Ildefons Lima Retires After Longest International Career In Men's Soccer History

Ildefons Lima called time on a record-breaking international career this week. Lima's final Andorra game came 26 years, two months and 21 days after his debut.

Ildefons Lima called time on a record-breaking international career this week.

The 43-year-old defender played his 137th and last game for Andorra in a 3-0 loss to Switzerland on Tuesday night.

But it is not the number of caps that makes Lima's international career so special.

It is the duration that sees him stand out.

Lima had made his international debut aged 17 in 1997 when he scored in Andorra's second ever official fixture - a 4-1 defeat by Estonia.

His final Andorra appearance came 26 years, two months and 21 days after his debut, making it the longest international career in the history of men's soccer.

2️⃣6️⃣ years and 1️⃣3️⃣7️⃣ international caps.

🇦🇩 Congratulations to Andorra's @ildelima6 on an incredible journey, the longest national team career ever! pic.twitter.com/NSJObsM4Ri

— UEFA (@UEFA) September 13, 2023

Lima had held that record since October 2021 when he earned his 133rd cap.

He netted 11 goals for his country, making him Andorra's all-time top scorer.

His final Andorra appearance ended in the 23rd minute of Tuesday's game when he was substituted off for Ricard Fernandez Betriu, who was born nearly two years after Lima's international debut.

Although Lima holds the record for the longest international career in men's soccer, the overall record belongs to former Brazil midfielder Formiga.

Formiga's 234 appearances for the Brazil women's national team - between 1995 and 2021 - were separated by 26 years, five months and 19 days.

Ildefons Lima pictured (center) leaving the field following his 137th and final appearance for Andorra :: IMAGO/JustPictures.ch/Siriane Davet