As of June 2018, who holds the record for the most Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup appearances by a single player?

Lothar Herbert Matthäus (born 21 March 1961) is a German football manager and former player. After captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, he was named European Footballer of the Year. In 1991, he was named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year, and remains the only German to have received the award.

Matthäus held the record of having played in five FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998), more than any other outfield player in men's football, until the 2018 World Cup, in which Mexico‘s Rafael Márquez equalled his record in a 1-0 victory over Germany, and holds the record for the most World Cup matches played by a single player (25 games).

He was the captain of the West German team that won the 1990 World Cup in Italy and also was captain of the German squad in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He also won UEFA Euro 1980, and played in the 1984, 1988, and 2000 UEFA European Football Championships. In 1999, aged 38, he was again voted German Footballer of the Year, having previously won the award in 1990.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

20 Comments

William Laughlin

Keith Richard Mears, For clarity, it is good form to write out ANY acronym the first time it is used. We are living in an alphabet world and if one doesn't understand the acronym, then meaning is lost. It should be done with the initial use of ANY acronym, no matter how well you might think it is known.

Denise Currie

Good question, I got it wrong I went with the goalie Buffon

Marian Spitzig

)June, 2018 Rafael Marquez equaled Mathaus’ record.

Rajnish Gautam

It is not a clear cut answer.

Keith Richard Mears

It should not be necessary to explain the meaning of the acronym FIFA.

Ilias Tsiabardas

It's good to know about Football and the players ,Matthaus

Martin Retzolk

Matthäus held the record of having played in five FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998), more than any other outfield player in men's football, until the 2018 World Cup, in which Mexico's Rafael Márquez equated his record in a 1-0 victory over Germany, and holds the record for the most World Cup matches

Jerry Edwards

Good question Stevie G. I got it wrong as I chose Buffon. To stop the whingers, I suggest you review and say that Mexican goalkeeper, Carbalal also played in 5 tournaments and that Marquez only played in 19 single matches.

Jerry Edwards

Leapy Lee, looks like you've answered your own question.

Jerry Edwards

Jerry Edwards, *it* in case you decide to criticise me too. 🤔

Jerry Edwards

John Moore, not according to Google. Marquez 19, Matthaus 25. Check out out, again

Jerry Edwards

Ian Swindale, I also googled it and it says he played in 19 matches at the said World Cups. Matthaus played in 25, most likely as Germany always progressed further in their respective competitions.

Jerry Edwards

Samuel Anhalt, I think you are suggesting that Marquez played 25 games. I believe he's played less games though I've not investigated. The explanation says that both players have represented their nations in 5 World Cups.