Garrincha´s world record broken

On Saturday, 14 November and Wednesday 18 November, Spain’s Raúl Albiol and Carlos Marchena entered the record books after playing in Spain’s friendly matches against Argentina and Austria.

According to Infostrada, Raúl Albiol won his 21st and 22nd successive match with Spain when he played in the match against Argentina (2-1 win) on 14 Nov and Austria (1-5 win), breaking his compatriot Xabi Alonso’s world record of 21 successive victories in internationals.

Marchena played in the match against Austria (1-5 win) on 18 Nov, equalling Brazilian Garrincha’s world record of 49 successive international matches without defeat, a record which has survived for more than 43 years.

Players with most successive international victories

# Player Nation Years

22 Raúl Albiol Spain 2007 – 2009

21 Xabi Alonso Spain 2008 – 2009

19 Zé Roberto Brazil 1995 – 1998

17 Zito Brazil 1959 – 1962

17 Djalma Dias Brazil 1962 – 1969

17 Dunga Brazil 1997 – 1998

Players with most successive international matches without defeat

# Player Nation Years

49 Carlos Marchena Spain 2003 – 2009

49 Garrincha Brazil 1955 – 1966

39 Zinédine Zidane France 1997 – 2001

38 Xavi Spain 2001 – 2006

37 Julen Guerrero Spain 1993 – 1999