The 44-year-old previously shared the record with the legendary English goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
But after keeping a clean sheet in the 2–0 win against Colombian America de Cali in the South American championship, he is the sole record holder, according to Fluminese and Brazilian media. The International Football Federation (Fifa) has not confirmed the record, but the South American Football Federation (Conmebol) has congratulated Fabio on the achievement.
Sometimes we do not realize the importance of such a significant achievement as breaking this record that has stood for many years, says Fabio.
The home crowd at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro hailed the record holder by chanting that "Fabio is Brazil's best goalkeeper" and afterwards he received a plaque.
No one plays so many matches without being as professional as he is. It will be difficult for any other player to break the record, says Fluminese's coach Renato Gaucho.
Fabio has only represented Brazilian clubs. Previously, he has played for Cruzeiro, Uniao Bandeirante and Vasco da Gama.
He began his career in 1997 – the same year that Peter Shilton ended. Shilton himself believes that he has made 1,387 matches, but the Guinness Book of Records states the figure 1,390.
