But record-breaking Ryan Giggs has a football career that is up there with the best in the world.
Giggs will be making his 900th appearance if he plays some part in Thursday night's Europa League last-32 encounter with Ajax at Old Trafford.
Italian Paolo Maldini's first-team career with AC Milan spanned 24 years and he also made 900 appearances; 902 to be exact, before he quit, in 2009, a month before his 41st birthday.
Sir Alex Ferguson: "Obviously Maldini was a magnificent player but there is a distinction.
"Maldini was a defender and although in his case, he probably put in a lot of running as a full-back, wide players have more work to do."
Most Premier League appearances: 590, Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, 1992 to 11 February 2012)
Most Premier League appearances at one club: 590, Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, 1992 to 11 February 2012)
Most seasons appeared in: 20, Ryan Giggs (only player to have appeared in every Premier League season)
Most seasons scored in: 20, Ryan Giggs (only player to have scored in every Premier League season)[13]
Most Premier League winner's medals: 12, Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) – 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
But he will never beat Alan Shearer's record ...
Most Premier League goals: Alan Shearer (260)
Source: FOOTYMAD
