Soccer does not have the same advantages as other sports, but height does not give you the same advantage. Because of their height, many top soccer players have achieved great success. They’ve been able to maximize the attributes they have, and that’s allowed them to reach a higher level of play.
These are the top 15 soccer players of the world, all playing at professional levels. Not surprisingly, many of these players play in goal, which is the position that most benefits from height. But, field players can also tower over their opponents.
15. Peter Crouch – 6’7″ / 201cm
This list of players won’t all be household names, but this guy is the exception to the rule. He has been a star performer at the highest level throughout his career, and the 40-year old just wrapped up his career after playing almost exclusively in the English Premier League (3rd tallest in the league’s history).
At 6’7″tall, he not only towered over the opposition, but he is one of a few on this list who was a field player as well.
His unique playing style is evident. He used his ability to get a good first touch on shots and passes. He was very strong despite being quite slim.
Peter Crouch was an inspiration to many tall field players all over the world, showing them that they can achieve great success at the highest level.
14. Even Iversen – 6’8″ / 203cm
Height can sometimes be seen as an advantage, but for Iversen, it’s perhaps limited him in some ways. He’s never been able to be that explosive player as a defender, and that has kept him in relative security as a professional player in Norway.
While he still has some success, not being called up to the bigger clubs in Europe has been frustrating.
13. Lacina Traore – 6’8″ / 203cm
With a nickname like the Big Tree, it’s pretty obvious that this forward towers over most of the other players. The Ivory Coast native has 13 caps to his name for his country, but he’s mostly a club player at this point.
His most memorable stint with a top-level club came with Monaco, but he’s had a pretty lengthy career despite being 31 years of age.
Not only is he tall, but he’s a strong and powerful player who causes matchup nightmares. This physicality gives him an advantage over almost anyone and can make him a deadly boxer.
His height gives him an advantage in headers and his athleticism assists with that.
12. Kjell Petter Opheim – 6’8” / 203cm
Although he hasn’t reached the top of the domestic league play, the Norwegian goalkeeper has managed to make a good name for himself. He is now 39 years old and his prime days are over, but he still wants to make a difference in some other ways.
Because he has long arms, it is almost impossible for goals to score if he is correctly positioned.
11. Costel Pantilimon – 6’8″ / 203cm
Costel Pantilimon has been the Romanian national team’s goalkeeper for 27 matches. The 6’8 “goalkeeper has also had a good run at the club level, which is due to his height and reach.
Although he may not appear to be the most athletic goalkeeper around, he is a skilled player who can get a handle on many balls. It’s clear that he is now showing his age a bit, but most feel like he has a few more solid years left in him.
10. Jason Mooney – 6’8.5″ 204cm
Jason Mooney has not had any professional success, but his height and ability in the net have helped him keep his professional dreams alive.
He’s reached League One at the highest level, suiting up for Tranmere and making a few appearances with the club. He’s primarily a backup with them, as he’s only played in a few matches the last couple of years.
9. Yang Changpeng – 6′8.5” / 205cm
Although there are many reports about his height, the Chinese soccer player has been the center of attention due to his size as a field player. He’s even been nicknamed China’s Peter Crouch, as he is close to the same height as the English legend.
Changpeng is currently a free agent and has not reached an elite level of play, despite a one month trial with Bolton. He’s currently a free agent, and it’s looking more and more like his professional career is coming to a close.
It is very hard for a player’s body to hold up as a field player at that height, so his prime appears to be a bit shorter than most.
8. Tor Hogne Aaroy – 6′8.5″ / 204cm
Tor Hogne Aaroy’s soccer career started way back in 1985, as he was a forward for a few clubs in Norway.
He spent the majority of his career in Norway, including 242 career appearances at Aalesund in First Division. His stretch saw him score 90 goals, proving his versatility.
7. Tonny Brogaard – 6’9″ / 206cm
The Gentle Giant, a man who was known for his great promise, lived up to it during his prime. He was not able to put together anything. Despite his talent and agility, this led to a subpar career.
At 6’9 “tall and some of the longest arms ever seen in soccer, many thought that he could revolutionize the position of goalkeeper. He wasn’t able stay fit or be consistent enough for that to happen.
6. Daniel Muller – 6’9″ / 205cm
Although he didn’t have a memorable career, his height enabled him to become a professional goalkeeper for some clubs in Germany.
His height and skill attracted Bayern Munich’s attention when he was younger, but he was never able to receive consistent playing time for lower-level teams in the system. Most recently, he’s played for Augsburg II in the fourth tier of German soccer.
5. Vanja Ivesa – 6’9″ / 206cm
Vondrell Ibiza, the Croatian goalkeeper is still in professional play at 44. His solid goalkeeping skills helped him find work in many different leagues.
He’s no longer in his prime, but he has shown that he can still get things done consistently enough to start matches.
4. Tomas Holy – 6’9″ / 206cm
Just starting another year in goal for Ipswich Town in the third tier of English football, Czech goalkeeper Tomas Holy stands at 6’9″ tall.
He’s been able to be a pretty productive goalkeeper throughout his career, although he hasn’t met the expectations that some people had for him when he was younger.
Many thought he was the future goalkeeper of the Czech Republic national team, but he hasn’t represented the country since 2009 when he was on the U18 team. Still, he is making a living as a goalkeeper who can be a dominant force when he’s locked in.
3. Paul Millar – 6’10” / 208cm
If not for some tough injuries that played this career, Paul Millar might’ve had a long time as a professional player. Elgin, which competed in the Scottish League Two, was where he spent the majority of his playing career.
At 6’10” tall, he was the tallest player in the league of the time and one of the tallest in the world. His speed declined to the point where he was unable to compete after all the injuries.
2. Kristof Van Hout – 6’10.5″ / 208cm
Out of all the professional players currently out there, Kristof Van Hout is the only one listed at 6’10.5″ tall right now.
Although he has played with several teams in his career, the Belgian goalkeeper is currently playing for Westerlo in Proximus League.
He’s been a fairly consistent performer in the goal for a while and had a stretch as a consistent starter about a decade ago.
1. Simon Bloch Jorgensen – 6’11” / 210cm
Waltham Abby FC’s current goalkeeper is widely considered to be the tallest player in soccer history.
He’s been able to have a decent amount of success in his professional career to this point, and as he gains more experience, there’s a chance that he continues to play professionally for a while.
He made the most appearances in Frem’s Netherlands, but he was rarely used since then.
Do Height and Soccer Help or Hinder?
It is clear that the majority of the 15 players on this roster did not perform to their potential.
It’s a little frustrating for anyone not to get to the highest level they want to, but most would probably trade in height to a certain degree to gain a bit more athleticism. There’s always that tough balance in soccer, as being able to move around quickly plays such a huge role.
With shorter players largely dominating the field, being the tallest doesn’t seem to be all that great. While it makes a difference for goalkeepers, it might not make the biggest impact on all players.
These players have the distinction of being professional players. It is not an easy feat to get there. They deserve praise for getting there, despite having to give up some of their athleticism and speed.
This post will show you the tallest female soccer players.