Players Who Have Surpassed 1,000 Matches in the 21st Century
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics has unveiled a remarkable list of players who have played more than a thousand matches in their careers during the 21st century. While most professional footballers are fortunate to reach 500 matches, a select few have demonstrated extraordinary longevity and skill, surpassing the 1,000-match milestone.
Among the elite players who achieved this feat are:
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Leading the pack, Ronaldo has played a staggering 1,255 matches since the start of the century. His career includes 217 appearances for the Portuguese national team and 1,038 matches across clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
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Fabio: The Brazilian goalkeeper has made 1,215 appearances, primarily with Cruzeiro and now Fluminense, showcasing his enduring presence in Brazilian football at the age of 44.
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Lionel Messi: The Argentine superstar has played 1,083 matches since his debut for Barcelona in 2004. Currently with Inter Miami, Messi averages 54 games per season and is expected to continue playing until at least 2026.
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Luka Modric: The Real Madrid midfielder has accumulated 1,073 matches and is Croatia's most capped player. At 39, he aims to reach 1,200 matches before retirement.
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Dani Alves: Renowned as one of the best right-backs, Alves has made 1,056 appearances, with a significant portion of his career spent at Barcelona.
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Joao Moutinho: The Portuguese midfielder has played 1,034 matches since his debut in 2004, continuing to perform at a high level with Braga.
These players exemplify the dedication and resilience required to maintain a long and successful career in professional football.
