Who Is the Tallest Footballer in the World?

By Sarah Miller · July 22, 2051

The tallest professional footballer in the world is Sofien Moussa, a Tunisian-born striker who stands at an astonishing 2.11 meters (6 feet 11 inches). While some sources mention other exceptionally tall players like Kristof Van Hout and Erlend Holmlund, Moussa holds the verified record for height among active and documented professional players.

Who Holds the Record for Tallest Footballer?

Sofien Moussa, born in 1990, is recognized as the tallest professional footballer globally. His extraordinary height of 2.11 m (6'11") surpasses even the tallest goalkeepers and defenders in top leagues. Though not widely known due to limited appearances in elite competitions, his physical stature has drawn international attention.

Why Height Matters in Football

Height provides advantages in aerial duels, especially during set-pieces.
Taller defenders and goalkeepers can cover more vertical space.
Physical presence can disrupt opponents’ strategies and boost team morale.
However, excessive height may impact agility, speed, and injury risk.

Other Notable Tall Football Players

While Sofien Moussa tops the list, several other players are remarkably tall and have had significant careers:

Kristof Van Hout – Former Belgian goalkeeper, 2.06 m (6'9")
Erlend Holmlund – Norwegian defender, 2.05 m (6'8.5")
Per Mertesacker – Ex-Germany international, 1.98 m (6'6")
Nikolai Mäenpää – Finnish goalkeeper, 2.02 m (6'7.5")
Simon Storey – Australian player, 2.03 m (6'8")

Height Comparison Among Top-Tier Players

Player	Nationality	Position	Height (m)	Height (ft)	Club (Last/Current)
Sofien Moussa	Tunisia	Striker	2.11	6'11"	FC Botoșani (Romania)
Simon Storey	Australia	Defender	2.03	6'8"	Caroline Springs George Cross
Nikolai Mäenpää	Finland	Goalkeeper	2.02	6'7.5"	Yverdon-Sport (Switzerland)
Erlend Holmlund	Norway	Defender	2.05	6'8.5"	KFUM-Kameratene Oslo
Kristof Van Hout	Belgium	Goalkeeper	2.06	6'9"	Retired (ex-Club Brugge)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that goalkeepers and defenders dominate the upper echelon of player height, with most exceeding 2.02 meters. Sofien Moussa’s 2.11 m height is a significant outlier, making him over 5 cm taller than the next tallest documented professional. This extreme stature presents both unique tactical benefits and biomechanical challenges.

Can Extreme Height Be a Disadvantage?

Despite the obvious aerial advantages, being extremely tall in football comes with trade-offs:

Mobility limitations: Taller players often struggle with acceleration and quick directional changes.
Injury susceptibility: Increased stress on joints, particularly knees and ankles.
Balancing issues: Higher center of gravity can affect coordination and stability.
Youth development: Late growth spurts may delay skill acquisition compared to peers.

Coaches must tailor training programs to mitigate these risks while maximizing aerial dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tallest Footballers

Who is the tallest footballer ever recorded?

Sofien Moussa, standing at 2.11 meters (6'11"), is the tallest officially recorded professional footballer in history. He played in Tunisia, Romania, and Cyprus, primarily as a center forward.

Is there any Premier League player over 7 feet tall?

No, there has never been a Premier League player officially recorded over 7 feet (2.13 m). The tallest were goalkeepers like Peter Crouch (6'7") and Ørjan Nyland (6'6"), well below seven feet.

Does height improve performance in football?

Height enhances performance in specific roles—especially central defense and goalkeeping—by improving aerial reach and presence. However, it does not guarantee success, as technical skill, positioning, and agility remain critical.

Who is the tallest active goalkeeper in 2025?

As of 2025, Nikolai Mäenpää from Finland, standing at 2.02 m (6'7.5"), is among the tallest active goalkeepers. Others include Lars Unnerstall (2.02 m) and Matěj Luksch (2.04 m).

Has FIFA recognized Sofien Moussa as the tallest player?

FIFA does not maintain an official record for tallest player, but multiple reputable sports databases—including Transfermarkt and RSSSF—list Sofien Moussa at 2.11 m, making him the most widely accepted holder of this distinction.