Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen a multitude of exceptional talents, including a handful of the tallest soccer players in the world. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the top 10 tallest MLS soccer players.
As we countdown from the 10th tallest player to the tallest, we’ll explore what sets these players apart from the rest. We’ll examine their physical attributes, such as height and weight, as well as their technical skills, including speed, agility, and ball control.
We’ll also take a look at their career highlights and achievements, and how they’ve contributed to their team’s success. So, without further ado, let’s get started with our list of the top 10 tallest MLS soccer players of 2023.
Table of Contents
- 10. Fred Emmings – 6’5″ / 195cm
- 9. Joe Willis – 6’5″ / 195cm
- 8. Jack Elliott – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 7. Jackson Ragen – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 6. Javier Otero – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 5. Ben Lundt – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 4. Aimé Mabika – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 3. Ben Martino – 6’6″ / 198cm
- 2. Hunter Sulte – 6’7″ / 201cm
- 1. Matthew Nocita – 6’8″ / 203cm
10. Fred Emmings – 6’5″ / 195cm
Fred Emmings, a promising young talent, currently plays as a goalkeeper for Minnesota United FC in Major League Soccer. Born on February 8, 2004, in Saint Paul, USA, Emmings is only 19 years old and already making a name for himself in the league. Standing tall at 6’5″ (1.95m) and weighing 209 lbs, he holds the distinction of being one of the tallest players in MLS.
Fred began his soccer career at a young age, playing for Minnesota United FC’s youth teams before eventually making his way into the professional side. Having joined the club in January 2020, Emmings has been an essential part of Minnesota United FC’s growth, and his impressive height undoubtedly gives him an advantage as a goalkeeper.
Some of the key aspects of Emmings’ goalkeeping abilities include:
- Commanding presence in the box due to his height
- Strong aerial ability for dealing with crosses and set pieces
- Quick reflexes and agility despite his size
As his current contract with Minnesota United FC continues, Fred Emmings has a bright future ahead of him. With his impressive height and consistently developing skills, he can potentially become an influential player in the team and a notable figure in the world of soccer.
9. Joe Willis – 6’5″ / 195cm
Born on August 10, 1988, in St. Louis, USA, Joe Willis stands tall at an impressive height of 6’5″ and weighs 190 lbs. This makes him one of the tallest players in the league, securing his spot in our list of top 10 tallest MLS soccer players.
His journey in professional soccer began when he signed with D.C. United in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. After several seasons with the team, he moved to the Houston Dynamo. During his time with the Dynamo, Joe Willis showcased his talent by helping the team reach the Western Conference finals in the MLS playoffs.
In recent years, Joe Willis has continued to make a name for himself as a skilled goalkeeper. He now plays for Nashville SC in the MLS, where he has been delivering consistent performances.
Overall, Joe Willis’s height has certainly given him an edge in the world of professional soccer, allowing him to excel as a goalkeeper.
8. Jack Elliott – 6’6″ / 198cm
Jack Elliott, born on August 25, 1995, is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a center-back for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS). Born in London, England, to Scottish parents, Elliott began his soccer journey in his home country before making a name for himself in the United States.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters), Elliott is one of the tallest players in MLS and poses a significant aerial threat for the opposition. His height provides him with an advantage during set pieces and aerial duels, making him an essential asset in both defensive and offensive situations.
Despite his towering presence on the field, Elliott remains agile with a skillful ball mastery often seen in players of smaller stature. As a reliable center-back, he consistently dominates the defensive line and intercepts opposition attacks with ease.
Jack Elliott’s impressive performances for the Philadelphia Union, combined with his distinctive height, make him a notable figure in the MLS. Within the league’s vast array of talents, Elliott holds a unique space as a tall and skilled defender, ensuring his inclusion in the list of the top 10 tallest MLS soccer players.
7. Jackson Ragen – 6’6″ / 198cm
Jackson Ragen, born on September 24, 1998, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC. Standing at 6-foot-6, Ragen is not only the tallest player on the Seattle Sounders team but also the second tallest outfield player in MLS.
Before reaching the professional level, Ragen played for Seattle United from 2008 to 2016, after which he joined the Seattle Sounders FC Academy for one year during the 2016-2017 season. While with the Sounders U-18 team, he contributed to their third-place finish in the USSDA playoffs.
Following his time with the Sounders Academy, Ragen took his soccer career to the collegiate level. He played for the University of Michigan men’s soccer program, where he helped his team secure a victory against rival Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament.
Ragen’s impressive physical stature, coupled with his on-field skills and decision making, has led to his growth as a player. He signed with the Seattle Sounders FC on February 14, 2022, marking the start of his professional career.
With his height and on-the-field success, Jackson Ragen is an eye-catching player among the tallest MLS soccer players today. As he continues his career in Major League Soccer, this young defender will likely make an impact on the field, securing his place among soccer’s elite.
6. Javier Otero – 6’6″ / 198cm
Javier Otero, born on 18 November 2002, is a Venezuelan professional soccer player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro. Starting his career at the Orlando City academy, Otero joined the club in 2018 and quickly gained recognition for his skills.
Standing tall at an impressive height, Otero is considered one of the top 10 tallest Major League Soccer players. His height gives him a notable advantage in facing aerial threats, making him a valuable asset to his team’s defensive efforts. With his reach and athleticism, Otero consistently showcases an ability to cover the goal and make crucial saves during matches.
