One goalkeeper replaces another. At the age of 44, Fabio of Fluminense is making history these days.
Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio has equaled the record for most professional soccer games played. According to the Guinness Book of Records, English goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton had previously held the record alone with 1,390 games. The 44-year-old could secure the record for himself on Wednesday night (CEST) in the Copa Sudamericana match against America Cali from Colombia.
“1,390 times, idol,” wrote four-time Brazilian champions Fluminense from Rio de Janeiro in honor of their keeper on X after the victory against Fortaleza. “I have to thank everyone who is part of my life,” said the honoree after his milestone.
Shilton has fewer
Depending on how you count, the Brazilian could already be the sole record holder. Shilton himself states on his social media channel that he has “only” played 1387 games. In any case, Shilton’s record will be broken in Fabio’s next game. After that, the record can be extended, as the regular keeper recently extended his contract until December 2026.
The ten-time Brazilian international played his first professional game in 1997. Interestingly, he did so in the same year that Shilton ended his career. He won the Brazilian championship three times and won the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense in 2023 (2-1 against Boca Juniors). In the summer, he also reached the semi-finals of the Club World Cup (0-2 against Chelsea).
