What comes to your mind when you hear of most capped international players? These are players who have represented their national teams at different levels of international tournaments and national friendlies.
International tournaments come up at intervals, therefore, players do not often make many appearances for national teams. However, we have seen some players with more than 100+ international caps. Although most of them have retired from active football, we have about four active players within the top 10 most capped international players list.
Based on historical records, Billy Wright of England is the first footballer to make 100 international appearances in 1959. He later went on to retire after making a total of 105 appearances for the English team.
It is surprising that the top on the list of most capped international players of all time is from Malaysia, while the currently active player with the most international caps is from Kuwait both from the same continent.
Soh Chin Ann from Malaysia is the player with the most international appearances having made a total of 222 appearances for his country between November 1969 to October 1984.
It is also worthy to note that Sergio Ramos is the most capped international player in UEFA competitions. The Spaniard has made 180 appearances for his country across all competition. Just five appearances short of Bader Al-Mutawa who is currently the active player with the most International caps.
Top 10 Most Capped International Players of All Time
| S/N | Player | Country | Caps | Career Span |
| 1 | Soh Chin Ann | Malaysia | 222 | 15 years |
| 2 | Bader Al-Mutawa | Kuwait | 185 | 17 years |
| 3 | Ahmed Hassan | Egypt | 184 | 16 years |
| 4 | Ahmed Mubarak | Oman | 180 | 16 years |
| 5 | Sergio Ramos | Spain | 180 | 16 years |
| 6 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 179 | 18 years |
| 7 | Claudio Suárez | Mexico | 177 | 13 years |
| 8 | Gianluigi Buffon | Italy | 176 | 20 years |
| 9 | Hossam Hassan | Egypt | 176 | 20 years |
| 10 | Amer Shafi | Jordan | 176 | 18 years |
It is not surprising that Cristiano Ronaldo ranks as one of the most capped international players of all time. Currently, he is the second active player in Europe with the most appearance for his country just a cap short of Sergio Ramos, who peaks at the first spot.
See Also: Top Soccer Referees – 2021
Top 10 Most Capped International Players Active
| S/N | Player | Country | Caps | |
| 1 | Bader Al-Mutawa | Kuwait | 185 | |
| 2 | Ahmed Mubarak | Oman | 180 | |
| 3 | Sergio Ramos | Spain | 180 | |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 179 | |
| 5 | Maynor Figueroa | Honduras | 171 | |
| 6 | Andrés Guardado | Mexico | 168 | |
| 7 | Michael Bradley | United States | 151 | |
| 8 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 151 | |
| 9 | Diego Godín | Uruguay | 146 | |
| 10 | Hassan Al-Haydos | Qatar | 144 |
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