When people think of towering basketball players, names like Gheorghe Mureșan and Yao Ming often come to mind. But in recent years, another name has captured worldwide attention — Robert Bobroczkyi. Standing at an incredible 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m) tall, Robert is not just one of the tallest basketball players in history, but also one of the most fascinating figures in sports due to his unique background, athletic journey, and even his surprising move into acting.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the life and career of Robert Bobroczkyi — his early years, basketball career, challenges, and where he is today.
Early Life of Robert Bobroczkyi
Born on July 17, 2000, in Arad, Romania, Robert comes from an exceptionally tall family. His father, Zsigmond Bobróczky, stands at 7 ft 1 in (2.17 m) and played professional basketball alongside Romanian NBA legend Gheorghe Mureșan. His mother, Brunhilde, is also remarkably tall at 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m) and played volleyball and handball.
Robert’s growth was astonishing from a young age:
-
At 8 years old, he was already taller than his mother at 6’2″.
-
By 12, he had grown to 7’2″ — taller than his father.
-
By high school, he reached 7’7″, making him one of the tallest teenagers in the world.
Doctors have studied his growth extensively, but unlike many extremely tall individuals, Robert’s height comes from healthy genetics rather than hormonal disorders or gigantism.
Youth Career in Europe
In 2014, Robert was recruited by A.S. Stella Azzurra, an Italian basketball academy that developed NBA star Andrea Bargnani. His skills — particularly shooting and passing — drew attention, and his height made him nearly unstoppable against shorter competition.
However, his size also posed challenges. He was underweight (around 190 lbs at 7’7″) and had limited endurance, which often restricted his playing time. Despite this, videos of him playing went viral in 2016, making him an internet sensation.
Moving to the United States
In 2016, Robert moved to the U.S. to join the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio — the same prep school that later gained fame for training LaMelo Ball. His coaches focused on strengthening his body and adapting him to the fast-paced, physical style of American basketball.
Robert made his high school debut on January 14, 2017, but was placed on minute restrictions to avoid injuries and build stamina gradually.
By 2018, he was also attending Grand River Academy in Ohio while continuing basketball development.
College Basketball at Rochester Christian University
In July 2020, Robert committed to play for Rochester Christian University in Michigan. Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his college journey, he returned to the court in the 2021–2023 seasons.
At Rochester, his surname was officially listed as Bobroczkyi, a spelling variation he has carried throughout his career.
Beyond Basketball – Acting in Hollywood
While many knew Robert for his basketball journey, he took an unexpected turn in 2024, making his acting debut in the sci-fi horror film Alien: Romulus. He played a Human-Xenomorph hybrid mutant, credited as “Offspring”, using his remarkable stature to bring a terrifying character to life.
This role has opened new doors for Robert beyond sports, showing that his unique presence can also shine in film.
Personal Life
-
Shoe size: US 17
-
Inseam: 57 inches (140 cm) — longer than most people’s full height.
-
Languages: Robert is multilingual, speaking Romanian, Hungarian, English, Serbian, and Italian.
Robert Bobroczkyi Today
As of 2025, Robert Bobroczkyi is 25 years old. While he hasn’t pursued a professional basketball career at the highest levels, he remains an inspiring figure admired for his perseverance and ability to turn challenges into opportunities. His story continues to resonate with fans around the world who follow his journey both on and off the court.
Why Robert Bobroczkyi Stands Out
-
Extraordinary Height: At 7’7″, Robert is among the tallest players in basketball history.
-
Global Attention: From viral videos in Europe to his U.S. high school debut, he’s always been a media sensation.
-
Adaptability: Despite physical challenges, Robert pursued both basketball and acting.
-
Inspiration: His journey proves that uniqueness can be both a challenge and a gift.
Final Thoughts
The story of Robert Bobroczkyi is not just about basketball — it’s about resilience, adaptability, and embracing uniqueness. From his early days towering over classmates in Romania, to playing in the U.S., and now appearing on the big screen, Robert continues to inspire people worldwide.
Whether he’s remembered as one of the tallest basketball players ever or as a rising figure in film, one thing is certain: Robert Bobroczkyi’s name will always stand tall.
