Ronaldo has the most appearances in the 21st century, and Messi is fourth – IFFHS statistics
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has officially announced the updated list of players with the most appearances in official football matches during the 21st century, in a statistic that highlights the dominance of the game’s legends who have maintained their presence on the field for many years, with the list being topped by the captain of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr club, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to the figures released, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot with a record 1,301 official appearances, cementing his legendary status not only as the all-time leading scorer but also as an exceptional example of physical fitness and consistency. Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio comes in second with 1,292 appearances, a remarkable number considering that goalkeepers typically have a longer playing career than attackers, who are subjected to more physical challenges.
In the ongoing competition, Croatian star Luka Modric, the midfield dynamo of Real Madrid, came in third with 1,143 appearances, reflecting his pivotal role with both his club and his national team, which he has led to historic achievements. Ronaldo's long-time rival, Argentine star Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, came in fourth with 1,137 appearances, just behind Modric, but still far behind the top spot held by the "Madeira Rocket.".
The list also included other prominent names, with Portugal’s Joao Moutinho coming in fifth with 1,084 appearances, followed by Brazil’s Dani Alves in sixth place with 1,056 appearances, demonstrating the Portuguese and Brazilian dominance of the list of the longest-serving players in the stadiums over the past two decades.
These figures carry profound implications that go beyond mere statistics; they reflect the significant advancements in sports medicine and physical conditioning that have allowed an entire generation of players to surpass the 35-year mark while remaining at the peak of their abilities. Ronaldo's topping this list, as he approaches 40, is a testament to his exceptional professionalism and unwavering discipline both on and off the field, having enjoyed major professional careers in Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, and currently in Saudi Arabia.
On the local level, and confirming his continued brilliance, Ronaldo continues to deliver outstanding performances in the Saudi Roshan League, where he shares the top spot in the scorers' ranking this season with Al-Qadisiyah star Julian Quinones, with 16 goals each, proving that his passion for scoring goals and breaking records is still as intense as it was in his early days.
