Ageless Fábio: Fluminense keeper still going strong at 44 | OneFootball

At 44, most footballers are long into retirement - coaching, commentating, or enjoying life away from the game. But for Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio the story is far from over.

The Fluminense goalkeeper - already the oldest player ever to feature at a FIFA Club World Cup - has amassed a staggering 1,358 senior appearances since making his professional debut back in 1997, according to data from our trusted colleagues at oGol.

Fábio played a key role in Fluminense’s quarter-final victory against Al-Hilal, helping the Brazilian champions book a semi-final clash against Chelsea on Tuesday.

Closing in on Peter Shilton’s historic mark

The record for the most senior appearances in football is widely believed to be held by England legend Peter Shilton, who claims 1,387 matches to his name. That total includes 13 outings for England’s U23 side, which Playmakerstats does not count as senior appearances. Official records credit Shilton with 1,249 club matches and 125 senior England caps, which brings the recognised tally to 1,374.

Fábio, who recently extended his contract through to the end of the 2026 season, now has the record firmly within reach. He turns 45 in September and, if he stays fit, will be playing until at least the age of 46. Whether it’s 1,374 or the full 1,387 he’s aiming for, it seems only a matter of time before the Brazilian claims the top spot.

Not alone in the race: an ageless alien eyes the record from third

Still, Fábio isn’t the only footballing outlier defying the clock. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40 and still active for both Al-Nassr and Portugal, sits just behind him in the all-time appearances chart.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already clocked up 1,283 senior matches and recently renewed his contract. With the same relentless drive that’s defined his career, Ronaldo may yet chase down Fábio and perhaps even outlast him.

Ronaldo, it’s worth noting, is also just 62 goals shy of reaching 1,000 career goals.