Fabinho
Fábio Henrique Tavares, known professionally as Fabinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and represents the Brazil national team.[1] Born on 23 October 1993 in Campinas, São Paulo, he stands at 1.88 metres tall and is renowned for his tactical intelligence, passing range, and versatility, often deploying as a centre-back when needed.[2][1] Fabinho began his youth career at Paulínia Futebol Clube in 2005, progressing to Fluminense in 2011 before making his professional debut with Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2012.[2] He spent the 2012–13 season on loan at Real Madrid Castilla, appearing 30 times, but returned to Rio Ave briefly before joining AS Monaco on loan from Rio Ave in 2013, signing permanently in 2015 for €6 million.[2][3] At Monaco, he emerged as a key player, making 167 Ligue 1 appearances and scoring 23 goals over five seasons, contributing to the club's 2016–17 Ligue 1 title win and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals that year.[2][4][5] In July 2018, Fabinho transferred to Liverpool for a reported £39.3 million, where he became an integral part of Jürgen Klopp's midfield, forming a pivotal partnership in the team's high-pressing system.[2] Over five seasons, he made 219 appearances and scored 11 goals, helping Liverpool secure the UEFA Champions League (2019), Premier League (2019–20), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), FA Cup (2022), and EFL Cup (2022).[6][5] Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad on 31 July 2023 in a permanent transfer from Liverpool, signing a three-year contract amid a wave of high-profile moves to the Saudi Pro League.[7] Internationally, he has earned 30 caps for Brazil since his debut in 2015, as of November 2025, including a return to the squad after a three-year absence for friendlies in November 2025; he has featured in major tournaments including the 2019 Copa América and 2022 FIFA World Cup, though he has yet to score for his country.[8][9]Early life
Childhood in Brazil
Fábio Henrique Tavares, known as Fabinho, was born on October 23, 1993, in Campinas, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.[2] He grew up as the youngest of three children in a modest family, with his father, João Roberto Tavares, working as a pastor, and his mother, Rosângela Tavares, employed as a cleaner.[10] The family's socioeconomic circumstances were humble, providing limited resources but strong emotional support that fueled Fabinho's early passion for football.[11] Tragically, his father passed away in August 2021, an event that underscored the personal sacrifices and motivations rooted in his upbringing.[12] From a young age, Fabinho was immersed in football through informal street games in Campinas, often playing barefoot in a São Paulo FC shirt behind his family's building, using garage doors and trees as makeshift goalposts.[11] He frequently joined local matches with friends, including his two older sisters, Ana Paula and Juliana, to fill out teams, fostering a sense of community and family encouragement that shaped his determination.[10] These unstructured sessions highlighted his natural talent but also revealed challenges, such as poor concentration—evidenced by instances of daydreaming, like counting birds during play—which drew frequent reprimands from informal coaches and peers.[10] Around the age of 12, Fabinho began formal youth training by joining Paulinia FC, where he initially played as a full-back and experimented with various positions, including central midfielder and centre-back.[2] Despite showing promise, he faced initial setbacks from his coaches' frustrations over his focus and maturity, leading to periods of doubt and the need to prove himself repeatedly in trials and matches.[10] Under the guidance of coach Elio Sizenando, who recognized his potential despite these hurdles, Fabinho persisted, eventually transitioning to Fluminense's youth academy around age 18 after a standout performance in the 2011 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.[10]Youth career at Fluminense
Fabinho joined Fluminense's youth academy in February 2011 at the age of 17, transferring from Paulínia Futebol Clube after impressing in youth competitions, including the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior with his previous club.[13][1] During his time in Fluminense's youth system, primarily with the under-20 team, Fabinho progressed rapidly as a right-back, contributing to the squad's strong performances in key tournaments. He featured prominently in the 2012 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, where Fluminense reached the final but lost 2-1 to Corinthians, with Fabinho playing a defensive role alongside teammates like Marcos Júnior.[14][15] His performances in the under-20 side also earned him a call-up to the Brazil under-20 national team for a tournament in South Africa, where he showcased his potential and attracted interest from European clubs.[11] In 2011, Fabinho signed his first professional contract with Fluminense, marking his transition toward senior exposure within the club. Although he did not make a first-team debut, he was named to the senior bench for at least one match in the Campeonato Brasileiro against Corinthians, providing initial insight into professional-level preparation.[11][16] Under youth coaches such as Marcelo Veiga, who led the under-20 team, Fabinho honed key technical skills, including precise passing and strong defensive positioning, which helped establish his versatility as a right-back capable of contributing to build-up play.[11][15]Club career
