Top 10 Tallest Volleyball Players in the World

Key Takeaways

• The tallest stars, like Morteza Mehrzad (8'1") and Valeria Kozlova (6'10"), show how height can dominate at the net.

• Height is an advantage for spiking and blocking in volleyball, but it doesn’t guarantee team success.

• Shorter players shine in roles like libero and setter thanks to their speed, strategy, and court awareness.

• Player height varies by position, with middle blockers being the tallest and liberos the shortest.

• Genetics matter, but proper nutrition, sleep, posture, and supplement intake can help teens reach full growth potential.

• Volleyball success depends on skill, not just size, proving great players come in all heights.
  
  

Top 5 Tallest Male Volleyball Players in the World

From Paralympic legends to international superstars, these five towering athletes don’t just stand tall, they also dominate the game with power, skill, and presence. Here are the top 5 names making waves in global volleyball.

Morteza Mehrzad

• Height: 8'1" (246 cm)
• Position: Outside hitter
• Date of birth: September 17, 1987
• Club: Iran sitting volleyball team

Morteza Mehrzad is the tallest volleyball player in history and one of the most inspiring characters in sports. Born with acromegaly and left with one leg shorter after a bike accident, Mehrzad found purpose in sitting volleyball. Despite needing crutches off the court, his presence on it is unmatched. He led Iran to two Paralympic gold medals (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), earned the 2022 Golden Ball as Best Player, and helped Iran secure titles at the World ParaVolley Championship. His journey is a powerful reminder that limitations can become strengths.

Wutthichai Suksala

• Height: 7'4" (224 cm)
• Position: Middle blocker
• Date of birth: June 21, 1995
• Club: Nakhon Ratchasima (Thailand) & Thailand National Team

Wutthichai Suksala makes an impact every time he steps onto the court as Thailand’s tallest volleyball star. His height and timing have helped elevate Thailand’s international standing, particularly the 6th-place finish at the 2018 Asian Club Championship.

Maksim Sapozhkov

• Height: 7'2" (220 cm)
• Position: Opposite
• Date of birth: November 15, 2000
• Club: Russia National Team & Club-Level

At just 7′2″, this rising Russian star is redefining the opposite position with raw power and youthful intensity. Sapozhkov’s towering spikes and strong block presence have helped his club and national teams secure top finishes in both domestic leagues and European championships.

Dmitriy Muserskiy

• Height: 7'2" (218 cm)
• Position: Middle blocker / Opposite
• Date of birth: October 29, 1988
• Club: Suntory Sunbirds (Japan) & Russian National Team

Dmitriy Muserskiy is an Olympic gold medalist (London 2012), volleyball World Cup champion (2011), and European champion (2013). Now playing in Japan, he continues to dominate with his signature high-flying attacks and elite blocking. His name is etched in volleyball history.

Renan Buiatti

• Height: 7'1" (217 cm)
• Position: Opposite
• Date of birth: January 10, 1990
• Club: Brazil National Team & Various Clubs in Brazil & Italy

Renan Buiatti, Brazil's gentle giant, is known for his blend of strength and finesse. He’s helped Brazil earn podium finishes in the World Championships, Pan American Cup, and FIVB Nations League, standing tall on both ends of the court with powerful spikes and solid defense.

Top 5 Tallest Female Volleyball Players in the World

On the women’s side, these five names are among the tallest female volleyball players competing today, also setting amazing records and making big plays.

Valeria Kozlova

• Height: 6’10” (209 cm)
• Position: Opposite
• Date of birth: November 2, 2005
• Club: Zarechie Odintsovo

Valeria Kozlova stands as one of the tallest female players in volleyball history. Her impressive stature made her a key opposite hitter for a top Russian club. Though no longer active, her height remains a benchmark in women’s volleyball.

Alba Hernández

• Height: 6'9" (207 cm)
• Position: Middle blocker
• Date of birth: October 3, 1994
• Club: Criollas de Caguas

Alba Hernández dominates at the net with her quick reflexes and massive block radius. Her height and timing have made her a key player for her current club as well as the Puerto Rican national team.

Merete Lutz

• Height: 6'9" (206 cm)
• Position: Opposite
• Date of birth: November 7, 1994
• Club: Formerly played for clubs in the USA, Italy, Japan & Korea

Merete Lutz began her rise at Stanford and went on to compete professionally in Europe and Asia. Her combination of height and volleyball IQ makes her a powerful force on the right side.

Dana Rettke

• Height: 6’8” (204 cm)
• Position: Middle blocker
• Date of birth: January 21, 1999
• Club: Eczacıbaşı Dynavit

Dana Rettke transitioned seamlessly from NCAA star to professional standout. She currently plays for Vero Volley Milano in Italy’s Serie A1 and represents the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Magdalena Stysiak

• Height: 6’8” (203 cm)
• Position: Opposite
• Date of birth: December 3, 2000
• Club: Fenerbahçe Opet

Magdalena Stysiak, a rising star in international volleyball, currently plays for powerhouse club Fenerbahçe Opet in Turkey. Her height, combined with her aggressive attacking style, makes her a constant scoring threat on the outside.

Does Height Matter In Volleyball?

There’s no denying that taller players often dominate near the net. Their greater reach gives them a natural advantage in blocking and spiking. A 2017 study on elite men’s volleyball confirmed that both height and weight significantly contribute to attack and block efficiency, especially for middle blockers, who are typically the tallest athletes on the team [1].

But does height alone guarantee victory? Not exactly.

Another analysis found that while tall players generally block and hit more effectively, the link between height and overall team success is only moderate (r ≈ 0.267–0.319) [2]. That means the tallest team doesn’t always win, and that’s where things get interesting.

