​Fabinho’s career has taken him from Real Madrid Castilla to Monaco, then Liverpool, and now Al-Ittihad, yet the Brazilian midfielder has made it clear that his affection for Real Madrid has never faded. More than a decade after his brief stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has spoken warmly about the prospect of someday wearing the famed white shirt again. While there is no indication that Real Madrid are considering a return for the seasoned midfielder, his remarks underscore the enduring bond he still feels with the club where he first tasted top-level European football.
In an interview with El Chiringuito TV, Fabinho was asked whether he would be interested in returning to the Santiago Bernabeu if the opportunity ever arose. His response was telling: “Would I like to return to Real Madrid? Who wouldn’t like being at Real Madrid? It’s the best club in the world.” Although a return to Real Madrid is not on the club’s current agenda, the midfielder’s admiration for Los Blancos remains as strong as ever.
Fabinho first arrived in Madrid in 2012, joining Real Madrid Castilla on loan. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Jose Mourinho, who personally welcomed the young talent to the Spanish capital. The Brazil international would go on to make a single senior appearance for Real Madrid, coming off the bench against Malaga in La Liga in May 2013. Replacing former defender Fabio Coentrao, Fabinho delivered an immediate impact by assisting Angel Di Maria in a resounding 6-2 victory at the Bernabeu.
Despite that promising debut, regular first-team opportunities proved elusive at Real Madrid. In pursuit of consistent minutes, Fabinho chose to continue his development with Monaco, a move that would prove pivotal for his career. His stellar performances in France eventually earned him a transfer to Liverpool, where he established himself as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfielders. During his time at Anfield, he helped lift the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, cementing his reputation as a top-tier midfielder before embarking on a new chapter with Al-Ittihad.