New Delhi: Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel has become the player with the most appearances in football history, according to his club Fluminense. Fabio has broken the record held by former England international Peter Shilton for most competitive appearances in world football.
The 44-year-old custodian played his 1,391st competitive game in the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana – the South American equivalent of the Europa League. His team emerged victorious 2-0 over America de Cali at the iconic Maracana stadium.
Since making his professional debut in 1997, Fabio has spent his entire career in Brazil. He has represented five clubs – Uniao Bandeirante, Atletico Paranaense, Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro and Fluminense – in his career so far.
Fabio spent the longest time at Cruzeiro, making a whopping 976 appearances between 2005 and 2022. He played 150 games for Vasco da Gama and 30 for Uniao Bandeirante.
His record-setting appearance on Tuesday was his 235th match for Fluminense.
Fabio surpasses Shilton for most appearances in world football
As per the Guinness Book of Records, Shilton, an English legend, held the record with 1,390 appearances. Although the player himself claimed he had played 1,387 (three fewer) than the recorded number.
As of now, Fabio is only being recognised by his club as the outright record holder after surpassing the 1,390 tally. The goalkeeper never represented Brazil in senior football despite winning the Under-19 World Cup in 1997.
Meanwhile, Shilton, 75, played 1,249 games in his club career and made 125 England appearances, taking his tally to 1,374 appearances.
According to England Football Online, Shilton also played 13 times for England Under-23s, which takes the tally to 1,387, which the English goalkeeper believes he has.
Should Shilton’s 13 U-23 appearances be counted as a senior appearance is debatable, but Fluminense recognised the record for their goalkeeper.
Fabio received special tribute from the club and fans before and after the match in Brazil. He wore a shirt with a special patch to celebrate the landmark achievement.
Most appearances in football history
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Fabio | 1,391 |
| Peter Shilton | 1,387 / 1,390 |
| Paul Bastock | 1,284 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 1,283 |
| Rogério Ceni | 1,226 |