Fabinho has opened up about the emotional and professional turning points that shaped his career in recent years, from the tragic loss of close friend and former teammate Diogo Jota to his unexpected departure from Liverpool.
The midfielder described Jota’s passing as a moment that profoundly changed his outlook on life. “When that happens, you put yourself in that situation. We lived through a period together, fought to achieve our dreams, and had so much in common. It makes you think that life is but a breath,” he reflected. Since then, he has sought to value every detail of his life with his family, appreciating what truly matters.
Fabinho’s years at Liverpool were the most successful of his career, bringing a Champions League title in his first season and a historic Premier League win the next. His 2023 exit, however, came as a surprise to many. He explained that while he had no desire to join another European side, a difficult final season and an attractive offer from Al-Ittihad changed the situation. Liverpool’s openness to selling him, coupled with a conversation with Jürgen Klopp that left the door open to departure, ultimately led him to make the move.
In Saudi Arabia, Fabinho has continued to excel, winning the league title with Al-Ittihad under Laurent Blanc. At 31, he remains focused on earning a Brazil recall and competing at the 2026 World Cup. “I performed very well last season, proving I still have the quality to help the national team,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fabinho is also exploring the possibility of coaching. He enjoys studying the tactical side of the game and plans to complete a coaching course he began while at Liverpool. His coaching inspirations include Tite for his attention to detail, Blanc for his player management, and Klopp for his high-energy, attacking style.
With a year left on his Al-Ittihad contract, Fabinho is open to various paths extending his stay, returning to Brazil’s strengthening domestic league, or seeking another challenge in Europe. While he still sees the Premier League as the best league in the world, he is drawn to the idea of playing in a country he has yet to experience, with the Champions League remaining a major goal.
