Indonesia
Nigeria
South Africa

Fabinho: Real Madrid's ugly duckling has become a swan at Liverpool

marca.com, 27 May 2022, 09:07
He is now one of the best midfielders in Europe

Fabio Henrique Tavares, better known simply as Fabinho, arrived at Real Madrid in 2012 on loan from Rio Ave to fill the void left at Castilla by the departure of Dani Carvajal to Bayer Leverkusen.

The man who recommended his signing to Real Madrid was super-agent Jorge Mendes, with Fabinho explaining that he didn't expect to make such a big move so soon into his career.

"We arrived in Portugal, but I stayed around at Rio Ave for just two weeks, maybe three at the most," Fabinho told FourFourTwo.

"I had a barbecue with other Brazilians and then my agent called to say that Real Madrid Castilla [Real Madrid's reserve team] needed a right-back and wanted to know if I was interested.

"Then one night, Lucio [Araujo, brother of former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco] came and told me to pack my things because Jorge Mendes was on his way by car in the early hours of the morning.

"I was like, 'Is something wrong?' Nobody said a word, but then at some point in the car, Mendes said we were travelling to Madrid and that I would sign for them.

"I called my mum in Brazil to tell her about that and she started to cry.

"No one had expected something this huge to happen in such a short time. It was a very special moment for me."

He met Mourinho in pyjamas

Fabinho also recalled his first meeting with then-Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho after travelling from Portugal to the Spanish capital.

"We headed to the hotel in Madrid and, while I was still sleeping, I woke up to somebody knocking on the door," added Fabinho.

"I looked through the peephole and couldn't believe it. It was Mendes and Jose Mourinho.

"I was still wearing my pyjamas, not at all prepared to meet him. I didn't even know what to say.

"He wanted to welcome me. I was still a bit shy and never thought I would meet him like that!"

A year in Valdebebas

Fabinho's time at Real Madrid ended up being brief, however. He made 30 appearances for Castilla in LaLiga SmartBank, scoring two goals and registering one assist, before heading to Monaco.

Previously he had become the 18th youth-team player to debut at Real Madrid under Mourinho, who gave him the nod at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in a 6-2 win over Malaga on May 8, 2013, when Fabinho was 19 years, six months and 15 days old.

Change of position at Monaco

Fabinho played a key role in Monaco's efforts to snatch Ligue 1 from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016/17. However, he didn't shine at right-back as his then-coach Leonardo Jardim had shifted him to a holding midfielder, with the Brazilian netting 12 goals and recording six assists.

"Within my training in Brazil I also played in the position of midfielder and winger," Fabinho told MARCA in 2019.

"But it was at Monaco when Jardim changed my position definitively. I always worked to end up playing in the middle third."

Winning everything at Liverpool

In 2018, Fabinho parted ways with Monaco to join Liverpool for a fee of 45 million euros, just after the Reds had lost 3-1 to Los Blancos in the Champions League final in Kyiv.

Along with Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho helped form the Liverpool backbone that led the team to Premier League glory in 2019/20. They've also won the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and European Super Cup trophies.

Now, Fabinho will face Real Madrid as one of the finest midfielders in European football. He will come up against his compatriot Casemiro, with whom he coincided in 11 games at Castilla and with whom he is competing for a spot in the Selecao's starting line-up.

Jurgen Klopp is crossing his fingers that Fabinho will be fully fit for the final in Paris, with the Brazilian midfielder being the player who scored the goal that inspired Liverpool to their 3-2 comeback win against Villarreal in the semi-finals.

