World’s Tallest Footballer: Pavel Podkolzin Stands 17cm Taller than the Goalpost

Pavel Podkolzin, once known as a towering presence on the basketball court, has now stepped into the football arena — and instantly captured global attention. The reason is simple: his height. Standing at an astonishing 2.26 metres (7 feet 4 inches), the former NBA player has now been recognised as the tallest footballer in the world.

Clips of his debut have gone viral on social media. In one video, Pavel is seen pushing past an opponent to win the ball, only to lose possession moments later, after which he pats the rival player on the back in consolation. Another video shows him ducking significantly to enter the dressing room, while his teammates gaze up at him as though looking at the sky.

Although Podkolzin had a name in basketball, football was never his primary sport. He previously played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA but has long battled acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that causes abnormal growth. After a long hiatus, the 40-year-old Russian has now made his professional football debut, looking almost like a “giant on the pitch”.

On Tuesday, he appeared for Amkal Moscow in the Russian Cup. The club, founded in 2018, is composed mainly of celebrities, but the tournament itself is not purely amateur. With the Russian Football Union’s authorisation, both professional and amateur players can participate — giving Podkolzin the platform to create history.

Tallest Footballers in the World

Podkolzin surpasses them all, standing 17 centimetres taller than the goalpost crossbar.

Podkolzin’s NBA career was brief. Drafted 21st overall in 2004 by the Utah Jazz, he was later traded to Dallas Mavericks, where he managed only six appearances. Returning to Russia, he played in the Russian Super League.

In his football debut against Kaluga, he started as a defender but was substituted after 19 minutes. Despite his towering frame giving him an aerial advantage, he missed a golden opportunity to score with a header from a corner.

Nevertheless, his team Amkal secured a 1–0 victory. Speaking to Baza News afterwards, Podkolzin expressed his gratitude: “To step onto the field was a wonderful opportunity for me. Playing in the Russian Cup is something special. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say — but I am truly grateful for this chance.”