Wikipedia and other respected sources have long guided the debate on the tallest football player in history; the authoritative platform currently cites German keeper Simon Bloch Jorgensen as the record holder. However, a more thorough examination of the realm of tall footballers reveals another German, Jonathan Mertsch, actually exceeds this threshold.
At a staggering 2.14 meters (7 feet 0.25 inches), Jonathan Mertsch is a potent striker for the amateur team Edermünde and not only surpasses Jorgensen's record but also irrefutably stakes claim to the title of tallest football player in league history, therefore shifting the emphasis from goalkeepers as the only giants in the game.
Jonathan Mertsch is the tallest soccer player ever to play football at any level
Mertsch's deployment as an outfield player—especially in a forward capacity—stands in sharp contrast to Jorgensen's goalkeeping role. This emphasises how tall players may equally flourish in the attacking third, causing defensive systems to crumble under their imposing influence.
This investigation into the special field of very tall players offers an interesting viewpoint on how amazing height might affect both personal playing style and more general tactical approach in the game.
Many are of the opinion that taller goalkeepers have a big advantage since their height enhances field view, improves success in aerial duels, and facilitates more control over the penalty area. However, when this strategic asset is applied to outfield positions—especially by attackers and defenders—its adaptability is much more evident.
This offers the game with another dimension with players using their stature to either neutralise attacks or conquer defences.
With an eye towards redefining excellence in the game, this paper investigates the careers of the ten tallest football players. It offers an understanding of how physical characteristics could be used to improve team chemistry on the pitch and boost performance. This will highlight, in addition to their physical presence, the unique skill sets and adaptive techniques of the athletes.
Kristof Van Hout
Rising to an amazing 2.08 meters, the now-retired Kristof Van Hout is the tallest professional player to have ever set foot on the pitch. This unique characteristic has distinguished him all through his career, including appearances in other clubs and competitions, particularly the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Among his 64 games with three different clubs in Belgium's top flight, his commanding presence as goalkeeper was especially remarkable as he demonstrated his will and great shot-stopping ability by recording 17 clean sheets, conceding just 85 goals.
Van Hout's experience at KV Kortrijk is notable since it demonstrated his dependability as the last line of protection. He gave up 45 goals but has an incredible record of 15 clean sheets in 41 games despite major defensive problems.
By joining the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos, where he adapted perfectly to a different football scene and secured 5 clean sheets in just 14 outings, he extended his professional horizons.
With three clean sheets in seven games, his performance in the UEFA Europa League was impressive, with Van Hout becoming the tallest player to ever play in an intercontinental competition and firmly establishing his legacy as a strong presence in goal.
Paul Millar
Towering Scottish striker Paul Millar at 2.08 meters established a reputation not only with his height but also with his imposing physical presence on the pitch as a centre-forward, equalling the record as the tallest player of all time in professional football history.
Millar's tenure with Elgin City in Scotland's League Two was the epicentre of his career, as he became rather prominent in the penalty area over this spell, netting 18 goals and dishing out 9 assists across 79 games.
Especially in closely contested games where his height could influence the outcome, his ability to use his aerial skills made him a vital player during set-piece situations, giving his team a unique tactical edge.
Beyond simply goals and assists, Millar's tenacity and strength were often vital in cup events, despite his goal-scoring record falling quite short of that of a prolific striker.
His one goal in two appearances in the Scottish League One Play-Offs highlights his knack for clutch performances at pivotal moments. Although without a club since 2016, Millar's influence in the lower levels of Scottish football, evidence of the advantages a commanding presence can provide a forward, has cemented him as the tallest striker and outfield player ever.
Martin Brennan
Though Martin Brennan's professional football career may not be notable in terms of league appearances, his extraordinary height guarantees his position in the annals of history as English football's tallest player.
Brennan soared at a startling 2.08 meters. During his short professional football career, he had a noteworthy appearance for Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy, where he displayed his goalkeeping abilities by keeping a clean sheet in a high-octane encounter.
Though Brennan lacked first-team experience, his impact was felt off the pitch, particularly in light of his commitment to developing young players in Fulham FC's junior system.
By mentoring the next generation of goalkeepers, using his unique physical characteristics, and utilising his vast experience, Brennan has had a long-lasting impact on the sport outside of the regular matchday limelight.
Tonny Brogaard
Although Tonny Brogaard, the Danish goalkeeper, had a short professional career, his incredible height and extended reach made him a major topic of discussion among top football players. He stood at a staggering 2.07-meter height.
With four appearances, Brogaard's most memorable professional career spell came with BK Frem in Denmark's first division. He showed promise by conceding just 12 goals and by keeping a clean sheet in the domestic cup competition, Oddset Pokalen.
Despite his short career, Brogaard's command of the penalty area—especially on set-pieces—showcased the possible benefits of height in goalkeeping, where reach and reaction times are vital in high-pressure occasions. Fans of the great diversity of physical characteristics and playing techniques of the game remain intrigued by his brief but impactful career in Danish football.