Early professional stints (Rio Ave and Real Madrid, 2012–2014)
In July 2012, at the age of 18, Fabinho transferred from Fluminense to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Rio Ave for a reported fee of €500,000, signing a six-year contract under the influence of his agent Jorge Mendes. Despite the move marking his entry into European professional football, he received no first-team opportunities with Rio Ave during the 2012–13 season, remaining on the fringes of the squad managed by Nuno Espírito Santo.[17] Almost immediately after arriving, Fabinho was loaned to Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team competing in Spain's Segunda División B, starting in August 2012. There, he adapted to a more demanding environment, featuring as a right-back and occasionally as a center-back under coach Alberto Toril, who noted his shyness but evident technical potential and physical attributes despite his lean frame. Over the season, he made 30 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist, contributing to Castilla's mid-table finish in eighth place.[18][17] His performances earned a brief call-up to Real Madrid's first team, culminating in a debut on 8 May 2013 in a 6–2 La Liga victory over Málaga, where the 19-year-old substituted in the 76th minute and assisted Ángel Di María's goal just four minutes later. This solitary senior appearance highlighted his rapid adjustment to elite-level pace, though he struggled initially with the intensity of European physicality compared to Brazilian youth football, relying on his height and emerging strength to compete.[17][18] Following the loan at Castilla, Fabinho's time with Rio Ave remained limited in 2013–14, with no further first-team outings before he was loaned to AS Monaco in July 2013, a move that propelled his career forward.AS Monaco (2014–2018)
Fabinho joined AS Monaco on loan from Rio Ave in July 2013, but established himself in the squad during the 2014–15 Ligue 1 season, where he primarily featured as a right-back under manager Leonardo Jardim.[19] In May 2015, following a strong campaign with 46 appearances and 2 goals across all competitions, Monaco converted his loan into a permanent transfer for a reported €6 million fee, signing him to a four-year contract despite interest from clubs like Barcelona.[20][21] During the 2014–15 season, Jardim began transitioning Fabinho from right-back to defensive midfield, recognizing his physicality, passing range, and tactical awareness as better suited to the central role; this shift became more pronounced in subsequent seasons, allowing him to anchor the midfield alongside players like Tiémoué Bakayoko.[22][23] By the 2015–16 season, he had fully adapted, contributing around 50 appearances and 8 goals across all competitions as Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.[18] Fabinho's breakthrough came in the 2016–17 season, where he made 47 appearances across all competitions and scored 10 goals, playing a pivotal role in Monaco's dominant campaign that included a Ligue 1 title win with 95 points and a record 107 goals scored. His midfield partnership provided defensive solidity and ball progression, enabling Monaco's young attack featuring Kylian Mbappé and Bernardo Silva to thrive; the team reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, eliminating Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund before falling to Juventus. This form also earned him his Brazil senior debut in October 2017.[18] In the 2017–18 season, Fabinho helped Monaco secure the Coupe de la Ligue with a 4–1 victory over Nancy in the final, adding to their trophy cabinet before his departure. Over his full tenure from 2013 to 2018, he amassed 233 appearances and 31 goals across all competitions.) In July 2018, Liverpool signed him for €45 million on a five-year deal, marking Monaco's record sale at the time and recognizing his evolution into one of Europe's top defensive midfielders.[24][25]Liverpool (2018–2023)
Fabinho joined Liverpool from AS Monaco in July 2018 for a reported fee of £39.3 million, signing a five-year contract. He made his competitive debut on 18 September 2018, coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 UEFA Champions League group stage victory against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.[26] Under manager Jürgen Klopp, Fabinho initially faced challenges adapting to the intensity of the Premier League and the team's high-pressing style, often starting on the bench during the early months of the 2018–19 season.[27] By mid-season, however, he had established himself as the primary defensive midfielder, providing stability and ball distribution from deep positions, which allowed the attacking players greater freedom.[28] Fabinho played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2018–19 UEFA Champions League triumph, featuring in 11 matches and completing 1,381 passes with an 84.9% accuracy rate across the competition. His composure under pressure was evident in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona on 7 May 2019, where he made several crucial interventions in midfield during Liverpool's historic 4–0 comeback win at Anfield, overturning a 3–0 first-leg deficit to advance 4–3 on aggregate.