Top 5 active longest serving one-club players in Europe
Players in the modern game are known the world over for making switches to different countries and leagues. As the game of football has spread wider, with more economic opportunities lurking in various continents, footballers have become aware of the market and quickly capitalise to improve their status by making the switch.
However, in Europe specifically with the history and economic viability of clubs, the chances of players remaining at institutions where they began or were once part of is claimed to be higher than that of a footballer from any other part of the world, although that heavily depends on the quality of the individual.
Having said that, the number of players who have managed to do so are staggering low. There are a few exceptions however and we take a look at the five of the most active one-club players in Europe.
#5 Igor Akinfeev- CSKA Moscow -14 years 11 months
Russian and CSKA Moscow goalkeeper and captain, Igor Akinfeev began his professional career in 2003 career with the club, after working his way up the ranks in the club since the tender age of 8.
The Russian shot-stopper is a six-time Russian Premier League winner as well as a UEFA Cup winner in 04-05. He also holds the record for the most number of clean-sheets in Russian football history with 245.
The 31-year-old has been with CSKA Moscow for 14 years and counting and is fifth on the list of active one-club players. Akinfeev is just seven games away from becoming his country's most capped player surpassing current record holder Sergei Ignashevich with 120.
With tons of international experience, the Russian football faithful will be hoping for some stellar performances from their captain in the upcoming 2018 Russian WC.
Also read: 5 longest-serving players in the current Arsenal squad