The heaviest active professional soccer player

You won’t believe what position the heaviest player played!

When you picture a professional soccer player, who comes to mind?

Height is a major advantage for goalkeepers, giving them better reach and dominance in the penalty area. In 2025, the tallest goalkeepers in the world continue to stand out with their impressive stature and shot-stopping abilities. Here’s a look at the fattest footballer this year

Lionel Messi (5’7″, 159 pounds)?Kylian Mbappé (5’10", 161 pounds)?Cristiano Ronaldo (6’1", 184 pounds)?

Most likely, you imagined a star player with an athletic, average-sized build. But have you ever wondered about the players at the extreme ends of the spectrum—particularly the heaviest footballers to ever take the pitch?

Today, we dive into the heaviest professional soccer players, both past and present, based on data from Stathead covering the Big Five European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1) and Major League Soccer (MLS).

Heaviest Players in Pro Soccer History

Jan Koller, FW – 238 Pounds

The heaviest professional soccer player in history

Standing at an imposing 6’7½” and weighing 238 pounds, Jan Koller holds the title of the heaviest professional footballer in the history of the Big Five European Leagues.

Initially a goalkeeper, Koller made the switch to striker and became a dominant force up front. His strength and aerial prowess led him to become the Czech Republic’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 91 appearances. His towering presence earned him the nickname “Dino,” and the media often referred to him as a “human lighthouse.”

Peter Schmeichel, GK – 225 Pounds

An iconic goalkeeper with a massive presence

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel is one of the heaviest goalkeepers ever recorded, weighing in at 225 pounds. His sheer size required custom-made XXXL jerseys.

During his career, Schmeichel won 15 major trophies with Manchester United, including five Premier League titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

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Bill Hamid, GK – 225 Pounds

The heaviest player in MLS history

Bill Hamid, a longtime shot-stopper for D.C. United, also weighed 225 pounds, making him the heaviest player in Major League Soccer history.

In 2010, he became the youngest goalkeeper to win an MLS match. By the time he left D.C. United in 2022, he was the franchise leader in saves (976) and shutouts (89).

Josh Wicks, GK – 225 Pounds

A globetrotting powerhouse

Born on a U.S. Army base in Germany, Josh Wicks carried his 225-pound frame across various leagues throughout his 12-year career. The American goalkeeper played for seven clubs, including the Vancouver Whitecaps, and became known for his agility despite his size.

José Manuel Pinto, GK – 220 Pounds

A La Liga veteran with championship experience

At 6’1" and 220 pounds, José Manuel Pinto played 16 seasons as a professional goalkeeper, primarily in La Liga. Starting with Celta de Vigo before joining Barcelona in 2008, he was part of three national championship-winning teams.

Bright Dike, FW – 220 Pounds

A powerful forward with an inspiring journey

One of the heaviest forwards in MLS history, Chinedu “Bright” Dike, weighed in at 220 pounds. After being drafted in the first round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and subsequently released, he fought his way back into the league, eventually playing for the Portland Timbers and the Nigerian national team.

More Heavyweight Players in Soccer History:

Aritz Aduriz (FW) – 218 Pounds

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – 218 Pounds

Darren Randolph (GK) – 216 Pounds

Rob Elliot (GK) – 216 Pounds

Andoni Cedrún (GK) – 214 Pounds

Ed de Goey (GK) – 214 Pounds

Michael Esser (GK) – 214 Pounds

Claus Reitmaier (GK) – 212 Pounds

Heaviest Active Professional Soccer Players

Evan Louro, GK – 225 Pounds

The heaviest active professional soccer player

Currently, FC Cincinnati’s Evan Louro holds the title of the heaviest active pro soccer player at 225 pounds. The former University of Michigan goalkeeper turned pro in 2017, signing with the New York Red Bulls. In 2021, he won the USL Championship Golden Glove after recording 14 shutouts for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Ben Lundt, GK – 220 Pounds

A rising star in MLS

After being selected in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Ben Lundt initially played on loan in the USL before signing with St. Louis City SC in 2023. At 220 pounds, he is one of the heaviest goalkeepers in MLS today.

Jannik Vestergaard, DF – 216 Pounds

Denmark’s defensive giant

At 6’6” and 216 pounds, Danish center-back Jannik Vestergaard has used his towering frame to his advantage throughout his career. After making a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen, and Borussia Mönchengladbach, he moved to Leicester City in the Premier League.

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Jonathan Tah, DF – 216 Pounds

One of the Bundesliga’s most physically imposing defenders

At 6’5" and 216 pounds, Jonathan Tah has been a defensive stalwart for Bayer Leverkusen since joining in 2015. The German international continues to dominate in the Bundesliga and on the international stage.

Sean Johnson, GK – 216 Pounds

An MLS veteran and U.S. National Team member

Sean Johnson, who currently plays for Toronto FC, has enjoyed a long and successful MLS career. After being selected in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he spent seven seasons with the Chicago Fire before moving to New York City FC. His consistent performances have earned him multiple call-ups to the U.S. National Team.

Final Thoughts

While soccer is often associated with agility and speed, the game has had its fair share of heavyweight players who defied expectations. Whether it’s the towering presence of Jan Koller up front, the shot-stopping strength of Peter Schmeichel, or the resilience of Bill Hamid, these players proved that size can be an asset in the beautiful game.

As the sport continues to evolve, new names will emerge on the list of heaviest players, but these legends have already left their mark on football history