. He only played 10 games as a youth with them, but he is now stronger and more reliable on every pitch.

This striker is also larger than most of the other players he faces. He’s the type of very physical player all around the pitch, always looking to push the limit when getting away with certain movements.

6. Chris Samba

  • Height: 6′ 4″ / 193cm
  • Weight: 220 lbs/100kg

Samba has been a well-known player for the Congo National Team in recent years. Samba spends a lot time at professional level in Europe and his physical style of play has helped him find work.

He’s not afraid to push players around to gain an advantage, which will keep him employed while others age out of the game.

5. Victor Wanyama

  • Height: 6′ 1″ / 188cm
  • Weight: 191 lbs / 85kg

Victor Wanyama is the man Kenya’s National Team relies on to supply them with muscle whenever they need it.

He has been a very consistent player for the national team, but he’s provided value at the professional level as well. He was a long-serving player in the English Premier League. However, he recently moved to Major League Soccer North America in order to play for CF Montreal.

He is not only strong but also very tough to deal with due to his height. Major League Soccer has been plagued by him so far, because there are very few players who can match his physicality.

4. Giorgio Chiellini

  • Height: 6′ 2″ / 189cm
  • Weight: 190 lbs / 85kg

When you are strong and consistent as a player, there’s always going to be an opportunity to play for a soccer team. Giorgio Cihiellini is a very aggressive player, but his calm and composure on the pitch allow him to continue playing at a high level.

Since 2004, he’s been a consistent face for Juventus. He’s also made a total of 112 appearances for Italy on the national team. He’s not afraid to take risks and often has an advantage over his opponent. When he is near the ball, he’s never afraid to take a shot at a header.

3. Danny Shittu

  • Height: 6’3″ / 190cm
  • Weight: 209 lb / 95 kg

Even though he has recently quit, Danny Shittu remains one of the most formidable soccer players ever to play the game. He is most well-known for his 32 matches as a Nigerian National Team player.

At 6’3″, he almost always had a height advantage. He didn’t exactly look like a traditional soccer player either, as his size and strength almost made him appear like a football player instead.

He was a fan favourite everywhere he went because of his professionalism and hard work. They were extremely appreciative of Millwall’s persistence even during his last stint.

2. George Elokobi

  • Height: 5′ 11″ / 180cm
  • Weight: 185 lbs/84kg

Although his professional career may be ending, George Elokobi is still one of the most skilled professional soccer players.

It’s one of the reasons why he’s been able to have such a long career as a centre-back. Spending the most amount of time with Wolverhampton, he’s also suited up for several other clubs looking for a little more strength on defense.

He is now a Maidstone United player and more an academy coach than a player. It’s a smooth transition for the professional who has coaching aspirations after his career is finally over.

1. Adebayo Akinfenwa

  • Height: 6′ 1″ / 188cm
  • Weight: 220 lbs/100kg

Only League One in England is home to the strongest soccer player. At 39 years old, the English native still has a lot to offer the Wycombe Wanderers.

Playing as a striker, he has a pretty unusual build, but he’s found a way to score 47 goals in the last 185 appearances for his newest club.

Akinfenwa is known for his success in soccer through the FIFA video game series. He has been named the greatest soccer player in the globe based on his ratings multiple times and seems to get stronger as he gets older.

While his speed might not be as good as it used to be in order to play at a high standard, his strength will still give him an advantage. As a striker, he is slightly taller to help him win against the defenders.