Some of the most strategic positions in volleyball, like libero and setter, are often filled by shorter players. These athletes rely on speed, court vision, and quick decision-making. For instance, Ella de Jesus, standing just 5 feet 1 inch (154 cm), is the shortest professional volleyball player in the Philippines, but she’s also one of the fiercest ones. Playing as a libero, she turned what some see as a disadvantage into her greatest strength. Her relentless defense, court awareness, and passion for the game have earned her widespread respect on both the club and national stages.

So yes, height helps, especially in front-row positions, but it’s not the whole story. With the right combination of training, mental sharpness, and teamwork, you can still rise and shine at the highest levels.

How Tall is an Average Volleyball Player?

Height can be an advantage in volleyball, but not all pros are towering giants. Here's a closer look at how tall elite players are, based on their position and gender. These stats offer a useful perspective, especially for young athletes and parents wondering how their height compares.

* Data sourced from JokerMag

While height plays a key role at the net, the range across positions shows how diverse volleyball is. From towering middle blockers to lightning-fast liberos, every role requires a different strength. And with over 10% of national-level players under 6 feet, it's clear that greatness in volleyball comes in all sizes.

Can You Increase Your Height by Playing Volleyball?

Your height is mostly determined by genetics, but the habits you build, especially during your teen years, can either support or limit that potential. In other words, volleyball won’t directly add inches overnight, but it supports the habits that fuel healthy growth.

When you play volleyball, you're constantly jumping, sprinting, stretching, and building strength, all of which stimulate growth hormone production and improve bone health. According to experts, these physical activities, when paired with the right nutrition and sleep routine, create ideal conditions for your maximum natural height.

Tips for Maximizing Growth

Start with nutrition as your body needs consistent fuel to build strong bones and muscle. Prioritize whole foods like lean proteins, dairy or calcium-rich alternatives, leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and fruits. At the same time, limit junk food, sugary drinks, and overly processed meals that may interfere with nutrient absorption.

Sleep is just as important. Teenagers should aim for 8 to 10 hours of quality rest each night, as most growth hormones are released during deep sleep. That means keeping a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.

Good posture often gets overlooked but has a real impact. Slouching or poor sitting habits can compress your spine and reduce your apparent height. Make a habit of sitting and standing tall.

Safe Supplements and Daily Routines

Even with a healthy diet, it’s not always easy to get all the nutrients your body needs, especially during rapid growth phases. That’s where high-quality supplements can be helpful. For instance, calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for strong, dense bones, while vitamin K2 plays a supportive role by helping calcium reach the right places in your body.

But supplements aren’t miracle workers. They work best when combined with regular meals, solid sleep, and consistent exercise. Always choose supplements that are made specifically for teens or growing children, ideally with clean, natural ingredients and no added hormones. 

And most importantly, talk to a healthcare professional before starting any supplement plan to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your needs.

In Conclusion,

The tallest volleyball players captivate with their power and presence, using their height to dominate at the net and elevate their teams. But while height is a clear advantage, it’s not the only way to success. Volleyball thrives on skill, teamwork, and strategy, and many shorter players have proven that agility and precision can rival pure reach.

FAQs

Which country has the tallest female volleyball players?

The countries with the tallest female volleyball players are Russia and Canada, according to VolleyBox. Countries like Puerto Rico, France, and the USA also feature tall female volleyball athletes.

The tallest players on a volleyball team usually play which position?

The tallest players on a volleyball team usually play the middle blocker or opposite positions. These roles require height and reach to effectively block opponents’ attacks and perform high-powered spikes at the net.

Who is the tallest female volleyball player?

The tallest female volleyball player currently active is Alba Hernández, who stands at 6′9″ (207 cm). She plays as a middle blocker for the Puerto Rican national team.

The video below features some of the tallest women’s volleyball players.

Is 5’7” tall for volleyball?

Yes, 5’7” can be a good height for volleyball, particularly for certain positions like libero. For middle blockers or outside hitters, this is shorter than the typical professional level, but it remains competitive if you have a sharp technique and a powerful vertical leap.

Who is the 8 foot tall volleyball player?

The 8-foot-tall volleyball player is Morteza Mehrzad from Iran. He stands at 8’1” (246 cm), making him the tallest volleyball player in history. He plays sitting volleyball for the Iranian national team and has been a key contributor to Iran’s success, including two Paralympic gold medals (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).

What is the perfect height for volleyball?

The perfect height for volleyball depends on the position you play.

• For middle blockers and opposite hitters, the ideal height is typically 6′2″ to 6′6″ for women and 6′6″ to 6′10″ for men.

• Outside hitters usually fall in the 6′0″ to 6′4″ range for women and 6′4″ to 6′8″ for men.

• Setters are slightly shorter on average, around 5′9″ to 6′1″ for women and 6′1″ to 6′5″ for men.

• Liberos, who focus on defense and don’t play at the net, often range from 5′5″ to 5′9″ for women and 5′9″ to 6′1″ for men. 

Regardless of how tall you are, strong skills, speed, and game sense are just as important as height.

References

[1] Stamm, Raini & Stamm, Meelis & Jairus, Aleksander & Toop, Reino & Tuula, Reeda & João, Paulo. (2017). Do height and weight play an important role in block and attack efficiency in high-level men's volleyball?. Papers on Anthropology. 26. 64. 10.12697/poa.2017.26.1.05. https://ojs.utlib.ee/index.php/PoA/article/view/poa.2017.26.1.05.

[2] Bruin Sports Analytics. (2021). The Importance of Height in Volleyball. Retrieved from https://www.bruinsportsanalytics.com/post/height-importance-volleyball

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