Fabinho’s World Cup summer has taken an intriguing twist, and it has reopened the door to one of his former clubs.
The ex‑Liverpool midfielder was a somewhat surprise inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 tournament, having been plying his trade away from the European spotlight with Al‑Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
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While his time in Saudi Arabia didn’t attract the same global attention as his Anfield peak, it was hardly unsuccessful.
Fabinho arrived as part of the early wave of European stars and helped Al‑Ittihad to back‑to‑back Saudi Pro League titles, as well as lifting the King’s Cup during his spell in the Gulf.
His three‑year deal in Jeddah ran its course at the end of June 2026, with the Saudi club deciding not to renew, meaning Fabinho is now a free agent and able to weigh up his next move without any transfer fee involved.
Now it looks like the Brazilian wants a return to Real Madrid. Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, he said:
“Would I like to return to Real Madrid? Who wouldn’t like being at Real Madrid? It’s the best club in the world.”
Fabinho’s stint at Real Madrid was short. He joined Real Madrid Castilla from Rio Ave in 2012, featuring regularly for the B team in the Segunda División during the 2012/13 season.
In that period, he worked under Jose Mourinho and training with the first team.
He made his only official appearance for Real Madrid’s senior side un May 2013, coming off the bench in a 6–2 La Liga win away to Malaga.
⁉️ “¿Volver al Real Madrid? A quién no le gustaría”.
👉 Fabinho, en exclusiva con @elchiringuitotv tras la eliminación de Brasil del Mundial.
🎙️ @marcosbenito9 pic.twitter.com/xUGFCvRvyV
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) July 8, 2026