Introduction
As the FIFA Club World Cup approaches, an intriguing question arises in the football community: Who among the players is the oldest? While names like Francesco Acerbi and Lionel Messi, both 37, are contenders, they pale in comparison to the remarkable age of Fluminense’s goalkeeper, Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel, who will be 44 years and nearly 261 days old during the match against Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday.
Fabio’s Longevity and Record
His age is coupled with incredible longevity, marking his 1,375th competitive senior match—a truly staggering achievement in the world of sports. Fabio has secured his place in the record books as one of the top appearance-makers in football history, trailing only the iconic Peter Shilton, who has long held the record for the most professional matches, often listed at 1,390. However, discrepancies in records might complicate this. While Shilton himself claims to have appeared 1,387 times—including matches for the England under-23s—Fluminense is cautious not to celebrate a new record prematurely. They are basing their celebrations on Shilton’s count, with hopes that Fabio will equal or surpass that number soon.
Exceptional Form and Contract Extension
What’s noteworthy is Fabio’s exceptional, ongoing form at 44, a year before he turns 45. His importance in the squad is unquestioned; he remains Fluminense’s starting goalkeeper and has recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until the end of 2026.
Career Milestones
Fabio began his illustrious career in 1997, debuting with a now-defunct team before moving to Vasco da Gama where he won the Brazilian championship in 2000. However, it was at Cruzeiro where he truly established himself, making nearly 1,000 appearances and leading the team to several titles between 2005 and 2021. Despite facing challenges—including a particularly damaging mistake during a key match against Atlético Mineiro in 2007—he has managed to create a legacy characterized by resilience and strong leadership. Fabio attributes his success and renewed focus to his faith, a theme he frequently revisits in interviews.
Importance to the Team
Today, Fabio is not only a testament to endurance in a physically demanding profession, but he also brings wisdom and positivity to his team. Fluminense’s coach Fernando Diniz praised him as a true leader who’s respected by his peers. Interestingly, despite widely accepted fitness regimens in sports, Fabio’s routine defies convention. He eschews weight training and prefers a minimal sleep schedule of just three hours a night, crediting his mental strength and adaptability for his sustained performance.
Mindset and Motivation
While he reflects on his lengthy career with gratitude, Fabio insists that personal accolades, including breaking records, are not his main motivation. Instead, he aims to savor every moment of this unforeseen and extended chapter in his life, humorously noting that he never imagined he would still be playing as a veteran while his contemporaries have long since retired.
Conclusion
As he prepares for this landmark outing in the upcoming Club World Cup, Fabio showcases not just his longevity but also the spirit and passion that drive a player who continues to defy age.
