Top 10 footballers with most appearances in International football

These players have represented their country across major competitions.

Representing your country on a global stage is always an honour for any football player. The call for the national squad is a job of responsibility and especially if called for an international event like the Continental trophies or better, the World Cup. Over the years, many players have started young in the national and went straight up in the squad till their retirement, and some have struggled to find their place in the squad. But needless to say, every player wishes to see himself in his national jersey.

Let’s look at the top 10 players with the most international appearances:

Claudio Suárez - 177 Caps (1992-2006)

The Mexican defender has represented Mexico in 177 games. He has also scored a total of six goals for them. He has three Gold Cups with Mexico's national team (1993, 1996, 1998) and was also part of the team which came runners-up in the Copa America 1993.

Mohamed Abdulaziz Al-Deayea - 178 Caps (1993-2006)

The only goalkeeper in this list, Al Deayea has represented Saudi Arabia in 178 appearances. He has been part of the Saudi team in four World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006). He is the younger brother of former Saudi goalkeeper Abdullah Al Deayea who was part of the Saudi team which won the AFC Asian Cup title in 1984 and 1988.

Sergio Ramos - 180 Caps (2005-2023)

The 2010 World Cup winner with Spain has appeared 180 times for the Spaniards. He is the most capped player for the Spanish national side. It was a shock for fans around the world when he was not selected for the 2022 World Cup squad of Spain. Along with the World Cup, Ramos is a two-time EURO champion (2008, 2012). He was part of the Spanish dream team which dominated global football during their time. The defender has scored a total of 23 goals in Spanish colours.

Andrés Guardado - 181 Caps (2005- )

He is the third Mexican player to have played in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022). The Mexican midfielder has appeared in 181 games for the national side and had scored 28 goals for Mexico. He won the Gold Cup with his national side in 2011, 2015 and 2019. Guardado plays for the Spanish side Real Betis in La Liga. He was also the Mexican Captain for most of his international career.

Maynor Figueroa - 181 Caps (2003- )

The Honduran centre-back has represented Honduras in a number of tournaments including the 2012 Olympics and two World Cups (2010, 2014). He has made 181 appearances for his national side and managed to score five goals. Figueroa has played in the United States and in the Premier League in England at the club level. He also played in two FA Cup finals with two different clubs. With Wigan Athletic F.C. he won the 2013 FA Cup and with Hull City, he reached the finals.

Ahmed Mubarak - 183 Caps (2003-19)

The Omani midfielder has appeared 183 times in his national colours. He has scored a total of 23 goals. Ahmed Mubarak had a constant presence in the national team since his debut in 2003. He is also known as Ahmed Kano. Mubarak has appeared for Oman on many occasions including Asian Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Arabian Gulf Cup.

Ahmed Hassan - 184 Caps (1995-2012)

The Egyptian star has played in 184 international appearances. The midfielder has scored 27 goals. Regarded as one of the best Egyptian players of all time, Hassan has won the African cup of Nations multiple times with his national side. He also has a record of winning the most African Cup of Nations titles. He was the best player in the 2006 edition of the African cup of Nations.

Soh Chinn Ann – 195 Caps (1969-84)

The Malaysian centre-back is the second most capped player in the world. Although he has appeared in a total of 222 international appearances, FIFA only recognises 195 of them. The 72-year-old has also scored 13 goals in his international career.

Bader Al Mutawa - 196 Caps (2003- )

The 37 years old forward has represented his national side 196 times. The Kuwaiti forward has scored a total of 17 goals in his international career. He is the joint topper in the list with the Portuguese star. He plays for the Kuwaiti side Qadsia SC and is their all-time top scorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 198 Caps (2003- )

After getting subbed in the World Cup Quarter Final match against Morocco, Ronaldo broke another record. He became the player with the most international appearances in football (Joint topper). The Portuguese superstar is considered the greatest by many fans and experts around the world. And stats speak for themselves, he has played in 197 international matches and scored a total of 120 goals, the most by any player.

**This article was last updated on 27 March 2023.