Fábio Breaks Shilton’s Record For Most Competitive Appearances — Full List Of Top Players

‎Fluminense goalkeeper, Fabio added another record to his long career, making his 1,391st competitive appearance this week.

‎The 44-year-old reached the milestone while playing for the Brazilian club against America de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16.

‎Fabio’s career has stretched nearly three decades, beginning with his professional debut in 1997. Since then, the South American goalkeeper has 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 helped Fluminense reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.

‎He has now made his 1,391st competitive appearance. That milestone surpasses the previous world record of 1,390 held by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

‎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

‎Fabio – 1,391*

‎Peter Shilton – 1,390

‎Paul Bastock – 1,284

‎Cristiano Ronaldo – 1,283*

‎Rogerio Ceni – 1,226