Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio has set a new benchmark in world football after recording his 1,391st professional appearance, surpassing former England international Peter Shilton.
The 44-year-old reached the milestone on Tuesday during Fluminense’s 2–0 victory over Colombia’s America de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 at the Maracana Stadium.
Fabio, who equalled Shilton’s record of 1,390 games at the weekend, now stands alone as the player with the most competitive appearances in men’s football. However, the record is yet to be officially recognised by FIFA or South America’s football governing body, CONMEBOL.
Speaking after the match, the veteran goalkeeper described the achievement as historic.
“Sometimes we don’t realise the importance of such a significant achievement as breaking a record that has stood for many years,” he said.
Supporters at the Maracana honoured Fabio with chants hailing him as “the best goalkeeper in Brazil,” while Fluminense officials presented him with a commemorative plaque.
Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho praised Fabio’s consistency and professionalism, noting that his longevity remains unmatched.
“No one plays so many matches without the level of commitment he has shown. It will be difficult for another player to surpass his record,” Gaucho said.
Fabio, who began his professional career in 1997, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. He featured 976 times for Cruzeiro between 2005 and 2022, after earlier spells with Uniao Bandeirante and Vasco da Gama, where he made 30 and 150 appearances respectively. His outing against America de Cali marked his 235th game for Fluminense.
He has also lifted major honours, including the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense in 2023, and played a key role in the club’s run to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in the United States earlier this year.
Shilton, who retired in 1997, was widely considered the record holder with 1,387 appearances, though Guinness World Records lists his tally at 1,390. Fabio has now moved beyond that mark, cementing his place in football history.
