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Playing for your country is one of the highest honours for any footballer.

While some players are happy enough with one cap, others have become veterans for their nation as they repeatedly prove their worth in the international arena.

Being able to play regularly for your country is no easy feat — particularly in an era where so much football is played at club level. 

But some players have managed to put together a lengthy list of appearances as they etch their name into the history books. 

MORE: Who has scored the most goals in international football?

Who has the most international caps ever?

Men’s football 

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is the current leader in men’s international football with 207 caps for his country.

Ronaldo’s endurance saw him eclipse Bader Al-Mutawa’s previous record for most international caps with 196 with the latter still technically eligible for Kuwait.

Lionel Messi is seventh on the list with 182 appearances for the Argentina senior team to his name at present.

Top 10 most caps in men’s international football

Table updated as of June 18, 2024

Rank Player Country Caps
1.  Cristiano Ronaldo* Portugal 207
2.  Bader Al-Mutawa* Kuwait 196
3. Soh Chin Ann Malaysia 195
4. Ahmed Hassan Egypt 184
5. Ahmed Mubarak Oman 183
= Hassan Al-Haydos Qatar 183
7. Lionel Messi Argentina 181
8. Sergio Ramos Spain 180
9. Andres Guardado Mexico 179
10. Claudio Suarez Mexico 177
= Hossam Hassan Egypt 177

*Denotes player still active in international football

Women’s football

When it comes to the record for most caps in football, men’s international stars do not even come close to the greats of the women’s game. In fact, Ronaldo’s tally of 207 would not be good enough to break into the top 10 on the women’s all-time list.

The outright record is held by Kristine Lilly, who won a quite remarkable 354 caps for the United States to become the leading appearance-maker in the international game. The USWNT dominates the list, with seven of the top 10 having turned out for USA.

Top 10 most caps in women’s international football

Table updated as of June 18, 2024

Rank Player Country Caps
1. Kristine Lilly USA 354
2. Christine Sinclair Canada 331
3. Carli Lloyd USA 316
4. Christie Pearce USA 311
5. Mia Hamm USA 276
6. Julie Foudy USA 274
7. Abby Wambach USA 255
8. Joy Fawcett USA 241
9. Caroline Seger Sweden 240
10. Formiga Brazil 234

*Denotes player still active in international football

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