Fabinho earns surprise Brazil call-up after three-year hiatus
Fabinho, a veteran Brazilian midfielder who lifted the Premier League trophy with Liverpool, has earned an unexpected return to international football following a three-year hiatus from the national team, reports BritPanorama.
At 32, he has secured his place in Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendlies, his first selection since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The defensive midfielder’s impressive form in Saudi Arabia appears to have caught the attention of selectors.
Currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, he has become an integral figure for the club, contributing a goal and two assists over 12 matches this season. The recall marks a notable moment for the experienced player, who could earn his 30th international cap if selected for either fixture.
During the 2022 World Cup, Fabinho featured sparingly as an understudy to Casemiro, participating in just one match – a defeat against Cameroon. After the tournament, he completed the remainder of his campaign at Liverpool before transferring to Al-Ittihad in summer 2023.
His tenure at Anfield saw him make 219 appearances, during which he scored 11 goals and provided an equal number of assists. Fabinho’s time in England was marked by significant success, with his trophy cabinet including the Premier League, Champions League, and both domestic cup competitions.
Brazil’s upcoming matches against Senegal and Tunisia could reunite the midfielder with several Premier League colleagues, including Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá, Richarlison, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães. These fixtures present Carlo Ancelotti with the opportunity to assess his squad options, including potentially deploying Fabinho for the first time under his management.
Notably absent from the squad is Neymar, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ancelotti acknowledged the forward’s situation, noting, “Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” while adding that he has not had recent contact with him regarding his recovery.
As fans eagerly anticipate Fabinho’s return to the national team, reactions vary online, with some expressing excitement and others questioning his continued relevance in the sport. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of international selection and the subjectivity surrounding a player’s form and contribution to the team.
In the unpredictable realm of football, where careers can oscillate rapidly, Fabinho’s comeback serves as a reminder of the fine line between obscurity and recognition, where form on the pitch, even in a less prominent league, can still capture the eyes of selectors.
