Fluminense's 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio is the oldest player at this year's Club World Cup He's made 1,378 senior appearances, had his debut in 1997 and is the oldest player at the Club World Cup. Fluminense's Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel has already had some career - and he's showing no signs of slowing down. The 44-year-old starred in Monday's 2-0 win over Inter Milan to help the Brazilian side into the Club World Cup quarter-final, against either Man City or Al-Hilal. He produced four saves, including a crucial late block with his legs, as the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners stunned this season's Champions League runners-up, before celebrating in style. He even makes 40-year-old teammate Thiago Silva seem young in comparison, although both made a mockery of their years in the 33C heat. Just four days before, he made history with a record-breaking 507th clean sheet - overtaking former Italy international Gianluigi Buffon. The record is 508 now. Now, he will have his eyes set on an even more impressive record - the most appearances in world football. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton is the current record holder with 1,390 appearances.Shilton himself claims he has played 1,387.,external Even then, there are question marks about the actual tally Fabio is chasing. Shilton is recorded as having played 1,249 games in his club career and a record 125 England appearances, taking him to 1,374 appearances. So why isn't Fabio, who has played his entire career in Brazil and has never played for his country despite winning the Under-19 World Cup in 1997, already the record holder? According toEngland Football Online,,externalShilton played 13 times for England Under-23s, which would take us to the 1,387 tally Shilton believes he has. Whether or that should count as a senior appearance is up for debate but, having passed the 1,374 milestone with zero fanfare, Fluminense and Fabio are clearly being safe rather than sorry. Whether they are chasing 1,387, or 1,390, it will surely be just a matter of time. He turns 45 in September but, having signed a new contract in May until the end of 2026, the record looks certain to be his. How long the record stays with him is another thing though. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 40 and still playing for club and country, has appeared in 1,281 official, senior games in his career. The Al Nassr forward is just is 62 short of 1,000 career goals and, having already stated that as his aim, Ronaldo will undoubtedly be chasing Fabio down.
The Fluminense history maker, 44, with his eyes on Peter Shilton
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Fluminense's 44-Year-Old Goalkeeper Fabio Eyes Record for Most Football Appearances"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Fluminense's goalkeeper Fabio, at the age of 44, has made headlines as the oldest player participating in this year's Club World Cup, showcasing his remarkable longevity in a demanding sport. With an impressive record of 1,378 senior appearances, Fabio's career began in 1997, and he continues to defy age-related expectations. His recent performance in Fluminense's 2-0 victory over Inter Milan was pivotal, as he not only made four crucial saves but also celebrated a significant milestone just days prior, achieving his 507th clean sheet. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Gianluigi Buffon, elevating Fabio's status within the football community. The Brazilian goalkeeper's ability to perform at such a high level, even in extreme heat, highlights his dedication and skill, making him a standout figure in the tournament and a source of inspiration for both fans and fellow players alike.
Looking ahead, Fabio is setting his sights on another significant milestone: surpassing the record for the most appearances in world football, currently held by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. While Shilton claims a total of 1,387 appearances, the official Guinness World Records count stands at 1,390. The discrepancy arises from the debate over whether certain appearances, such as those for the England Under-23 team, should be included in the official tally. Despite having never played for the senior national team, Fabio's relentless pursuit of this record is indicative of his commitment to the sport. As he approaches his 45th birthday in September and with a contract extending until 2026, Fabio seems poised to not only chase this record but potentially secure it as his own. Meanwhile, the football landscape remains competitive, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, still actively pursuing their own milestones, adding an exciting dynamic to the race for historical records in football.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.