[29] Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 in the final on 1 June 2019 to secure the club's sixth European Cup. The following season, Fabinho anchored the midfield as Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for the Premier League title in 2019–20, starting 23 of his 28 league appearances and contributing to the team's league-leading 13 clean sheets through his defensive positioning and interceptions. His form during this period also saw him feature for Brazil in the 2021 Copa América, where they reached the final. Liverpool added further silverware during Fabinho's tenure, including the 2019 UEFA Super Cup with a 5–4 penalty shootout win over Chelsea after a 2–2 draw on 14 August 2019, and the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Flamengo 1–0 in the final on 21 December 2019. In 2022, he contributed to domestic cup successes, starting in the 2022 EFL Cup final victory over Chelsea on 27 February (0–0 draw, 11–10 on penalties) and the 2022 FA Cup final win against the same opponents on 14 May (1–0). However, the 2020–21 season brought injury challenges, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for 26 days, limiting his availability and forcing him into an emergency centre-back role amid defensive injuries, where he helped maintain five clean sheets in major competitions while conceding just one goal.[30] Over his Liverpool career, Fabinho made 151 Premier League appearances and scored 8 goals.[31] His contract expired on 31 July 2023, after which he departed the club.Al-Ittihad (2023–present)
In July 2023, Fabinho completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad from Liverpool for a reported fee of €40 million, signing a three-year contract until June 2026.[7][32] The move followed a similar path to that of his former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who had joined Saudi rivals Al-Ettifaq earlier that summer, placing both in the burgeoning Saudi Pro League.[33] During the 2023–24 season, Fabinho featured in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring 1 goal, primarily as a defensive midfielder amid Al-Ittihad's transitional campaign that ended with a fifth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League.[34][35] His contributions helped stabilize the midfield, though the team struggled with consistency following the high-profile signings of players like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté.[18] Fabinho's role grew pivotal in the 2024–25 season, where he made 37 appearances and scored 3 goals across competitions, including 32 league outings with 2 goals and 1 assist that underscored his importance to Al-Ittihad's defensive solidity en route to winning the Saudi Pro League title.[36][37] The club also secured the 2025 King's Cup, with Fabinho appearing in 5 matches and netting 1 goal; he started in the final, a 3–1 victory over Al Qadsiah on May 30, 2025.[36][38][39] By November 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, Fabinho had added 8 appearances with no goals, bringing his overall totals for Al-Ittihad to approximately 71 matches and 4 goals.[40] His consistent performances reflect successful adaptation to the league's intense physicality and the region's demanding climate, as evidenced by his regular starts and recent recall to the Brazil national team in November 2025.[41]International career
Youth international appearances
Fabinho did not feature in any of Brazil's youth national teams during his formative years, with no recorded appearances at levels such as U15, U17, U20, or U23.[8] His international pathway instead transitioned directly to the senior team, where he earned his first call-up in 2015.[31] This lack of youth international exposure was notable given his early professional promise at Fluminense, but it did not hinder his rapid ascent to the full Brazil squad, emphasizing the Brazilian federation's selection focus on defensive discipline and versatility in midfield roles for emerging talents.Senior career with Brazil
Fabinho made his senior international debut for Brazil on 7 June 2015, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 friendly victory over Mexico at Allianz Parque in São Paulo.[42] He had been included in the 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa América hosted in Chile but did not feature in any of the tournament's matches as Brazil exited in the quarter-finals.[42] Fabinho was again selected for Brazil's squad at the 2016 Copa América Centenario in the United States but remained an unused substitute throughout the competition, where Brazil suffered a shock group-stage elimination.[42] His involvement grew in subsequent years, with appearances in friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, including starts against the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina in 2018. By 2019, he had earned further substitute roles in matches against Peru, Nigeria, and South Korea.[42] In the 2021 Copa América, held in Brazil, Fabinho recorded four caps, starting two group-stage matches against Peru and Colombia while coming off the bench against Venezuela and in the semi-final against Peru.[43] Brazil reached the final but lost 1–0 to Argentina, securing the runner-up position. His form at Liverpool contributed to his selection, providing defensive stability in midfield.[42] Fabinho featured in several 2021–2022 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, starting against Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, and accumulating yellow cards in matches versus Uruguay and Argentina.[42] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he made one appearance, starting in the 1–0 group-stage win over Cameroon on 2 December 2022.[42] Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Croatia on penalties. By the conclusion of the 2022 tournament, he had amassed 29 caps for Brazil without scoring a goal.