Former 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, Podkolzin began training with the Moscow-based club earlier this summer.
“I’m playing in the Russian Cup and, honestly, I don’t know what to say,” Podkolzin told Baja News. “I’m grateful for it. It’s a great opportunity to be in this sport.”
Podkolzin, the tallest footballer in the world
Accordig to Gazeta Express, 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, Podkolzin showed flashes of promise in both attack and defence.
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.
However, the finer aspects of heading technique seem to be a work in progress — one missed opportunity saw the ball bounce clumsily off his shoulder during a corner kick.
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.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
