Fabinho leaves Al-Ittihad with club praising ‘brave leader’ who became a fan

Al-Ittihad have confirmed the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho during the current summer transfer window, bringing an end to his three-year spell with the Saudi club.

The club announced the news in a video posted on its official account on X, paying tribute to the former Liverpool player and highlighting his contribution since arriving in the summer of 2023.

“Farewell to a brave leader, who arrived as a star with great humility, led his team with distinction and departed as a lover, after leaving an unforgettable mark,” Al-Ittihad wrote alongside the video.

The club added: “He was a model professional and an example to everyone around him, both on and off the pitch. He was a name worthy of being remembered among those who wore the captain’s armband of Al-Ittihad during a historic period in which he helped create an exceptional legacy.”

Al-Ittihad concluded its message by saying: “Thank you, Fabinho. You will remain a shining star in the sky of the devoted supporters.”

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Fabinho also addressed Al-Ittihad supporters in a farewell message, saying his relationship with the club would continue in a different capacity.

“Today my journey with you as a player ends, and my journey as a supporter of this club begins,” he said.

He thanked the fans for the welcome and hospitality he received after moving to Saudi Arabia, and reflected on the significance of representing the club as captain.

“Thank you for the welcome and hospitality I received from you. I was honoured to wear the captain’s armband of this historic club, and I experienced a special period in my sporting career with you,” Fabinho said.

The midfielder recalled sharing both celebrations and disappointments with the supporters, while also praising the atmosphere created in the stands.

“We shared the joys and sorrows and won trophies together. I enjoyed watching your creativity in the stands, until I began chanting the songs with you with great love,” he added.

Fabinho finished his message by saying: “I hope that I never spared any effort in serving this entity. Thank you once again. Al-Ittihad will always remain in my heart.”

He joined Al-Ittihad from Liverpool in the summer of 2023 and quickly became one of the central figures in the team. His experience and leadership also saw him entrusted with the captaincy during a significant period in the club’s history.

The Brazilian’s most notable achievement with Al-Ittihad came in the 2024-25 season, when the club won the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup to complete a domestic double.

His departure now brings to a close a spell in which he helped Al-Ittihad claim both major domestic trophies, while also building a strong connection with the club’s supporters. Fabinho leaves having been described by Al-Ittihad as both a leader on the pitch and a committed figure away from it.