[42] Following a hiatus of nearly three years, during which injuries and squad rotation limited his opportunities, Fabinho earned a recall to the Brazil squad on 4 November 2025 under head coach Carlo Ancelotti for friendlies against Senegal on 15 November and Tunisia on 18 November.[44] Brazil defeated Senegal 2–0 at the Emirates Stadium in London, with Fabinho remaining an unused substitute.[45] Three days later, Brazil drew 1–1 with Tunisia at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, where Fabinho came on as a second-half substitute for approximately 30 minutes.[46] The 32-year-old's inclusion stemmed from his strong performances at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, where he has anchored the midfield effectively, amid several injuries to key defensive midfielders in the Seleção. This appearance against Tunisia marked his 30th cap for Brazil as of November 2025.[47][8]Playing style and reception
Positional versatility and attributes
Fabinho's primary position is as a defensive midfielder, where he has accumulated approximately 70% of his career minutes, serving as a pivotal anchor in both club and international setups. Standing at 1.88 meters tall and right-footed, his physical profile lends itself to robust challenges and dominance in contested areas, enabling him to thrive in high-intensity environments.[31][48] His positional versatility allows deployment as a right-back or even centre-back when required, a trait honed during his early professional years. For instance, between 2014 and 2016 at AS Monaco, he frequently operated as a right-back, contributing defensively while transitioning into midfield duties. This adaptability was evident upon his arrival at Liverpool in 2018, where he initially filled in at right-back during pre-season and early matches to aid team integration.[23][26] Key technical attributes underscore his effectiveness across roles, including an 88% career pass accuracy that facilitates build-up play from deep positions. Defensively, he averages 2.5 tackles per game, complemented by a 55% success rate in aerial duels, allowing him to disrupt opposition advances reliably. His endurance supports sustained performance in high-pressing systems, covering extensive ground to regain possession and initiate counters.[31][49][48] Over his career, Fabinho has evolved from a full-back profile into a midfield pivot, emphasizing enhanced vision and long-range passing to dictate tempo. Early stints focused on overlapping runs and crossing, but by his Liverpool tenure, he refined his role to include precise switches of play and progressive balls, with long-pass accuracy exceeding 75% in peak seasons. This progression has solidified his reputation as a tactically astute operator in modern midfield structures.[50][51]Critical reception and legacy
Fabinho's contributions have earned widespread acclaim from managers, teammates, and analysts throughout his career. In the aftermath of Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, teammate Joel Matip highlighted Fabinho's "amazing" impact, crediting his composure in high-pressure moments and precise tackling for stabilizing the midfield.[52] Manager Jürgen Klopp has repeatedly commended Fabinho's reliability, describing him as "outstanding" for his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate play during key matches in the 2019-20 season.[53] Analyst Gary Neville went further in September 2019, labeling Fabinho the "best in the world" among holding midfielders for his blend of defensive solidity and distribution.[54] His individual excellence was formally recognized with selections to prestigious teams of the season. Fabinho earned a spot in the 2019-20 PFA Team of the Year, alongside four Liverpool teammates, reflecting his pivotal role in the club's Premier League title win.[55] Earlier at Monaco, he was included in The Guardian's Ligue 1 Team of the Season for 2016-17, underscoring his emergence as a cornerstone of their championship campaign.[56] Fabinho's legacy is defined by his instrumental contributions to transformative successes at both club level. At Liverpool from 2018 to 2023, he anchored the midfield during a golden era, helping secure six major trophies, including the 2019 UEFA Champions League, 2019-20 Premier League, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, 2019 UEFA Super Cup, 2022 FA Cup, and 2022 EFL Cup, often serving as the "lighthouse" for transitions from defense to attack.[57] Prior to that, at Monaco from 2014 to 2018, Fabinho bridged the club's youth academy talents—such as Kylian Mbappé and Thomas Lemar—to European prominence, featuring in 233 matches for their Ligue 1 title-winning side in 2016-17, Monaco's first in 17 years.[58] Despite these achievements, Fabinho has faced criticism for vulnerability to injuries, particularly during Liverpool's 2020-21 season, when multiple muscle issues sidelined him for significant periods, forcing positional shifts and exposing midfield frailties.[30][59] After transferring to Al-Ittihad in 2023, he encountered an initial dip in form amid adaptation challenges in the Saudi Pro League, with observers noting reduced influence in early matches.[57] By 2025, however, expert analyses have highlighted Fabinho's resurgence at Al-Ittihad, where his leadership and consistent performances contributed to the club's Saudi Pro League title, revitalizing his reputation as a versatile midfield enforcer.[60]Personal life
Family and marriage
