7ft4in former NBA star becomes tallest footballer in history

A FORMER NBA star has become the tallest footballer EVER after making a dramatic change in sports.

Pavel Podkolzin made his official debut in football as he put on the kit of Amkal Moscow in the Russian Cup.

6 Pavel Podkolzin made his debut for Amkal Moscow

6 The former NBA star towered above everyone on the pitch

6 He had a chance to score with his head

6 He was subbed off during the Amkal victory

Towering star will best be remembered for his two-year spell at the Dallas Mavericks between 2004 and 2006.

He retired from basketball in 2019 and has since changed tracks to try his hand at football.

Podkolzin, 40, recently became a new player of Amkal and highlights of his astonishing debut from earlier this week have emerged.

He appeared in good spirits before the game as he was smiling in the tunnel despite having to duck through the doorway into it.

The 7ft4in tall ace stood literally head and shoulders over his team-mates and FC Kaluga opponents.

He appeared to be playing the backline and was involved in one clearance from the box.

Podkolzin did have a chance to score with his head from a corner but despite his height advantage was unable to win the header.

He was ultimately subbed off as Amkal were able to win the tie 1-0.

Fans reacted to Podkolzin's highlights from the match on social media.

One posted: "Is he taller than Peter Crouch ?"

A second wrote: "Like one of them players on EAFC pro clubs."

A third commented: "Man’s playing headers without jumping."

A fourth said: "7’4” on a football pitch is wild."

Another added: "He’s like Isak and Ekitike put together."

6 He used to play in the NBA Credit: Getty

6 He spent two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks Credit: Getty

Midfielder David Papikyan scored the only goal of the game in the first half to secure victory.

Speaking after the game, he insisted that he was grateful for the chance to play.

He told Baja News: "It's a great opportunity to be in this sport.

"I'm playing in the Russian Cup and, honestly, I don't know what to say. I'm grateful for it."

Podkolzin could have another chance to impress in the next round of the Russian Cup in the clash against Salyut-Belgorod on September 9.