Fabinho, the Brazil national team midfielder, announced on Thursday that he is leaving Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club. The 32-year-old's spell with the team has ended and he is now free to negotiate with other clubs.
Fabinho came through Fluminense's youth ranks and built a prominent international career before moving to Saudi Arabia. He played for Monaco in France and Liverpool in England between 2013 and 2023.
Successful spell at Al-Ittihad
At Al-Ittihad, Fabinho enjoyed a successful run, making more than 100 appearances over the last three seasons. During his time there he served as team captain and won the national championship.
In his farewell message to the Saudi club, Fabinho said his journey with the club as a player was ending that day and his journey as a supporter was beginning. He thanked the club for the welcome and affection he always received, and said it had been an honor to wear the captain's armband at such a great club and to experience a very special phase of his career alongside the fans.
He went on to express his gratitude and emotion, saying they had shared moments of joy and sadness, won titles together, and that he had the privilege of admiring the fans' passion and creativity in the stands, to the point of singing their chants with all his heart. He said he hoped he had always given his best in defense of the club, and thanked everyone again.
Role with the Brazilian national team
In 2026, the year he left Al-Ittihad, Fabinho got the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, he took part in the tournament held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
