The 45-year-old Brazilian claimed a new competitive appearance record in men’s football in August 2025 when he played his 1,391st match, surpassing the previous mark set by English goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Fabio captained Fluminense in their 1-1 draw away to Argentina’s Independiente Rivadavia on Wednesday, when John Kennedy’s stoppage-time equaliser earned the Brazilians a point.

This is the 13th season that Fabio has played in the competition, with previous stints at Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro before winning the trophy with his current club in 2023.

Almeida’s previous record had stood since 1990.

Fabio began his career in 1997 and first played in the competition in 2001.

He has been a professional footballer for 29 seasons, longer than many of his team-mates have been alive.