Football is a sport that thrives on the wide variety of physical attributes its players bring to the pitch. While nimble and agile players often dazzle with their technical ability, there’s something truly captivating about the towering figures, who stand head and shoulders above their peers.
The Premier League, the world’s most-watched football competition, has seen its fair share of giants – players whose mere presence on the field can send a ripple through opposition teams. Let’s take a journey through time and look at the top 8 tallest players to ever step onto the hallowed turf of the Premier League.
Here Are The Top 8 Tallest Premier League Players of All-Time
8. Stefan Maierhofer – 202 cm
Stefan Maierhofer’s time at Wolverhampton Wanderers may have been brief, but at 202 cm, the Austrian striker stood out as one of the tallest players in the Premier League. Despite his imposing size, Maierhofer was often seen as a backup option for Wolves during the 2010-2011 season.
Although his appearances were limited, he was always a target for long balls into the box, where his size and ability to win aerial duels were assets. In the brief moments he was on the pitch, his height made him a recognizable figure, a giant in the league for a fleeting time.
7. Nikola Zigic – 202 cm
Nikola Zigic, at 202 cm, was another Premier League striker who utilized his height to his advantage, particularly in the air. The Serbian forward’s time at Birmingham City is fondly remembered by supporters, especially during the club’s League Cup win in 2011.
Zigic was an important part of that team, often acting as a physical presence in attack. While he didn’t score as prolifically as other strikers, his ability to hold up the ball and challenge defenders was invaluable. His long legs and towering stature made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
6. Peter Crouch – 202 cm
Peter Crouch’s name is synonymous with tall footballers in the Premier League. Standing at 202 cm, he became a household name due to his exceptional ability to score with his head. Crouch played for several clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Stoke City.
His most famous moment came in 2006 when he scored a stunning volley for England against Jamaica—tall and talented. Crouch’s aerial dominance, particularly in set-piece situations, made him a constant threat in the box. His gangly frame and self-deprecating humor only added to his charm, making him a fan favorite for years.
5. Lacina Traore – 203 cm
Lacina Traore’s brief stint in the Premier League left a lasting impression thanks to his towering presence at 203 cm. Joining Everton in 2013, the Ivorian striker was brought in as a target man—an aerial threat that defenders dreaded.
Unfortunately, his time at Goodison Park was marred by injuries and a lack of game time, but those who saw him play recall his exceptional height as a clear advantage. Even in his short spell, Traore’s stature made him one of the most memorable “giants” to play in the league.
4. Costel Pantilimon – 203 cm
Costel Pantilimon is one of the more successful tall players in Premier League history. Standing at 6'8", the Romanian goalkeeper made waves with his imposing figure between the posts. A backup at Manchester City during their title-winning seasons, Pantilimon found more regular playing time at Sunderland and Watford, where he showcased his shot-stopping ability and his dominance in the air.
Despite not always being the first-choice keeper, Pantilimon’s height was his standout feature, and his performances for clubs in the Premier League have ensured his place as one of the tallest players to ever play in England’s top flight.
3. Carlos Miguel – 204 cm
The Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, at 204 cm, is a newer addition to the Premier League landscape. Signed by Nottingham Forest in 2024, he is still finding his feet in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
While his senior appearances have been limited so far, his imposing stature is already a key part of his identity on the pitch. As Miguel continues to grow in confidence and experience, there’s little doubt that his towering frame will become a more familiar sight in Premier League games, with his future looking promising.
2. Lucas Bergstrom – 205 cm
A towering figure in Chelsea's youth ranks, Lucas Bergstrom stands at 205 cm. The Finnish goalkeeper has yet to make his senior debut in the Premier League, but his potential is undeniable.
Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, Bergstrom represents the club's commitment to developing towering talents for the future. His height will likely prove to be a huge asset as he progresses in his career, whether in the Premier League or beyond. If he is called upon, his presence in goal will be hard to ignore.
1. Kjell Scherpen – 206 cm
At a staggering 206 cm, Kjell Scherpen is among the tallest players to ever grace the Premier League, though his time at Brighton & Hove Albion was fleeting. The towering Dutch goalkeeper made only a single Premier League appearance, but his height made him an impossible figure to overlook.
Despite his limited game time in England, Scherpen is still a notable presence in European football, having played for clubs like Ajax and Vitesse. As a keeper, his height gives him an advantage in commanding his penalty box, but his journey in the Premier League was just beginning before he moved on.
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