Fabio achieved his 1,391st career appearance during Fluminense's 2-0 victory over America de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana at the Maracana stadium on 19/8. This accomplishment surpasses the 1,390 appearances held by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, according to Guinness World Records. Shilton maintains that he "only" played 1,387 matches, but that was still the previous record.

Goalkeeper Fabio (second from left) during a ceremony honoring his 1,391st career match, as Fluminense defeated America de Cali at the Maracana stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19/8/2025. Photo: FFC

Goalkeeper Fabio (second from left) during a ceremony honoring his 1,391st career match, as Fluminense defeated America de Cali at the Maracana stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19/8/2025. Photo: FFC

Following the match, Fluminense honored Fabio with a special jersey, a commemorative plaque, and a portrait. "I have to thank my parents, family, friends, wife, and those who have always been by my side," the 44-year-old goalkeeper said. "I just try to be a good person. The important thing is to help my teammates, and I believe that nothing is possible without God."

According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Fabio's appearances are divided among the following clubs: 976 matches for Cruzeiro (2005-2021), 235 for Fluminense (2022-2025), 150 for Vasco da Gama (2000-2004), and 30 for Uniao Bandeirante (1997).

Among the players with the most appearances, besides Fabio and Shilton, Cristiano Ronaldo (1,287), Paul Bastock (1,284), and Rogerio Ceni (1,226) round out the top five. The Portuguese superstar is the only non-goalkeeper currently in the top 5.

Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel was born on 30/9/1980 in Nobres, Mato Grosso. He played 25 matches for Brazil's youth teams but never represented the senior national team. The 1.89 m tall goalkeeper received several call-ups to the national squad but was never fielded.

He has won 27 titles, including the 2004 Copa America with Brazil's youth team. At the club level, he won the Copa Libertadores and reached the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, both with Fluminense.

Shilton, 75, was England's goalkeeper from 1970 to 1990. He holds the record for 10 appearances in the English league's Team of the Year and won two European Cups with Nottingham Forest.

Hoang An (ESPN)