Before Brahim Takioullah talks about his Guinness World Records title or his experiences in film and media, he sums up his story through simple, everyday realities: the curious stares of passersby, the struggle to find clothes and shoes that fit, and the constant effort to adapt to a world not built for someone who stands 2.46 meters tall. From Guelmim to France, his journey has been shaped by a height that sets him apart, yet he has faced it all with calm composure, never exaggerating the challenges or allowing them to define him DR ‹ › Every time Brahim Takioullah steps out into the street, he knows all eyes will be on him. Some passersby ask for photos, while others simply stare in curiosity. If a day goes by without anyone turning to look at him, he even finds it unusual. Standing at 2.46 meters tall, he experiences daily life differently from most people, yet he speaks about his journey with striking simplicity and calm. Originally from Guelmim, Brahim began noticing a rapid growth spurt during his final year of middle school. At first, he and his family assumed it was natural and would eventually stop. Medical tests later revealed excessive growth hormone secretion. By the time he reached university and entered his twenties, he had grown to 2.46 meters, a height that reshaped his everyday life in many ways. From the beginning, Brahim chose to face his situation without isolation or self-pity. «I never considered my body a burden or an enemy, but a friend», he told Yabiladi. He decided to turn his uniqueness into a strength. After earning his degree, he moved to France in January 2007 to join his mother and continue his studies, entering a new phase marked by both challenges and opportunities. «If I go out and no one looks at me or asks for a picture, I start wondering: Did I shrink?» he says with humor. Driving: A Dream Limited by Costly Adaptations One of his biggest daily challenges has been finding suitable shoes and clothing. In both Morocco and France, appropriate sizes are rare and often expensive. At one point, a company asked him for €3,000 to make custom shoes, an amount he could not afford. Eventually, a German sponsor contacted him and began producing shoes for him, while also helping others facing similar difficulties worldwide. For clothing, he relies on tailors in Casablanca, who make his outfits and ship them to France, where custom garments are significantly more expensive. Driving has proven to be an even greater obstacle. Although he passed the theoretical exam, he was unable to complete the practical test because adapting a car to his height requires specialized equipment costing around 550,000 dirhams, in addition to complex administrative approvals from the relevant authorities. For everyday travel, he often books first-class train tickets or front-row airplane seats to secure enough space. Despite these constraints, Brahim remains composed. «Every time I face an obstacle, I look for a solution. I don't complicate things or blame my body», he says. Guinness Recognition and Media Career Strong family and social support have played a key role in his journey. He says no one ever made him feel different, and even strangers quickly adapt to his presence. This confidence helped him carve out a place in the media and entertainment world. After moving to France, he worked with Canal+ on Le Grand Journal, appearing in comedic sketches, which opened the door to further media opportunities. He went on to participate in several film projects in France and Belgium, including Chocolat and Alad'2 alongside Jamel Debbouze, as well as Kandisha, Apnée, and the series Hero Corp, in addition to various theater performances. However, offers declined during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and major roles became less frequent. In 2011, Guinness World Records contacted him and sent a team to verify his measurements at his home. He was officially recognized as the second tallest man in the world, after Turkey's Sultan Kösen (2.51 meters), and as the man with the largest shoe size in the world, measuring 58 centimeters. This recognition opened doors to international festivals and events, where he appeared alongside other record holders from around the globe.
