Pavel Podkolzin: Former NBA Star Becomes Tallest Footballer in History, Video
- Podkolzin was selected 21st overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, then traded on draft night to the Dallas Mavericks
- The 7ft 4inch colossus as become an internet sensation following his historic professional football debut
- He made his official NBA debut in 2004 with the Mavericks, becoming one of the tallest players in league history
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Former National Basketball Association (NBA) center Pavel Podkolzin, at 40 years old, has shocked the sporting world again by switching courts for the pitch. Making his debut for FC Amkal Moscow in a Russian Cup tie against FC Kaluga, Podkolzin officially became the tallest professional footballer ever to grace the game.
After retiring from basketball in 2019, Podkolzin, at 7ft 4in (2.26m), had largely stepped out of the sporting spotlight. But a surprise call from Amkal's club president, a former teammate from his basketball days, changed everything.
Source: Getty Images
Encouraged to try his hand (and head) at football, the ex-NBA star began training with the Moscow-based club earlier this summer.
Podkolzin expressed his surprise and gratitude about participating in the Russian Cup, saying he was thankful for the chance and saw it as a great opportunity to be part of the sport.
Podkolzin, the tallest footballer in the world
Accordig to Gazeta Express, Pavel Podkolzin had to duck through the tunnel as he walked out to a stunned crowd in Kaluga on Tuesday, August 19. Towering over his teammates and opponents, the 7ft 4in striker stood just 18 centimetres shy of the crossbar, a visual anomaly that instantly made waves on social media.
Despite some predictably awkward footwork and heading technique, the giant showed flashes of promise in both attack and defence.
Source: Twitter
According to All Football, he nearly scored on debut after inadvertently deflecting a teammate’s shot inside the six-yard box — only to be denied by a sharp save from Kaluga’s goalkeeper.
“They had a good goalkeeper. I’ll try again in the next match.” Podkolzin said post-match.
Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Podkolzin's impact was felt across the pitch. He made a key clearance inside his own penalty box and held his ground during aerial battles, often without needing to leave his feet.
Watch a footage of Podkolzin's football debut below.
While the match itself ended in a 1-0 win for Amkal, courtesy of a first-half goal from David Papikyan, much of the buzz was reserved for Podkolzin’s unique debut. With his combination of size, charisma, and underdog appeal, he’s fast becoming a cult hero in Russian football circles.
Podkolzin is expected to feature again in the next round of the Russian Cup when Amkal travel to face Salyut-Belgorod on September 9.
He made his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks in 2004, standing out as one of the tallest players in league history at 7 feet 5 inches, going on to be selected 21st overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz.
Premier League's handsome footballers
YEN.com.gh earlier profiled 12 most handsome footballers in the Premier League, with the list including players from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.
When choosing their favorite footballers, fans mostly value their abilities on the pitch but could also consider their physical appeal.
Source: YEN.com.gh
