Fluminense Goalkeeper Fabio Matches Shilton's Record of 1,390 Games

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio equals Peter Shilton's record of 1,390 competitive appearances in men's football, achieved during a 2-1 win over Fortaleza in Brazil's Serie A.

Fabio, the 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper, has etched his name in football history by matching Peter Shilton's record of 1,390 competitive appearances. He achieved this milestone during Fluminense's 2-1 win over Fortaleza in Brazil's Serie A. Notably, Shilton himself claims to have made 1,387 appearances, with the discrepancy arising from differing counts of unofficial and Under-23 fixtures.

With a career spanning 28 years, Fabio has consistently demonstrated his durability and skill, playing for several Brazilian teams, including:

• União Bandeirante: 30 appearances

• Vasco da Gama: 150 appearances

• Cruzeiro: 976 appearances, winning two Brazilian Championships and two Copa do Brasil titles

• Fluminense: 234 appearances, contributing to the team's Copa Libertadores victory in 2023

Fabio's journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for football. As he said, “God gave me this gift. I have to thank everyone who has been part of my life... I try to be a good person. The important thing is to help my teammates.” With his next match against América de Cali in the Copa Sudamericana, Fabio is poised to break the record and further cement his legacy.

As Fabio eyes the future, he's poised to break Shilton's record in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana clash against América de Cali. With his contract extended until the end of 2026, Fabio seems likely to further cement his legacy in football history.

Privilégio ter Fábio Maciel por aqui.

1390 vezes, ídolo. pic.twitter.com/XAuMbhsdS6

— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) August 16, 2025

Peter Shilton, the former England goalkeeper, holds the record for the most competitive men's professional games, but there's a slight discrepancy in the exact number. According to Guinness World Records, Shilton has made 1,390 appearances between 1966 and 1997. However, Shilton himself claims to have made 1,387 appearances, citing differences in how certain games are counted.

The discrepancy arises from Guinness including 16 unofficial games that Shilton doesn't count, while he includes 13 games played for England's Under-23 team that aren't typically counted. Despite this difference, Shilton's record has been widely recognized, and his achievement remains an impressive feat in the football world.

Record Details:

• Guinness World Records: 1,390 appearances

• Peter Shilton's Count: 1,387 appearances

• Difference: 3 appearances due to counting methods

How ever, this record has recently been matched by Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio, who played his 1,390th match in Fluminense's 2-1 win over Fortaleza in Brazil's Serie A. Fabio is poised to break the record if he plays in Fluminense's upcoming Copa Sudamericana match against Colombia's America de Cali.

“I have to thank everyone who has been part of my life - my father, mother, sisters, friends, my wife... I try to be a good person. The important thing is to help my teammates. I am grateful, but without God nothing would be possible.

”These are difficult games and we are facing very strong teams. We are always striving to achieve our goals, which are the titles.”

Fabio is poised to break Peter Shilton's record for most competitive appearances in men's football. If he plays in Fluminense's Copa Sudamericana match against Colombia's America de Cali on Tuesday, he'll become the sole record holder with 1,391 appearances. Given his consistent performance and regular starting position for Fluminense, Fabio is likely to continue adding to his record.

Fabio's Journey:

• Career Span: 28 years, starting from 1997

• Teams: União Bandeirante, Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro, and Fluminense

• Notable Achievement: Copa Libertadores title with Fluminense in 2023

Shilton himself acknowledged Fabio's progress toward breaking the record in 2023, stating he'd be the first to congratulate the Brazilian. Fabio expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and faith after equaling Shilton's record, saying, “God gave me this gift... I try to be a good human being. The important thing is to help my teammates.”