Fabio Breaks Shilton’s Record for Most Games Played in Football History
Fabio, Photo: Marcelo Gonçalves/FFC
Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio Davison Lopez Maciel set a new record for the most official appearances in the history of global football last night, surpassing the previous record held by former England international Peter Shilton.
The Fluminense goalkeeper achieved this milestone during the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana round against America Cali, marking his 1,391st appearance. He played the match without conceding a goal, leading his team to a 0-0 win.
At 44, Fabio made his first official appearance back in 1997 and has dedicated his entire career to Brazilian football, representing clubs such as Uniao Bandeirante, Atletico Paranaense, Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro, and Fluminense.
The majority of his appearances (976) came while playing for Cruzeiro from 2005 to 2022, in addition to 150 matches for Vasco da Gama and 30 for União Bandeirante.
His record-breaking match on Tuesday was his 235th for Fluminense.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Shilton held the previous record with 1,390 caps, though he claims to have played 1,387 of those outside the national team.
Despite being part of the team that won the Under-17 World Cup, Fabio has never played for the senior Brazil national team but is now officially recognized as the record holder for total appearances.
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