Fabinho's Brazil Comeback: Midfield Stabilizer Returns to Selecao

Fabinho Returns to the Brazil Squad

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho of Al-Ittihad has spoken about his return to Brazil's national team after more than three years away.

Since leaving Liverpool in 2023 and moving to the Saudi-based club, he hadn't managed to break into the Selecao again until head coach Carlo Ancelotti called him up.

Fabinho featured for 30 minutes in a 1-1 friendly with Tunisia, as Brazil prepared for forthcoming fixtures.

In a brief post on X, he wrote: "Delighted to return, the feeling is still the same as the first time".

The midfielder, who has long been part of the national setup when fit, said it remains an honor to wear the Selecao jersey.

Brazil had trailed to a Tunisia goal but drew level via a penalty converted by Estevão of Chelsea.

Fabinho attended his country’s clash with Senegal, which the Samba won 2-0, but he remained on the bench.

Midfield Stabilizer for Al-Ittihad

His last international appearance came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Brazil exited in the quarterfinals on penalties to Croatia; he only played Cameroon in the group stage, a 1-0 win for the Africans.

The return comes as Brazil continue to recover from a long absence from the squad in World Cup qualifiers and Copa America, with Ancelotti hoping Fabinho stays in his plans for the upcoming international window.

Road to 100 Caps and Beyond

At Al-Ittihad, he has added a clear technical dimension in midfield, balancing defense with his deep understanding of the game, making him a key link between lines.

His calm presence has helped the team maintain structure and press more effectively, while his leadership and experience guide younger players.

Fabinho's return also carries psychological weight, introducing European know-how and a stronger identity as Al-Ittihad push for domestic and continental success.

The Brazil story has always been intertwined with midfield pairings near Kanté and Fabinho for balance, both at club and international level.

Fabinho is closing in on 100 appearances for Al-Ittihad, having reached 80 so far with five goals and seven assists.

Last season he helped power a league-and-cup double, showing consistent form and contributing in tight games.

His best spell might have been with Monaco (233 games, 31 goals, 21 assists) and, at Liverpool, where he delivered 11 goals and as many assists in 219 matches.

Punchlines: If football were math, Fabinho would be the guy who always solves for X—the one that ends up in the back of the net.

Punchlines: His midfield reads like a sniper's rifle: precise, calm, and always on target before the whistle.