27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ronaldo bombshell helped mask Liverpool's Champions League final implosion
Liverpool take on Real Madrid on Saturday night in a repeat of the 2018 Champions League final which marked the beginning of the end for the Spaniards' era of dominance
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Andrew Robertson or Ferland Mendy?
Some of the world's best players will be on show in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head to head in the biggest club game in football - the Champions League final.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ferdinand and Terry share brutal "fragile ego" blasts as debate turns ugly
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have been feuding on Twitter, with Chelsea legend Terry unhappy that ex-Man Utd stalwart Ferdinand named him as only the fifth-best centre-back in Premier League history Terry and Ferdinand are embroiled in an ugly debate
27 May 2022
marca.com
Mane speaks to MARCA: Champions League final, Real Madrid's interest...
Liverpool face Los Blancos in Saturday's final
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Arteta 'wants' Zinchenko transfer - and plans to change his position
Arsenal have Gabriel Jesus on their radar and Mikel Arteta could target a second Manchester City star with Oleksandr Zinchenko also catching his eye as he considers a positional change
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur 'to demand £25m for Harry Winks'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Harry Winks during the summer transfer window.
27 May 2022
talksport.com
Newcastle transfer news: Toon want Paqueta, £25.5m for Ekitike, Botman eyed
Newcastle are set for a busy summer after finishing 11th in the Premier League.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Paris Saint-Germain 'end interest in Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele'
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele this summer.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Alcorcon vs. Eibar - prediction, team news, lineups
Segunda Division leaders Eibar will be looking to secure the title on the final weekend of the campaign and earn promotion back to La Liga for the 2022-23 campaign.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Chelsea land £61m windfall as Tuchel's transfer kitty gets pre-takeover boost
Chelsea's takeover is almost complete but Thomas Tuchel has already been handed a £61million transfer boost in his quest to sign the likes of Jules Kounde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Christopher Nkunku
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Virgil van Dijk or David Alaba?
Some of the world's best players will be on show in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head to head in the biggest club game in football - the Champions League final.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea, Manchester City 'told to pay £45m for Marc Cucurella'
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly placed a £45m price-tag on defender Marc Cucurella ahead of the summer transfer window.
27 May 2022
marca.com
Pochettino: For Real Madrid, it's a disappointment not to have signed Mbappe
The Frenchman turned down Los Blancos to stay at PSG
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal to rival Barcelona for Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka?
Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Real Valladolid vs. Huesca - prediction, team news, lineups
Real Valladolid will welcome Huesca to Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on the final weekend of the regular Segunda Division campaign knowing that a victory could see them win the title.
27 May 2022
marca.com
Transfer News LIVE: Barcelona keen on Carlos Soler, Real Madrid eye Richarlison and Gnabry... | Marca
The latest transfer rumours this Friday, May 27
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid, PSG, Spurs 'in three-way battle for Richarlison'
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly interested in signing Everton forward Richarlison.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Ibrahima Konate or Eder Militao?
Some of the world's best players will be on show in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head to head in the biggest club game in football - the Champions League final.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Chelsea to continue Jules Kounde pursuit despite two complicating factors
Chelsea have made signing Jules Kounde one of the first pieces of business under the new Todd Boehly regime but Sevilla have proved tricky negotiators ahead of the summer transfer window
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Sadio Mane 'wants ideal Liverpool farewell' as admission sees exit route emerge
Sadio Mane has refused to discuss his Liverpool future until after the Champions League final with Bayern Munich circling around the forward, whose contract will soon expire
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Gareth Southgate's England side set to be at the mercy of Gogglebox stars
EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Southgate's current crop of England stars are set to be the target of the Gogglebox crew for their Nations League games next month with Channel 4 set to field a fresh approach to their coverage
27 May 2022
talksport.com
Ferdinand and Terry reignite feud and take aim at each other's 'fragile egos'
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have reignited their feud on Twitter by taking aim at each other's 'fragile egos'.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Trent Alexander-Arnold or Dani Carvajal?
Some of the world's best players will be on show in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head to head in the biggest club game in football - the Champions League final.
27 May 2022
talksport.com
Steve McClaren claimed 'five or six players don't deserve to wear the shirt'
Steve McClaren told talkSPORT Cristiano Ronaldo is the 'solution' to Manchester United's success but 'five or six players don't deserve to wear the shirt', before he returned to the Old Trafford dugout.
27 May 2022
talksport.com
Klopp 'made life impossible' for Real Madrid during 4-1 Dortmund destruction
While the 2018 final against Real Madrid in Kyiv conjures up horrible memories for Liverpool, it's easy to forget Jurgen Klopp's history with the Spanish began with glory.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Nottingham Forest's journey from "intensive care" to verge of top flight return
The Reds have not played in the top tier of English football since 1999 but can end that long wait by beating Huddersfield Town at Wembley in the Championship play-off final
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Salah may want "revenge" but he's not Liverpool's key man against Real Madrid
Some Real Madrid players have been unimpressed by comments made by Salah in the lead up to Saturday's final, though there's a case to be made that their focus should be on his teammate Diaz
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Alisson or Thibaut Courtois?
Some of the world's best players will be on show in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head to head in the biggest club game in football - the Champions League final.
27 May 2022
talksport.com
Salah won FWA award and Golden Boot but isn't Liverpool's Player of the Season
Liverpool man Mohamed Salah has enjoyed yet another great season, winning two trophies so far, as well as winning his third Golden Boot.
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Atletico Mineiro vs. Avai - prediction, team news, lineups
Atletico Mineiro return to Brasileiro action this Sunday after three consecutive cup matches, looking to continue their good start to the domestic campaign, currently sitting fourth after seven matches.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Jota's remarkable rise to Champions League final despite doubts of former coach
EXCLUSIVE: Jota's former youth team Pacos average just a few thousand fans at home games, but the Liverpool hero is set to play in front of millions of fans worldwide in Paris this weekend Diogo Jota has become a key member of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side
27 May 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Fluminense vs. Flamengo - prediction, team news, lineups
Flamengo can leapfrog seventh-placed Fluminense on Sunday, when the Rio de Janeiro rivals meet at the Estadio Municipal General Raulino de Oli, in gameweek eight of the Brasileiro
27 May 2022
marca.com
Canelo Alvarez, the guest of honor at the Liga MX final between Atlas and Pachuca
The Mexican boxer enjoyed the victory of the team from the city of Guadalajara
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd in transfer for ex-Arsenal star Rooney praised for "enormous ability"
Manchester United are set for some major changes in the summer transfer window ahead of new manager Erik ten Hag's arrival who has already got several targets in mind DERBY, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Wayne Rooney, Manager of Derby County looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Fulham at Pride Park Stadium on April 15, 2022 in Derby, England.
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
William Saliba key to unlocking Arsenal's potential after Mikel Arteta stance
Mikel Arteta has insisted William Saliba will be part of his Arsenal plans next season and the young French centre-back's return could provide a different dimension to the Gunners set-up Mikel Arteta has insisted William Saliba is part of his Arsenal plans next season
27 May 2022
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd monitoring De Jong transfer alternative from Rangnick's shortlist
Frenkie De Jong is still undecided over his future at Barcelona, and Manchester United have turned their attention to Manu Kone after Ralf Rangnick kept tabs on the midfielder Manchester United may look to pursue alternatives to Frenkie De Jong
Show more

