A Saudi journalist handed an elite brand watch to Ibrahim Al-Falyan Fabinho after a decisive 3-0 victory for Al-Ittihad over Al-Raed, an event that lingered in the mixed zone long after the final whistle.
In the crowded mixed zone, the reporter drew Fabinho aside, placing the gleaming watch on his wrist as a token of appreciation. The moment drew a warm smile from the midfielder, who thanked the journalist for the gift. Moments later, the striker accidentally dropped the timepiece but quickly recovered it, lifting the watch once more and flashing a thumbs up to acknowledge the gesture before the crowd moved on.
Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad after a long spell with Liverpool, a club he had called home since 2018. This season in the Saudi Pro League has seen him feature sparingly, with a single appearance and no goals recorded so far. The market value for the Brazilian midfielder stood at approximately 42 million euros according to Transfermarkt, reflecting his status as a high-profile signing in a league attracting global attention.
Last season, Fabinho made 36 appearances in the English Premier League and contributed one assist, helping Liverpool finish the campaign in fifth place on the standings. His experience from the Premier League era has been a key talking point as he adapts to a new league and a different style of play in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
Earlier reports highlighted broader international football dynamics in the region, including discussions about high-profile players and potential shifts in national football policy. The landscape continues to evolve as Saudi clubs seek to blend homegrown talent with experienced internationals, reshaping the competitive balance in Asian football and drawing attention from fans around the world Source: Transfermarkt.