According to data published by IFFHS, having played yesterday’s Saudi Cup match for Al Nassr, Ronaldo jumped to third place in the global ranking of players with the most career appearances.
The ranking only considers official matches played at senior level (not including “intermediate” levels such as under-21 and under-23) and in top-tier competitions (i.e., only first divisions).
Top-10 as of 01/11/2023:
- Rogério Ceni - 1225
- Peter Shilton - 1217
- Cristiano Ronaldo - 1192 (still active)
- Fábio Maciel - 1192 (still active)
- Roberto Carlos - 1090
- Gianluigi Buffon - 1070
- Ray Clemence - 1069
- Javier Zanetti - 1067
- Dani Alves - 1056
- Iker Casillas - 1048
EDIT: I can’t put Fábio in 3rd place, Reddit simply replaces the 3 with a 4.
To elaborate a complex ranking like this, you have to choose logical, easy-to-apply criteria. Otherwise it would be impossible.