Fabio Nears All-Time Appearance Mark
Fluminense's legendary goalkeeper Fábio has achieved a remarkable milestone with 1,378 senior appearances since his 1997 debut, making him the oldest player at this year's Club World Cup. The 44-year-old Brazilian continues to defy age with outstanding performances.
In Monday's impressive 2-0 victory over Inter Milan, Fábio made four crucial saves - including a spectacular late block - to secure Fluminense's place in the quarter-finals against either Manchester City or Al-Hilal. His heroic performance against last season's Champions League runners-up showcased why he remains a vital asset for the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners.
Fábio's longevity makes even his 40-year-old teammate Thiago Silva seem youthful by comparison. Both players demonstrated remarkable endurance in the sweltering 33°C conditions during the match.
The veteran goalkeeper recently made history by surpassing Gianluigi Buffon's record with his 508th career clean sheet. Now, he sets his sights on an even more prestigious achievement: becoming football's all-time appearance record holder.
The Record Chase
According to official records, England's Peter Shilton currently holds the record with 1,390 appearances, though Shilton himself claims 1,387 appearances. The discrepancy arises from debates about which matches should count as senior appearances.
While Fábio has spent his entire career in Brazil and never represented his national team (despite winning the 1997 Under-19 World Cup), his consistency and longevity are undeniable. With his current contract running until 2026, the record appears within reach for the soon-to-be 45-year-old.
The Next Challenger
However, Fábio might not hold the record for long. Cristiano Ronaldo, still active at 40 with Al Nassr and Portugal, has already amassed 1,281 senior appearances. The prolific forward, who recently stated his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals, could potentially challenge Fábio's future record.
As Fábio continues his remarkable career, football fans worldwide watch with anticipation to see how these record chases unfold in the coming years.