Top News

12 January 2025 talksport.com Gabriel Jesus was left with his head in his hands after being stretchered off the pitch of Arsenal's FA Cup clash on Sunday. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea could reportedly struggle to re-sign Marc Guehi during the January transfer window due to the centre-back's wage demands. 12 January 2025 talksport.com Harry Kane remains confident he will win trophies before the end of his career. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal have been dealt yet another attacking injury concern, as Gabriel Jesus came off with a suspected knee issue in the Gunners' FA Cup clash with Manchester United. 12 January 2025 talksport.com Atlanta United are keen to set an MLS record as they pursue a deal for one of the EFL's top strikers. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu. 12 January 2025 talksport.com One Tamworth player turned into prime Zinedine Zidane to leave TWO Tottenham players with egg on their faces. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed that Amad Diallo is not in the starting XI for Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal due to "a little problem". 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are without Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori for Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash with Manchester United at the Emirates. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Juventus have reportedly had an opening offer for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo rejected by the Catalan giants. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Napoli are reportedly ready to make a move for Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho, with the Italian outfit searching for a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before the end of the January transfer window. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot cannot call upon the suspended Darwin Nunez for Tuesday's Premier League battle with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo should have all but one of his players available for Tuesday's blockbuster Premier League battle with leaders Liverpool at the City Ground. 12 January 2025 talksport.com West Ham United are looking to make a move in the January transfer window after another brutal injury blow. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Facing one of the toughest tests of their Premier League title mettle, Liverpool make the trek to the City Ground for a fascinating battle with high-flying Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. 12 January 2025 talksport.com Manchester City are closing in on an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush, talkSPORT understands. 12 January 2025 talksport.com Dutch hero Patrick Kluivert has announced the big plans he has in store after returning to the dugout on the international stage. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has both the best and worst kind of attacking dilemma to solve for Tuesday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to revert to his regular 'A' team for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Separated by just three points in the upper echelons of the Premier League table, Chelsea and Bournemouth endeavour to build on emphatic FA Cup victories in Tuesday's top-flight battle at Stamford Bridge. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Six-time Spanish champions Valencia will be bidding to avoid an upset against third-tier outfit Ourense CF when they take to the field in the last-16 stage of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey on Tuesday night. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aiming to stay within close range of the Serie A summit, Atalanta BC will host a misfiring Juventus side on Tuesday evening. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is not expected to be involved when the Premier League champions travel to Brentford for Tuesday's top-flight contest. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brentford left-back Rico Henry is in line for his first Premier League appearance since September 2023 when the Bees host Manchester City at the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, viewing the Sweden international as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Kicking off a three-game road trip in the English capital, a revitalised Manchester City seek a fourth win on the spin in Tuesday's Premier League clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani, with Aston Villa potentially emerging as the favourites for the France international. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic could reportedly be offered a route back to the Premier League by newly-promoted Ipswich Town. 12 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Borussia Dortmund are reportedly making 'a concerted effort' to acquire Marcus Rashford, while Napoli are said to have emerged as genuine contenders to sign the Manchester United attacker before the end of the January transfer window.