Former Liverpool star unexpectedly called up to Brazil national team

Fabinho’s unexpected recall to the Brazil national team after three years away presents an opportunity to feature under Carlo Ancelotti in the upcoming friendlies this month.

Fabinho’s return to the Brazil squad after three years has caught fans’ attention as the Samba team prepares for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia this month. His comeback coincides with coach Carlo Ancelotti’s latest update on Neymar, who remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This move highlights the intensifying competition for midfield positions in the Brazil team.

The last time Fabinho wore the Selecao jersey was at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he mostly served as a substitute for Casemiro and appeared only once in the 0-1 loss to Cameroon. After the tournament, he completed the 2022-23 season with Liverpool before transferring to Al Ittihad, quickly becoming a key player. So far this season, the midfielder has played 12 matches, scored once, and provided two assists, enough for Ancelotti to give him a chance to return after a long absence.

Fabinho is working with Ancelotti for the first time in the Brazil team, while Premier League stars like Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Richarlison, Bruno Guimaraes, and Gabriel Magalhaes remain included in the call-up list.

In contrast, Neymar has been excluded once again due to incomplete recovery. Ancelotti explained: "Neymar is capable of playing at the highest level in this squad. When he is fully fit, he has the quality to play not only for Brazil but for any club worldwide because of his talent." He added regarding Neymar’s absence: "I haven’t spoken to him yet. We will see when Neymar recovers and returns to play."

If he plays in the matches this month, Fabinho will reach his 30th cap for Brazil. During his five years at Liverpool, he featured in 219 games, scored 11 goals, provided 11 assists, and won major titles like the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Fabinho’s return to the Brazil team immediately sparked lively reactions on social media, including humorous comments such as: "Is he still playing football?" or

Given his current form, can Fabinho sustain a long-term place in Brazil’s midfield under Ancelotti?