Imagine being a player who’s been absent from the national team for nearly three years, only to receive a surprise call-up that leaves everyone talking. That’s exactly what happened to Fabinho, the Brazilian midfielder who last donned the national jersey during the 2022 World Cup. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite his limited involvement in that tournament, where Brazil was knocked out by Croatia in the quarterfinals, Fabinho has now earned a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia. Could this be a second chance for the 32-year-old, or is it a risky move by the new manager? Let’s dive in.
Fabinho’s recall comes after a two-year absence from international football, a period marked by his departure from Liverpool in 2023. After five successful years at Anfield, he made a surprising move to Saudi side Al-Ittihad, where he’s now in his third season. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Fabinho has lifted the Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup double, showcasing his versatility by playing both as a defensive midfielder and a center-back. And this is the part most people miss—his move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t just about a new challenge; it followed a difficult final season at Liverpool, where he struggled to maintain the physical standards he’d set since joining from Monaco.
So, what convinced Fabinho to leave Liverpool? In an August interview with The Guardian, he revealed a pivotal conversation with Jürgen Klopp. When discussing the offer from Al-Ittihad, Klopp’s response was surprisingly open: ‘If there are any players who want to leave, I won’t hold them back.’ This unexpected green light left Fabinho conflicted. ‘That conversation could have kept me at the club, but he left it open, and I didn’t like it very much,’ Fabinho admitted. After much reflection and prayer, he decided to embrace the opportunity in Saudi Arabia, leaving Liverpool with peace and contentment.
Carlo Ancelotti, who took over the Brazilian national team after Tite’s departure, has been experimenting with his squad during his early months in charge. Explaining Fabinho’s recall, Ancelotti highlighted the player’s unique profile: ‘I want to find a profile that fits Casemiro’s characteristics. Fabinho has that structure, knowledge of the position, and experience. He’s played at a very high level in Europe.’ Bold move? Perhaps. But it’s one that could pay off if Fabinho can replicate his club form on the international stage.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Fabinho’s recall a deserved second chance, or is Ancelotti taking a gamble by relying on a player who hasn’t featured for Brazil in years? And what does this say about the current state of Brazil’s midfield options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
