The return of Ipswich Town goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen has reignited interest in the tallest footballers to have featured in Premier League history. Standing at 2.06m (6ft 9in), the Dutch goalkeeper is now the tallest player ever registered in the Premier League, according to the league’s official records. The Premier League on Tuesday released an updated list of the tallest players to have graced England’s top flight, with goalkeepers dominating the rankings thanks to their imposing physical presence.
Top 14 Tallest Players in Premier League History
- Kjell Scherpen – 2.06m (6ft 9in) – Ipswich Town
The Dutch goalkeeper returned to the Premier League after joining newly promoted Ipswich Town from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Scherpen previously belonged to Brighton & Hove Albion but did not make a league appearance before loan spells in the Netherlands and Austria.
2. Lucas Bergstrom – 2.05m (6ft 9in) – Chelsea
The Finland international goalkeeper came through Chelsea’s academy and was part of the club’s senior squad. Although he did not feature in the Premier League, he remains one of the tallest players registered in the competition’s history.
3. Carlos Miguel (2.04m/6ft 8in)
The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in 2024. Known for his commanding aerial presence, he became one of the tallest players ever registered in the Premier League
4. Costel Pantilimon (2.03m/6ft 8in)
Romanian goalkeeper Pantilimon enjoyed Premier League spells with Manchester City, Sunderland and Watford. He remains one of the tallest players to have made regular appearances in England’s top flight.
5. Nikola Zigic (2.02m/6ft 8in)
The Serbian striker was renowned for his aerial dominance during his time at Birmingham City. His height made him one of the most distinctive centre-forwards to play in the Premier League.
6. Stefan Maierhofer (2.02m/6ft 8in)
The Austrian striker featured for Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2009/10 season. Despite making only a handful of Premier League appearances, he remains among the tallest outfield players in the competition’s history.
7. Illan Meslier (2.01m/6ft 7in)
The France goalkeeper established himself at Leeds United before joining Arsenal ahead of the 2026/27 season. His height and shot-stopping ability have made him one of the Premier League’s most imposing goalkeepers.
8. Lorenzo Lucca (2.01m/6ft 7in)
The towering Italian striker joined Nottingham Forest after impressing in Serie A. Lucca is regarded as one of Europe’s most dangerous aerial forwards.
9. Peter Crouch (2.01m/6ft 7in)
One of the Premier League’s most recognisable figures, Crouch represented Aston Villa, Southampton, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City, Liverpool and Burnley. He scored more than 100 Premier League goals and became renowned for his aerial ability and trademark robot celebration.
10. Dan Burn (2.01m/6ft 7in)
The Newcastle United defender has also played for Fulham, Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite his height, Burn has excelled both at centre-back and left-back.
11. Thibaut Courtois (2.00m/6ft 6in)
The Belgian goalkeeper spent seven seasons at Chelsea, helping the club win two Premier League titles before moving to Real Madrid. He is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
12. Nick Woltemade (1.98m/6ft 6in)
The German forward joined the Premier League as one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers. His combination of height and technical ability has drawn widespread attention.
13. Nikola Milenkovic (1.95m/6ft 5in)
The Serbia international centre-back joined Nottingham Forest from Fiorentina and quickly established himself as a commanding presence in defence through his strength and aerial prowess.
14. Erling Haaland (1.95m/6ft 5in)
Manchester City striker Haaland has shattered goalscoring records since arriving from Borussia Dortmund. His blend of pace, power and finishing has made him one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards.
