BRAZILIAN GOALKEEPER FABIO SETS NEW FOOTBALL RECORD WITH 1,391 CAREER MATCHES

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio on Tuesday set the record for the highest number of competitive appearances in men’s football, achieving his 1,391st match.

The 44-year-old matched the milestone previously established by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton on Saturday, and Fabio has now surpassed it following a 2-0 victory against Colombia’s America de Cali at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Fluminense and Brazilian media say Fabio now stands alone in football history, although neither FIFA nor regional body CONMEBOL has declared it a record.
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“At times, we fail to acknowledge the significance of an extraordinary accomplishment such as breaking this record, which has remained intact for numerous years,” stated Fabio, who has devoted his entire career to Brazil, after achieving a clean sheet in the Copa Sudamericana last 16 second leg.

The home supporters chanted, “Fabio is the finest goalkeeper in Brazil,” and he was presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the achievement.

“No one competes in as many matches without a level of professionalism akin to his,” remarked Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho.

“He will undoubtedly continue to participate for an extended period.

“It will be challenging for another player to eclipse his record. ”

Fabio secured the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense in 2023 and was part of the team that advanced to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

He made 976 appearances for Cruzeiro from 2005 to 2022, having played 30 times for Uniao Bandeirante and another 150 matches for Vasco da Gama.

His record outing against America de Cali was his 235th match for Fluminense.

Fabio commenced his professional journey in 1997, coinciding with Shilton’s retirement.

The Englishman regards his overall tally of appearances as 1,387, whereas Guinness World Records asserts the figure to be 1,390.