Fabio Sets New World Record with 1,391 Football Appearances

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio has officially set a new football milestone with 1,391 career appearances, surpassing the previous record held by England legend Peter Shilton.

The 44-year-old achieved the feat on Tuesday during Fluminense’s 2-0 win over Colombia’s America de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana last-16 second leg at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

According to Vanguard, Fabio had equalled Shilton’s record of 1,390 appearances on Saturday before going one better in front of home fans, who chanted: “Fabio is the best goalkeeper in Brazil.” He was also presented with a commemorative plaque to mark the achievement.

“Sometimes we don’t realize the importance of such a significant achievement as breaking this record, which has stood for many years,” Fabio said after keeping a clean sheet.

Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho praised his goalkeeper’s professionalism: “No one plays so many matches without a level of professionalism like his. He’ll undoubtedly continue to play for a long time. It will be difficult for another player to surpass his record.”

Fabio’s career began in 1997, coinciding with Shilton’s retirement. He made 976 appearances for Cruzeiro (2005–2022), 30 for Uniao Bandeirante, 150 for Vasco da Gama, and Tuesday’s match marked his 235th outing for Fluminense.

He has also lifted major trophies, including the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense in 2023, and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this year.

While FIFA and CONMEBOL have not yet confirmed the record, Brazilian media and Fluminense insist Fabio now stands alone in football history.

The Guinness World Records currently credits Shilton with 1,390 career matches, but Fabio’s achievement puts him beyond doubt as football’s most enduring player.