Al-Ittihad have confirmed the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho after three years at the Saudi club, paying tribute to a player they described as a courageous leader who arrived as a star and left as a devoted supporter.
The club announced the news in a video published on its official account on X, marking the end of Fabinho’s spell in Jeddah after he joined from Liverpool in the summer of 2023.
“Farewell to a brave leader. He arrived as a star with great humility, led his team with distinction and leaves as a lover, having left an unforgettable mark,” Al-Ittihad wrote alongside the video.
The club also praised the midfielder’s conduct and influence during his time with the team.
“He was an example of professionalism and a role model for everyone around him, on and off the pitch,” Al-Ittihad added. “He is a name that deserves to be remembered among those who wore the captain’s armband of Al-Ittihad during a historic period in which he helped create extraordinary glory.”
The club concluded its message by saying: “Thank you, Fabinho. You will remain a shining star in the sky of the lovers.”
Fabinho responded with an emotional message of his own, telling Al-Ittihad supporters that his relationship with the club would continue despite his departure as a player.
“Today my journey with you as a player ends, and my journey as a supporter of this club begins,” he said.
The 32-year-old thanked fans for the welcome and affection they had shown him, and reflected on the honour of captaining one of Saudi Arabia’s most established clubs.
“Thank you for the welcome and the warm reception I received from you,” Fabinho said. “It was an honour to wear the captain’s armband of this great club, and I lived through a special period in my sporting career with you.”
He also recalled the highs and lows shared during his time at Al-Ittihad, including the trophies won during a successful campaign.
“We shared the joys and the sorrows and won trophies together,” he said. “I enjoyed watching your creativity in the stands, until I began chanting along with you with all my heart.”
Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Liverpool and quickly became one of the central figures in the club’s starting line-up. His most significant achievement with the team came in the 2024-25 season, when Al-Ittihad won both the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup.
In his farewell message, the midfielder said he hoped supporters had always seen his full commitment to the club.
“I hope that I never held back in serving this institution,” he said. “Thank you once again. Al-Ittihad will always remain in my heart.”
