Cristiano Ronaldo Highlights
International football often sparks debate among fans, but its significance to billions worldwide is undeniable. The ongoing club vs country discourse has persisted for decades, with players typically prioritizing their clubs, as they are the ones providing their salaries. Nonetheless, international competitions remain immensely popular, with the World Cup being arguably the most prestigious event, often surpassing the Champions League in terms of importance.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar attracted over five billion viewers globally, and hundreds of millions of fans are expected to participate next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While many supporters and managers express frustration over the frequency of international breaks at the season’s outset, numerous players still show up for their national teams, even for friendly matches. Utilizing data from Transfermarkt, we have examined which players have accumulated the most international minutes in history.
Players with the Most International Minutes in History
When it comes to international records, Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the ultimate leader. The Portugal international has played more matches for his national team than anyone else, totaling 225 appearances and scoring 143 goals. He holds the top spot with an impressive 17,926 minutes played for Portugal, having won the European Championship, though the Jules Rimet trophy still remains elusive for him. In contrast, Lionel Messi has achieved World Cup glory and ranks second with 16,139 minutes for Argentina.
While Messi and Ronaldo are household names, Maynor Figueroa, a former Wigan defender, is less recognized globally but ranks third with 15,770 minutes for Honduras. The list features five goalkeepers among the top twenty, with Gianluigi Buffon leading this group in fifth place with 15,295 minutes. The top twenty list showcases a diverse array of players from multiple continents, including seven from Europe. This information, derived from Transfermarkt data, is reported to the best of our knowledge, though some discrepancies may exist regarding Asian and African players.
