Who Is the Tallest Player in the World
The tallest professional player in the world is Sultan Kösen, a Turkish farmer and former competitive high jumper who holds the Guinness World Record for tallest living man. His verified standing height is 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm), measured without shoes by Guinness adjudicators, making him the tallest athlete to compete in organized sports at the elite level. Sultan Kösen has represented Turkey in international exhibitions and remains the most widely recognized tallest player in the world across multiple sports formats.
Kösen officially received the Guinness World Record for tallest living man in 2011, and his height has been re-measured at official Guinness events in subsequent years to confirm the record. His stature is attributed to a pituitary gland condition that caused excessive growth hormone production, a factor documented by Guinness and medical sources. Guinness maintains a public profile for Sultan Kösen, noting his measurements, career highlights, and appearances at global events.
Tallest Players by Sport and Verified Records
In basketball, the tallest player in the world is often cited as Paul Sturgess, a British athlete who played in the NBA G League and stands 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm). In volleyball, the tallest professional players include players such as Robertlandy Simón from Cuba, who stands 7 feet 3 inches (221 cm) and has competed in top international leagues and the Olympics. In American football, the tallest players in the NFL have reached around 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), with several recent draft picks listed at that height by the league and team media guides.
In soccer, the tallest professional players have included Kristof Van Hout, a Belgian goalkeeper who stands 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm) and has played in the Belgian Pro League and Eredivisie. In handball, tall goalkeepers regularly exceed 6 feet 7 inches (200 cm), with league rosters in European top divisions listing multiple players above that mark. Guinness and official league websites publish player height data that allows direct comparison across sports and countries.
How Height Is Measured and Verified for Athletes
Guinness World Records uses standardized measurement protocols for height records, requiring athletes to be measured barefoot by an official adjudicator using a stadiometer or wall-mounted measuring device. Measurements are taken in the morning, without shoes, and are documented with photographs and witness statements to ensure accuracy and prevent disputes. Guinness updates its records when new measurements are submitted and verified, which is why current rankings for the tallest player in the world can change over time.
Professional leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and top European football associations publish official height data for their players, often using team doctors and standardized protocols. The SEC and other regulatory bodies require accurate player information for eligibility and safety, and teams regularly update height figures in official media guides and league databases. These official sources help confirm the tallest player in the world in each sport and provide a reliable basis for comparisons across disciplines.