Players with Most International Caps. Representing one’s national team on the international stage is the highest honour a footballer can achieve. While scoring goals and winning trophies with their clubs allows players to cement their legacies at the domestic level, it is their performances for their country that often define their careers. Playing with the pressure of carrying the hopes of millions on their shoulders is no easy task. It is thus no surprise that only the very best and most dedicated servants of their countries manage to amass over 100, or even 150 international caps. Here we profile the top 10 male footballers in history with the most appearances for their national teams.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 204 caps
At the top of the list with an astonishing 204 caps is Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Still active at the age of 37, Ronaldo made his international debut back in 2003 as an 18 year old winger. He has since gone on to become not just Portugal’s most capped player ever, but their all-time leading goalscorer as well with an incredible 128 goals. Ronaldo has represented Portugal in four World Cups and six European Championships, winning the latter competition in 2016. His longevity, professionalism and pride in playing for his country has seen him maintain his place in the Portugal squad for nearly two decades.
Bader Al-Mutawa – 196 caps
In second is Kuwaiti striker Bader Al-Mutawa, who earned an impressive 196 caps for his nation between 1984 to 2007. Al-Mutawa was the focal point of the Kuwaiti attack for over 20 years and scored 56 international goals, making him their second highest goalscorer ever. His dedication to Kuwait’s national team despite offers from bigger clubs abroad stands as an example for future generations.
Chin Ann Soh – 195 caps
Malaysian defender Chin Ann Soh comes in third place with 195 caps, earned between 1977 to 1996. Soh led Malaysia’s defence for nearly two decades and captained them for many years. He played in three Asian Cups and helped Malaysia win the bronze medal at the 1979 Southeast Asian Games. Soh’s 195 appearances is a record that may never be broken for the Malaysian national team.
Ahmed Hassan – 184 caps
Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Hassan is fourth on the list with 184 caps, playing from 1995 to 2012. Hassan was a mainstay in the Egyptian midfield for over 15 years and served as captain for many of those years. He scored 33 international goals from midfield, making him Egypt’s second highest goalscorer of all time. Hassan represented Egypt in four World Cups and six African Cup of Nations, winning the latter a record 7 times with Egypt.
Ahmed Kano – 182 caps
Rounding off the top 5 is Omani midfielder Ahmed Kano, who earned 182 caps for his country between 1985 to 2004. Kano captained Oman for many years and scored 10 international goals. He played a massive role in Oman qualifying for the 2004 Asian Cup, their first ever appearance in the continental championship. Kano’s commitment to Oman’s national team over two decades is an example for future generations.
Andrés Guardado – 181 caps
In sixth place is Mexican midfielder Andrés Guardado with 181 caps since 2005. Still active at the age of 35, Guardado has been Mexico’s midfield general for over 15 years. He has represented El Tri in four World Cups and five Gold Cups, winning the latter competition a record 5 times. Guardado is also Mexico’s third highest goalscorer ever with 28 international goals.
Maynor Figueroa – 181 caps
Level with Guardado on 181 caps is Honduran defender Maynor Figueroa. Having made his debut in 2002 at the age of 18, Figueroa went on to serve Honduras faithfully for over 15 years until retiring in 2018. A versatile defender capable of playing anywhere across the backline, Figueroa captained Honduras for many years and helped them qualify for the 2014 World Cup, their first appearance in 28 years.
Lionel Messi – 180 caps
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is eighth all-time with 180 caps for La Albiceleste since 2005. Still active at 35, Messi has scored a record 90 goals for Argentina and is by far their highest goalscorer ever. He has represented Argentina in four World Cups and five Copa Americas,. Winning the latter in a record-extending 15th title for Argentina in 2021. Messi came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup in 2014, losing in the final to Germany in extra-time. Last year he finally captured the world title. Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s achievements with Argentina cement his status as a true modern great.
Sergio Ramos – 180 caps
Level with Messi is Spanish defender Sergio Ramos. Who earned 180 caps since 2005 in a storied career with La Furia Roja. Ramos captained Spain to unprecedented success, helping them win the 2010 World Cup and two consecutive European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He scored 23 international goals from defence, making him Spain’s highest scoring defender ever. At 36, Ramos is still active with boyhood club Sevilla. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain this year as one of the greatest ever players.
Hossam Hassan – 178 caps
Rounding off the top 10 is Egyptian striker Hossam Hassan with 178 caps between 1994 to 2012. Hassan scored a record 69 international goals for Egypt, making him their all-time leading goalscorer by a massive margin. He represented Egypt in four World Cups and seven African Cup of Nations. Winning the latter tournament a record 4 times. Hassan was the talismanic figure leading Egypt’s attack for nearly two decades. And his goalscoring exploits with the Pharaohs cemented his status as an Egyptian football legend.
Representing one’s nation over 100 times is an extraordinary feat that only the most dedicated and talented footballers ever achieve. These players profiled here answered their country’s call time and again. Over periods spanning 15-20 years, cementing their places among the greatest servants their national teams have ever seen. Their records may never be broken and they will forever be remembered as icons. Who gave everything to bring pride and honour to their countries on the international stage.