Influenced by renowned goalkeepers around the world, Otero has developed a playing style that combines strong shot-stopping techniques with quick reflexes, which are essential traits for a goalkeeper. Frequently praised for his calm demeanor and composure under pressure, Otero’s presence in the penalty area provides stability for the Orlando City B defense.
As Otero continues to develop and mature as a player in MLS Next Pro, he has shown great potential to contribute significantly to the success of Orlando City B. With a long and exciting career ahead of him, there is no doubt that Javier Otero is a young talent to watch in Major League Soccer.
5. Ben Lundt – 6’6″ / 198cm
Benjamin Maximilian Lundt, commonly known as Ben Lundt, is a German professional soccer player who stands out in the MLS due to his impressive height. Born on September 24, 1995, Ben is currently 27 years old and serves as the goalkeeper for St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer.
At 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall and weighing 220 lbs (99kg), Lundt is undoubtedly one of the tallest MLS players. His height gives him a commanding presence in the goal, providing him with an advantage in aerial challenges and improving his overall reach during saves.
Lundt’s professional career began when he was drafted by FC Cincinnati in the 2nd round (37th overall) of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft after playing for the University of Akron. Since then, he has been actively involved in the MLS, and his performances continue to aid his team in their journey through the league.
His ongoing career with St. Louis City SC showcases his commitment to the sport and the vital role he plays on the team.
4. Aimé Mabika – 6’6″ / 198cm
Aimé Mabika is a professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Mabika, standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), makes him one of the tallest players in MLS.
Born on April 25, 1998, Mabika started playing soccer in his home country, Democratic Republic of Congo, before moving to the United States.
He attended the University of Kentucky in 2016 to play college soccer. After redshirting his freshman season, Mabika played four seasons between 2017 and 2020, making 62 appearances for the Wildcats, scoring 10 goals, and tallying two assists.
In the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Mabika was selected by Inter Miami with its 26th overall pick. He then signed for Fort Lauderdale CF ahead of the 2021 season, before eventually joining Toronto FC in the MLS.
Here are some key stats and achievements for Aimé Mabika in his career so far:
- Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
- Position: Defender
- College: University of Kentucky
- College Appearances: 62
- College Goals: 10
- College Assists: 2
- MLS Draft: 26th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft
Mabika’s towering presence on the field, combined with his defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively when needed, makes him a valuable asset to his team. As a top 10 tallest MLS soccer player, Mabika’s physicality provides an advantage during aerial duels, set pieces, and marking opponents.
3. Ben Martino – 6’6″ / 198cm
Ben Martino, born September 13, 2002, is currently one of the tallest professional soccer players in Major League Soccer (MLS). Playing as a goalkeeper for Nashville SC, Ben commands a powerful presence on the field thanks to his impressive height.
Standing at 6’6″ (1.98 meters), Martino takes full advantage of his height in matches. As a goalkeeper, a significant height contributes to better aerial control and greater reach, which are crucial aspects when it comes to preventing goals. Moreover, taller players may naturally benefit from their longer limbs and stronger physiques.
In MLS, Martino is known for his dedication to his craft and being a valuable asset to Nashville SC. The club recognized his potential early on and signed him to a Homegrown deal, as seen here. This status enables the player to enjoy certain privileges, such as supplemental slots, making him an even more integral part of the team’s roster.
2. Hunter Sulte – 6’7″ / 201cm
Hunter Sulte is a 6’7″ tall goalkeeper currently playing for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS). At this towering height, he holds the title of the tallest goalkeeper in MLS history. Born on April 25, 2002, in Anchorage, Alaska, Sulte is also notable for being the second youngest goalkeeper to ever start in the professional soccer league.
Sulte was signed as a Homegrown Player by the Portland Timbers on November 11, 2020. His MLS debut took place on May 1, 2021, against FC Dallas. Despite the Timbers losing that game 4-1, Sulte made a significant impact with his performance, making two notable saves.
Apart from his impressive stature and young age, Hunter Sulte’s Alaskan roots also set him apart. He is only the second player from Alaska to sign an MLS contract. This achievement highlights the potential of talented players from less traditional soccer regions.
Beyond his work on the field, Sulte is showing promise in his athleticism and ability to adapt to the competitive nature of MLS. With a market value of €100k, he continues to demonstrate his value as a rising star and a goalkeeper to watch in the coming years.
1. Matthew Nocita – 6’8″ / 203cm
Matthew Nocita is a 23-year-old professional soccer player who currently plays as a center-back for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS). At a towering height of 2.03 meters (6 feet 8 inches), Nocita is undoubtedly the tallest player in the MLS.
Before joining the New York Red Bulls, Nocita had an impressive college soccer career. He was a four-year letterman at the United States Naval Academy, making 59 starts and logging 5,389 minutes on the field. During his time there, he earned the title of Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year three times.
As a center-back, Nocita’s primary role is to defend his team’s goal against the opposing team’s forwards. His great height and strong physical presence contribute significantly to his ability to intercept passes, block shots, and win aerial challenges. Furthermore, his defensive skills have led to his market value estimated at €100k.
Off the field, Nocita’s achievements include:
- Scoring three goals and providing one assist during his college soccer career.
- Earning two game-winning goals against Saint Peter’s and Mount St. Mary’s during the 2019 season.
With his impressive height and proven track record as a strong defender, Matthew Nocita is an asset to the New York Red Bulls and to the MLS as a whole.
