🧤 Fábio breaks a historic record... but does he outshine Shilton? ⚽

Brazilian Fábio, Fluminense's goalkeeper, made history yesterday by playing his 1,391st professional match, thus surpassing the legendary Peter Shilton's record. Or did he?

The feat took place at the Maracaná stadium during his team's victory in the Copa Sudamericana against América de Cali. The fans and the club paid tribute to him with a special jersey, but debate still surrounds his achievement.

Muitas e muitas homenagens ao ser humano que mais disputou partidas de futebol na história da humanidade.

📸: Marcelo Gonçalves/FFC pic.twitter.com/y2YIeOT3ui

— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) August 20, 2025

Everything becomes slippery because Peter Shilton claims he played 1,387 official matches, not 1,390 as indicated by the Guinness Book of Records. The dilemma lies in whether his appearances with England's under-23 team should be counted.

This difference is what keeps the controversy alive: is Fábio the true record holder? For Flu and its fans, there is no doubt.

Beyond the controversy, the Brazilian's career is impressive: 2023 Libertadores champion, world record for most goalless matches, and almost three decades as a goalkeeper. On the scene since 1997... impressive.

With a contract until 2026, when he will turn 46, Fábio is an example of resistance and longevity beyond the record.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Buda Mendes - 2025 Getty Images