Some national teams have a few legendary soccer players who have played more than 100 games for their countries. Hundreds of players have played more than 100 games for international teams, but not all of them were necessarily great players. However, there are also some legendary soccer players who have eclipsed the 100 international games mark.
Shilton is one of England’s great goalkeepers (historically) who has played 125 games for the national team. He has played in more England games than any other player. Shilton’s England career stretched from the 1970s up to the 1990 World Cup.
Shilton was involved in three England World Cups, in 1982, 1986, and 1990. He also played in the European Championship. His England career ended in the Italia 90 World Cup semi-final against West Germany when the Three Lions lost on penalties.
Cannavaro was an Italian defender who played 136 games for the Italian national team. He played a record number of games for the Azzuri. Cannavaro began playing for the Azzuri during the 1990s and later became Italy’s team captain. He played for Italy in four World Cups up to 2010.
The most notable of these was in 2006 when Cannavaro won the World Cup with Italy. Cannavaro also played in the European Championships and scored a rare international goal in the 2004 European Championship. Cannavaro also scooped the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2006, the only defender to win that accolade to date.
Henry’s career with the French national team dates back to 1997, when he made his debut for France. Thierry Henry played in the 1998 World Cup more as a winger than a striker. Nevertheless, Henry scored three goals for France in that particular cup and was the top goal-scoring player for Les Bleus. Henry won the European Championship with France in 2000 and played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. He played up to 123 games and scored 51 goals for France.
Beckenbauer is one of Germany’s most legendary soccer players, who played 103 games for his country as a sweeper (free-roaming defender). Beckenbauer played in two World Cup finals for Germany, firstly in 1966 when West Germany came up against England in the World Cup final. Beckenbauer also played in the 1974 World Cup team that won the FIFA World Cup in Germany.
In addition, Beckenbauer won the European Championships with West Germany in 1972. Beckenbauer also won two European Footballer of the Year awards during his playing career.
Lionel Messi has currently played 198 international matches for Argentina, which will likely increase in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is undoubtedly one of the most legendary soccer players who has starred for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina. His greatest World Cup for Argentina was in 2022, in which he inspired his team to glory by scoring several goals. Messi’s 116 goals scored for Argentina are also a record number.
Ronaldo is another of the most legendary soccer players in history, who has played a record number of international games for Portugal. This Portuguese superstar has played an astonishing 227 matches for his country and won the European Championship 2016. That number will probably increase as Ronaldo hasn’t retired from international soccer. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will surely be Ronaldo’s international swansong. He has also outscored Messi in international soccer with 143 goals.
Those are the most legendary soccer players who have played more than 100 international games. Those players made a huge impact in international and club soccer. Today, Ronaldo and Messi are the fading superstars of soccer who will probably play their last World Cup matches in 2026.
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