Fabinho married his longtime partner, Rebeca Tavares, on December 22, 2015, after the couple began dating in 2013.[61] Tavares, a former professional footballer who played in Spain and Brazil, has been a constant presence in Fabinho's life throughout his professional career.[62] The couple welcomed their first child, son Israel Tavares, in December 2022 during Fabinho's tenure at Liverpool, where he affectionately referred to the newborn as his "little Scouser."[63] Rebeca Tavares announced the birth on social media, sharing the family's joy amid Fabinho's ongoing commitments with the club.[64] Their second child, a daughter, was born in 2024.[65] Fabinho's family has provided steadfast support during his international career transitions, including his moves from AS Monaco to Liverpool in 2018 and to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Rebeca Tavares relocated with him to Merseyside and later to Jeddah, expressing emotional farewells to Liverpool while embracing the new chapter, underscoring the couple's unity in navigating these changes.[66][67] Fabinho's father, João Roberto Tavares, a factory worker, played a significant role in supporting his son's early football ambitions and remained a proud figure in his achievements. João Roberto passed away on August 20, 2021, leaving Fabinho devastated during his Liverpool stint.[68] In tribute, Fabinho dedicated a goal against Leeds United on September 12, 2021, to his parents, performing a heartfelt celebration that honored his father's memory and provided personal solace amid the grief.[69] The Liverpool community rallied around the family, with manager Jürgen Klopp noting the club's efforts to offer warmth and privacy during this difficult period.[70]Off-field activities and interests
Fabinho has been associated with Nike since 2016, appearing in campaigns for the Brazil national team kits as part of his role with the Seleção.[71] He boasts a significant social media following, with over 3 million Instagram followers as of 2025, where he frequently posts about his family life and training routines.[72]Honours and statistics
Major honours
Fabinho has amassed a collection of major team honours across his club career with AS Monaco, Liverpool, and Al-Ittihad, alongside notable achievements with the Brazil national team. His contributions have often been central to these successes, particularly in defensive midfield roles that provided stability and transition play.AS Monaco
- Ligue 1: 2016–17. Fabinho featured in 34 league appearances during Monaco's title-winning campaign, anchoring the midfield as the team clinched the championship with 95 points.
Liverpool
- Premier League: 2019–20. As a key starter in 29 matches, Fabinho helped Liverpool end a 30-year wait for the English top-flight title, finishing with 99 points.
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19. Fabinho played 30 minutes in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona and contributed throughout the tournament; he started and played the full 90 minutes in the final, where Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 in Madrid.
- FA Cup: 2021–22. He started and played the full 90 minutes in the final victory over Chelsea on penalties, completing 82 passes with 92% accuracy.
- EFL Cup: 2021–22. Fabinho started in the final against Chelsea, which Liverpool won on penalties after a 0–0 draw, making 2 tackles and 1 interception.
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019. He appeared as a substitute in the semi-final and final, where Liverpool beat Flamengo 1–0 to claim the title.
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019. Fabinho started and played 120 minutes in the 2–2 draw with Chelsea, won on penalties, recording 1 clearance and 1 interception.
- FA Community Shield: 2022. Fabinho started in the 3–1 victory over Manchester City.
Al-Ittihad
- Saudi Pro League: 2024–25. Fabinho was instrumental in Al-Ittihad's title triumph, starting in key matches as the team defeated Al-Raed 3–1 to secure the championship.[37]
- King's Cup: 2024–25. He contributed to the cup win, with Al-Ittihad beating Al Qadsiah 3–1 in the final held in Jeddah.[73]
Brazil
- Copa América: Runner-up, 2021. Fabinho started in five of Brazil's six matches, including the final loss to Argentina on penalties, where he made 3 tackles and won 7 duels.
Career statistics
Fabinho's club career statistics, as of November 19, 2025, show a total of 550 appearances and 45 goals across all competitions.[74] This includes contributions from his time at various clubs, with detailed breakdowns reflecting senior appearances only.Club Breakdown
The following table summarizes Fabinho's appearances and goals by club:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Fluminense | 0 | 0 |
| Rio Ave | 41 | 3 |
| Real Madrid | 0 | 0 |
| Monaco | 233 | 31 |
| Liverpool | 219 | 11 |
| Al-Ittihad | 83 | 3 |
International Career
For Brazil, Fabinho has earned 29 senior caps with 0 goals, primarily as a defensive midfielder since his debut in 2017. His youth international appearances total approximately 15 with 0 goals, spanning U20 and U23 levels. No additional senior minutes were recorded post-recall in 2025 matches up to November 19.Per-Competition Statistics
Fabinho's performances in major competitions highlight his consistency in top-tier leagues and European football. The table below details appearances and goals in selected competitions:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 (Monaco) | 148 | 14 |
| Premier League (Liverpool) | 152 | 7 |
| Saudi Pro League (Al-Ittihad) | 50 | 2 |
| UEFA Champions League | 53 | 4 |