In a historic moment for South American football, Fluminense's veteran goalkeeper Fabio has etched his name into the Copa Libertadores record books. The 45-year-old Brazilian made his 114th appearance in the prestigious competition, surpassing the previous mark he had shared with legendary Paraguayan keeper Ever Hugo Almeida.

This latest milestone comes just months after Fabio set a global record for the most competitive appearances in men's football history. In August 2025, he played his 1,391st match, eclipsing the long-standing record held by English icon Peter Shilton. It's a testament to the remarkable longevity of a player who has been a professional since 1997—spanning an incredible 29 seasons, longer than many of his current teammates have been alive.

Fabio captained Fluminense in their 1-1 draw away to Argentina's Independiente Rivadavia on Wednesday, a match that saw John Kennedy score a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to secure a valuable point for the Brazilians. This season marks Fabio's 13th campaign in the Copa Libertadores, having previously represented Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro before winning the trophy with Fluminense in 2023.

Almeida's record had stood untouched since 1990—until Fabio's relentless consistency finally broke through. First playing in the competition back in 2001, Fabio's journey from a young prospect to a record-breaking veteran is a story of dedication, fitness, and an undying passion for the game. For fans of the beautiful game, his career is a masterclass in longevity and excellence.