Fábio Surpasses Peter Shilton in Career Appearances
Fluminense’s goalkeeper Fábio has achieved an impressive milestone by surpassing England’s legendary custodian Peter Shilton for the most career appearances in football history. At the age of 44, Fábio played his 1,391st match on Tuesday during the Copa Sudamericana, where his team secured a 2-0 victory over América de Cali at the iconic Maracanã stadium. This performance marks a new high in recorded appearances as recognized by his club, outpacing Shilton’s officially documented mark.
Disputed Records and Celebrations
While the Guinness World Records lists Shilton with 1,390 appearances, he has disputed the exact number, stating he completed a total of 1,387 games—a figure that still ranks him as one of the most enduring players in football history. Following the match, Fluminense took the opportunity to celebrate Fábio’s achievement by presenting him a commemorative plate and a special painting, in addition to a jersey adorned with a custom patch acknowledging his historic feat.
Fábio’s Reflections
In expressing his gratitude during the celebration, Fábio acknowledged the support from his family and friends, stating, “I try to be a good human being. The important thing is to help my teammates. I am grateful, but without God, nothing would be possible.”
Career Breakdown and Achievements
According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Fábio’s career breakdown includes:
- 976 appearances for Cruzeiro from 2005 to 2021
- 235 matches for Fluminense since 2022
- 150 matches with Vasco between 2000 and 2004
- 30 games for União Bandeirante back in 1997
Fábio’s illustrious career includes a remarkable 27 titles, highlighted by prestigious victories in the Copa América and Copa Libertadores. Despite being called up multiple times to the Brazil national team, he has never made his international debut. Most recently, he participated in the Club World Cup with Fluminense, reaching the semifinals.
Legacy
As Fábio approaches his 45th birthday on September 30th, he solidifies his legacy as one of the sport’s most notable figures.
