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Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper, Fabio, holds the distinction of being the oldest player at this year’s Club World Cup.
Boasting an impressive 1,378 senior appearances and having debuted in 1997, he stands out as the tournament’s most seasoned competitor.
Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel of Fluminense has enjoyed a remarkable career, showing no signs of slowing down.
The 44-year-old delivered a stellar performance in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Inter Milan, propelling the Brazilian team into the Club World Cup quarter-final against Al-Hilal.
He made four crucial saves, including a vital late block, as the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions triumphed over this season’s Champions League runners-up, celebrating the victory with enthusiasm.
He even makes his 40-year-old teammate, Thiago Silva, seem relatively young, although both defied their age in the 33C heat.
Just four days prior, he achieved a record-breaking 507th clean sheet, surpassing former Italy international Gianluigi Buffon. The record now stands at 508.
Now, he has his sights set on an even more impressive record: the most appearances in world football.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton currently holds the record with 1,390 appearances. Shilton himself claims he has played 1,387., external
However, questions remain regarding the precise number Fabio is pursuing.
Shilton is recorded as having played 1,249 games in his club career and a record 125 times for England, totaling 1,374 appearances.
Why isn’t Fabio, who has spent his entire career in Brazil and never played for his country despite winning the Under-19 World Cup in 1997, already the record holder?
According to England Football Online,, external Shilton played 13 times for England Under-23s, which would bring the total to the 1,387 Shilton claims.
Whether those appearances should count as senior appearances is debatable, but having passed the 1,374 milestone without fanfare, Fluminense and Fabio are erring on the side of caution.
Whether they are chasing 1,387 or 1,390, it seems only a matter of time. He turns 45 in September but, having signed a new contract in May that runs until the end of 2026, the record seems destined to be his.
How long he holds the record, however, is another matter.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, also 40 and still playing for club and country, has made 1,281 official senior appearances in his career.
The Al-Nassr forward is only 62 goals shy of 1,000 career goals and, having stated that as his aim, Ronaldo will undoubtedly be chasing Fabio down.
Why are Brazilian clubs doing so well at Club World Cup?
Fluminense stun Inter Milan to reach Club World Cup quarter-finals
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