Bader Al-Mutawa
Kuwaiti footballer and one of the most capped international players in history with 202 appearances for Kuwait.
Last refreshed: 24 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Who is the only other footballer to have reached 200 international caps before Modric?
Timeline for Bader Al-Mutawa
Modric reaches 200 caps as Panama go out
2026 FIFA World CupBackground
Bader Al-Mutawa became only the second footballer in history to earn 200 international caps, a milestone that Luka Modric joined on 23 June 2026 when Croatia's captain drew level during Panama's elimination match. Al-Mutawa's feat is the benchmark against which Modric's achievement is measured.
Al-Mutawa has represented Kuwait since 2003, scoring prolifically across over two decades of international football. He is Kuwait's all-time top scorer and most capped player, having spent most of his career with Kuwait SC. His longevity in a region where international football receives less global coverage makes his record all the more remarkable.
At the time of writing, only Cristiano Ronaldo (with over 220 caps for Portugal) has surpassed Al-Mutawa's 202 caps. The Kuwaiti's career illustrates how dedication to a national team over decades can produce statistics that rival those of players from FAR more prominent football nations. Modric's century-doubling milestone was confirmed during Croatia's match against Panama.
Who is Bader Al-Mutawa and why is he notable at the 2026 World Cup?
How many international caps does Bader Al-Mutawa have?
Who reached 200 international caps before Luka Modric?
