Six Players Who Have Played Over 1000 Games in the 21st Century
While most professional footballers would be fortunate to play 500 games in their careers, a select few have exceeded 1000 top-level appearances since 2000. Using data from the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, here are the six players who have achieved this remarkable feat.
João Moutinho – 1034 Games
The 38-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a stellar career since his debut in 2004, with 1034 appearances for club and country. Moutinho, now at Braga, has earned 146 caps for Portugal, making him the nation’s second-most capped player. Earlier this year, he reached his 1000th game against Porto and continues to play at a high level.
Dani Alves – 1056 Games
Often regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time, Alves has featured in 1056 matches across a glittering career. The Brazilian starred for clubs like Barcelona, Sevilla, Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo, leaving an indelible mark on every team he represented.
Luka Modrić – 1073 Games
Still a vital figure for Real Madrid and Croatia at 39, Modrić’s consistency and longevity are exceptional. Croatia’s most-capped player with 184 appearances, he has also played 22 times this season for Real Madrid. Modrić, who continues to influence games at the top level, remains undecided about retirement, focusing on maintaining his passion for the sport.
Lionel Messi – 1083 Games
Since debuting for Barcelona in 2004, Messi has averaged 54 games per season, amassing 1083 appearances. Now at Inter Miami, injuries have slowed him slightly, but the 37-year-old remains a transformative presence. Messi is expected to extend his stay in Miami, potentially playing until 2026.
Fábio – 1215 Games
A lesser-known name outside Brazil, the 44-year-old goalkeeper has had an extraordinary career. Spending 16 years at Cruzeiro and now at Fluminense, Fábio is still a first-choice player in Brazil’s Serie A. His consistency and longevity set him apart in South American football.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 1255 Games
Leading the list, Ronaldo has played 1255 games, with 217 appearances for Portugal and 1038 at club level. Now at Al-Nassr, the 38-year-old shows no signs of slowing down. With a potential target of 1000 career goals and aspirations for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo’s incredible career looks set to continue well into his 40s.
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