Early Years and Family History: Fábio Henrique Tavares, known as Fabinho, was born on October 23, 1993, in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in a modest family environment. His father, João Roberto Tavares, and his mother, Rosângela Tavares, provided a stable and supportive home. Fabinho’s early life was deeply rooted in his love for football, a passion he shared with many young boys in Brazil. Football was more than just a game; it was a potential way out of economic hardship.
Fabinho’s family faced financial challenges, but his parents worked hard to ensure he could pursue his football dreams. Despite the difficulties, Fabinho’s talent was evident from a young age. He joined the youth academy of Paulínia Futebol Clube, a local team in his hometown, where he began to hone his skills as a midfielder.
Career Beginnings: Fabinho’s journey into professional football began when he was scouted by Fluminense, one of Brazil’s most prestigious football clubs. He joined their youth academy, where he continued to develop his abilities. Although he didn’t make a senior appearance for Fluminense, his potential was noticed by European scouts, leading to a move to Portugal.
In 2012, Fabinho signed with Portuguese club Rio Ave. Although he was officially a Rio Ave player, his time there was brief as he was immediately loaned to Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of Real Madrid. His performances at Castilla were impressive, and he even made a single appearance for Real Madrid’s first team under manager José Mourinho in May 2013.
Move to AS Monaco: The Breakthrough: Fabinho’s career took a significant leap forward in July 2013 when he was loaned to AS Monaco in Ligue 1. Initially a loan move, his performances were so consistent that Monaco made the deal permanent in 2015. It was at Monaco where Fabinho truly began to make a name for himself, transitioning from a right-back to a defensive midfielder.
During his time at Monaco, Fabinho was an integral part of the team that won the Ligue 1 title in the 2016-2017 season, ending Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance. Monaco’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals that same season also saw Fabinho shine on the European stage.
Ups and Downs: The transition from Brazil to Europe was not without challenges. Fabinho had to adapt to new cultures, languages, and styles of play. The initial period in Spain was difficult due to limited first-team opportunities, but his move to Monaco marked a turning point.
At Monaco, Fabinho experienced both highs and lows. While the Ligue 1 title was a career highlight, the team also faced struggles in the following seasons, with key players being sold and Monaco’s performance dipping. However, Fabinho’s consistency never wavered, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.
Liverpool: Stardom and Success: In the summer of 2018, Fabinho made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC in the English Premier League. The transfer fee was reported to be around £39 million. Initially, Fabinho took time to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football, with manager Jürgen Klopp gradually integrating him into the team.
Move to Al-Ittihad: A New Chapter: In 2023, after a successful stint with Liverpool, Fabinho made a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The move was part of a broader trend of high-profile players transferring to Saudi Arabia. While the move marked a new chapter in his career, it also brought an end to a highly successful period in European football.
Real Name: Fábio Henrique Tavares
Date of Birth: October 23, 1993
Birth Place: Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
Residence: Liverpool, England (during his time at Liverpool FC); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Profession: Professional Footballer (Midfielder/Defensive Midfielder)
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Rebeca Tavares (married in 2015)
Father: João Roberto Tavares
Mother: Rosângela Tavares
Horoscope: Scorpio
Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
Weight: Approximately 78 kg (172 lbs)
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black