The players with the most competitive appearances in world football history | OneFootball

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio has put his name in the record books after making the 1,391st competitive appearance of his professional career this week.

The 44-year-old reached the milestone after appearing for the Brazilian side against America de Cali in the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.

Fabio’s career has spanned almost three decades, with the South American shot-stopper making his professional debut in 1997. Since then, he’s represented União Bandeirante, Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro and Fluminense. He won the u-17 World Cup with Brazil in the late nineties but has never earned a senior cap for the national team. Fabio was, however, an unused squad member during the 2004 Copa America success.

The veteran featured as Fluminense reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and has now set a new football record. His 1,391st competitive appearance overtook the world record held by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton (1,390).

Another Englishman is third on the list. Former goalkeeper Paul Bastock made 1,284 career appearances with the bulk of his outings coming for Boston United.

Aside from Fabio, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other active player in the top five, with the Al-Nassr forward currently 108 appearances behind Fabio’s new record. He is also the only outfield player in the top five.

At four years Fabio’s junior and with no plans to halt his record-breaking career, the Portugal captain may have his sights set on another incredible landmark.

The players with the most competitive career appearances in world football history

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