Representing one's country is just about the greatest thrill an athlete can ever aspire to.
Representing one's country in what is doubtlessly the world's most popular sport is perhaps the only feeling that could ever eclipse it.
Whether at continental championships, in World Cups, or just within friendlies, every player that pulls on their country's colours earns a cap for their appearance, a once-tangible reward for their service.
From a Portuguese superstar with more Instagram followers than anyone on Earth to a Kuwaiti forward currently out on loan, here are the ten players with more international football caps than anyone else.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-present) – Portugal – 205* caps
2. Bader Al-Mutawa (2003-2022) – Kuwait – 196
3. Soh Chin Ann (1969-1984) – Malaysia – 195
4. Ahmed Hassan (1995-2012) – Egypt – 184
5. Ahmed Mubarak (2003-2019) – Oman – 183
= 6. Lionel Messi (2005-present) – Argentina – 180*
= 6. Sergio Ramos (2005-2021) – Spain – 180
8. Andrés Guardado (2005-2022) – Mexico – 179
9. Claudio Suárez (1992-2006) – Mexico – 177
= 10. Gianluigi Buffon (1997-2018) – Italy – 176
= 10. Hassan Al-Haydos (2008-present) – Qatar - 176*