Isaak Touré
Standing at 2.06 meters, Isaak Touré is the tallest football player to grace the top 5 European divisions. His extraordinary height is matched by his impressive defensive ability, which testifies to his talent even at such a young age.
With outstanding tenures at Lorient and Auxerre, the French-Ivorian centre-back had acquired notable experience across several elite levels before his loan move to Udinese in Serie A.
Providing two goals and an assist in 48 games, his outstanding presence in Ligue 1 demonstrated his ability to combine technical skills with physicality, confirming his role as a flexible defensive asset. Just 21 years of age and still in the early phases of his trip, Touré has shown remarkable performance in seven Serie A games, having easily adjusted to the tactical requirements.
His involvement at the international youth level, particularly with France's U19 squad, shows a bright future where his height could prove to be a major advantage in both domestic and international contests, supporting his potential to develop into one of the most dominating defenders in the game in the next few years.
Kjell Scherpen
Highlights of Kjell Scherpen's career illustrate his versatility, tenacity, and amazing height—qualities that have helped him succeed in the highest levels of the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, and English Premier League. The very capable goalkeeper reaches 2.06 meters in height and is the tallest player to ever feature in the English FA Cup.
Scherpen has showcased his skills across several levels and developed himself into a competent shotstopper with a commanding physical presence. Boasting 62 Eredivisie appearances, he has recorded a commendable 13 clean sheets—a somewhat uninspiring accomplishment given the 104 goals he conceded in stints with Ajax and FC Emmen.
His experiences throughout several European football environments, especially during his notable spell at Sturm Graz in Austria, where he made 47 appearances and secured 12 clean sheets, clearly demonstrate his ability to adapt to different tactical requirements and footballing styles.
Although his spell with Brighton & Hove Albion was brief, with only one Premier League game, this does not diminish the larger narrative of Scherpen's career, as he is the tallest football player to ever play for an English club.
Kyle Hudlin
Towering at a remarkable 2.06 meters, Kyle Hudlin has become a major force among English lower league forwards with his extraordinary aerial prowess constantly driving defenders into a frenzy.
Hudlin's journey across several clubs, from his loan stint at Newport County to his 15-goal foray at Solihull Moors, reflects his adaptability and tenacity, as that season unveiled his aerial ability as well as his growing skill with box positioning and finishing. He morphed into a set-piece specialist at Solihull Moors, frequently the target for long passes and crosses using his height advantage.
Denys Tvardovskyi
Denys Tvardovskyi, who stands at an impressive 2.06 meters tall, is rapidly becoming one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe at just 21 years old, as he is really well-liked inside the Shakhtar Donetsk team.
Tvardovskyi is a strong reflection of the enduring legacy of Ukrainian football, with his outstanding shot-stopping ability and fast reflexes in the UEFA Youth League truly standing out.
In eight outings against high-calibre competition, he has remarkably secured three clean sheets and has only conceded 12 goals overall, proving his incredible poise under duress. These performances have definitely created ripples and attracted the keen eyes of scouts from elite European teams who find his imposing presence between the posts to be absolutely promising.
Early participation in the Ukrainian Premier League, with two senior squad outings for Shakhtar, emphasises Tvardovsky's meteoric ascent and readiness to shine at the top level.
As he continuously hones his abilities and expands his experience in elite events, Tvardovskyi stands out as a remarkable contender to meet long-term goalkeeping needs for club and country.
Pape Mamadou Sy
With an amazing height of 2.06 meters, Pape Mamadou Sy, having sharpened his unique skillset with years of fierce competitiveness, stands out as the tallest player to have featured for a national team.
Emphasised by his recent move to FC Metz in France's Ligue 1, Sy's path from the Belgian leagues to one of Europe's top divisions is rather remarkable.
This move to FC Metz is believed to be a turning point in his career as it, to some extent, guarantees his place as Senegal's first-choice goalkeeper and challenges some of the most talented athletes around. His international experience—especially in high-stress qualification—has made him a consistent goal scorer, ready to step up when most needed.
Given his ability to negotiate the rigorous demands of Ligue 1, his dominating presence is considered to be a major defensive asset, particularly in set-piece situations, as it assists to sufficiently offset aerial challenges presented by opposition teams.
Kevin Gadella
Kevin Gadellaa, a young Dutch goalkeeper, stands at an amazing height of 2.06 metres, making him one of the tallest football players in the world. Gadellaa, just 21 years old, is already making headlines in the cutthroat field of Dutch football by displaying extraordinary talent that cannot be overlooked.
He kickstarted his journey at Vitesse's junior divisions before notably moving to FC Utrecht's setup. Having made 31 appearances for Utrecht's U21 team, his successes in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie stand out.
He recorded 8 clean sheets, proving his ability to provide vital saves under continuous pressure despite 59 goals surrendered.
FC Utrecht promoted Gadellaa to their first-team lineup in mid-2024, indicating an approaching Eredivisie debut that showcases his great promise. He is a great barrier in aerial challenges and set-pieces with his outstanding wingspan and towering height covering a large portion of the goal.
His shot-stopping reflexes have been likened to some of the most exceptional Dutch goalkeepers of recent times, indicating his potential future value for the national team.