In a sport where careers are often measured in fleeting seasons, Brazilian goalkeeper Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel has just rewritten the rulebook on longevity. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the 44-year-old Fluminense veteran made his 1,391st official appearance, surpassing England legend Peter Shilton’s long-standing world record for most competitive matches played in men’s football. The milestone came during Fluminense’s 2-0 victory over América de Cali in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, held at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium—a fitting stage for such a historic achievement.
Fábio’s journey to the summit of football’s appearance charts is nothing short of remarkable. His career began in 1997, coincidentally the very year Shilton hung up his gloves. Over nearly three decades, Fábio has been a mainstay between the posts for several Brazilian clubs, including a brief spell of 30 matches with Uniao Bandeirante and a solid 150-game run at Vasco da Gama. But it was at Cruzeiro where he truly cemented his legacy, racking up an astonishing 976 appearances over 17 years. Since joining Fluminense in 2022, Fábio has added another 235 matches to his tally, bringing him to this unprecedented moment.
The numbers alone are staggering, but Fábio’s story is defined by more than just statistics. On August 16, 2025, he drew level with Shilton’s Guinness World Records-acknowledged mark of 1,390 appearances. Just three days later, he pulled ahead, keeping a clean sheet in a crucial Copa Sudamericana tie and helping Fluminense progress further in the tournament. The home crowd at Maracanã rose as one, chanting, “Fábio is the best goalkeeper in Brazil,” as the club presented him with a commemorative plaque to honor his record-breaking feat.
The official count of Shilton’s appearances has always been a topic for debate. The Guinness Book of Records lists him at 1,390, while Shilton himself claims 1,387, citing the inclusion of unofficial games by Guinness and his own Under-23 England caps. Fábio, with his 1,391st game, has now eclipsed even the most generous of these disputed totals, leaving little doubt about his place atop this rarefied list. Yet, as of this writing, both FIFA and South America’s governing body CONMEBOL have yet to issue their formal confirmation of the new record. Still, the consensus among Brazilian media and Fluminense’s faithful is clear: the crown now belongs to Fábio.
Reflecting on his achievement after the match, Fábio was characteristically humble. “Breaking a record that has stood for so long is truly special. Sometimes, we don't grasp the magnitude of such moments,” he said, his words echoing around the historic stadium. The magnitude is indeed immense. No other player has managed to combine such durability with consistent excellence, and Fábio’s journey is a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and love for the beautiful game.
Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho was effusive in his praise, telling reporters, “No one reaches this level without extraordinary commitment. Fábio can easily continue playing at a high level for some time.” That’s not just coach-speak—Fábio’s contract extension will keep him at Fluminense until December 2026, meaning football fans may yet see him between the sticks at the age of 46.
Fábio’s career has been filled with silverware and standout moments, even if he never donned the senior Brazil national team jersey. He was part of the Brazil U-19 squad that lifted the World Cup in 1997, a sign of promise that he would more than fulfill over the following decades. His club honors are plentiful: he’s won the Copa do Brasil, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, and, most recently, the coveted Copa Libertadores in 2023 with Fluminense. In 2024, he helped guide his club to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States—yet another highlight in a career already overflowing with them.
Perhaps most impressive is Fábio’s record for clean sheets. With over 500 shutouts to his name, he stands alone atop another of football’s most revered statistical mountains. It’s a mark that speaks not only to his shot-stopping ability, but also to his leadership, consistency, and the trust he inspires in his teammates year after year. In an age where players often change clubs and countries in search of new challenges, Fábio’s loyalty and resilience set him apart.
His journey hasn’t always been easy. From the early days at Uniao Bandeirante to the pressure-cooker atmosphere at Cruzeiro and the weight of expectation at Fluminense, Fábio has faced every challenge head-on. He’s weathered the ups and downs of Brazilian football, navigated the scrutiny of passionate fanbases, and adapted to the ever-evolving demands of the modern game. Yet through it all, he’s remained a constant—a reassuring presence in goal, a leader in the dressing room, and a role model for aspiring players everywhere.
While the football world awaits official confirmation from FIFA and CONMEBOL, Fábio’s achievement is already being celebrated across Brazil and beyond. Fans, pundits, and former players have lined up to pay tribute, with many noting that his record may never be broken. After all, how many players can combine such longevity with the relentless drive to compete at the highest level, season after season?
It’s a fair question, and one that may not have an answer for years to come. For now, though, Fábio’s focus remains firmly on the pitch. With Fluminense still alive in the Copa Sudamericana and domestic competitions, there’s little time for reflection. “The most important thing is to help my team win,” Fábio said after the final whistle, summing up his team-first mentality. “Records are nice, but football is about the group.”
As he continues to add to his already jaw-dropping tally of appearances, Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel stands as a testament to what’s possible with passion, discipline, and a little bit of magic. The Maracanã crowd may have witnessed history on Tuesday night, but for Fábio, the journey is far from over. The legend, it seems, is still being written—one match at a time.
