Fluminense’s Fabio Sets New Record for Most Competitive Appearances

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio has officially surpassed the legendary Peter Shilton for the most competitive appearances in men’s soccer. Fabio achieved this milestone during his club’s 2-0 victory over America de Cali on March 12, 2024, marking his 1,391st match in a professional career that has spanned nearly three decades.

The 44-year-old Brazilian’s remarkable journey includes stints with several clubs, including União Bandeirante, Vasco da Gama, and Cruzeiro. At Cruzeiro, he made a staggering 976 appearances before transferring to Fluminense in 2022. Since joining Fluminense, Fabio has secured prestigious titles, including the Recopa Sudamericana, Copa Libertadores, and multiple regional championships, such as the Taca Guanabara and Campeonato Carioca.

In a heartfelt statement released by Fluminense, Fabio expressed gratitude for this achievement, stating, “I have every reason to thank God for allowing me to experience this special moment and achieve this tremendous milestone. It was very emotional to experience this, especially with my family by my side during the tributes.” He emphasized the pride of reaching this record while donning the Fluminense jersey, which he credited with opening doors for him throughout his career.

Tributes and Celebrations at Maracana

Following the match against America de Cali, which was the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana last 16 tie, Fluminense celebrated Fabio’s achievement with a tribute at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The club’s supporters and teammates joined in honoring his dedication and contributions to the sport.

Fabio’s record eclipses that of former England goalkeeper Shilton, who was recognized as the record holder for most competitive men’s professional games played. The discrepancy regarding the exact number of appearances stems from different interpretations of what constitutes an official match. While Guinness World Records cites Shilton’s total at 1,390, Shilton himself lists it as 1,387. The variation arises from Guinness including 16 unofficial games that Shilton does not account for, while he includes 13 matches from his time with England’s Under-23 team.

Looking Ahead

As he reflects on his record-breaking achievement, Fabio remains focused on the future. “Now it’s time to keep playing and striving for new achievements in every game,” he remarked, signaling his intent to continue contributing to Fluminense and the sport he loves.

With this unprecedented milestone, Fabio not only cements his place in soccer history but also inspires future generations of athletes. His journey underscores the significance of dedication, resilience, and passion in achieving greatness on the field.