In recent years, even as professional soccer careers tend to extend longer, many other players opt to retire relatively young. Post-retirement, the common trajectory leads them to stay connected to the sport, often taking on roles as coaches, managers, or in other capacities. However, one notable exception is a player who, after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and competing in two World Cups, decided to pursue a life of fishing following his retirement at 33.
“Life in the sea is not a shame, as many people think. It is a job like any other. Not only that, the sea is beautiful and we need it… My father had a boat, he used to fish and always went with him as a child. My life was the sea… the sea and fishing. Of course, I knew that soccer would one day end and that I should take a new direction in my life. And my happiness is this boat and this is the life I want to lead,” Fabio Coentrao said, via Empower Brand Channel.
Fabio, motivated by passion rather than financial necessity, chose to pursue a new career path. According to The Telegraph, he successfully built a team of 45 people around him. Despite this venture has been the most popular, it is not his sole investment. The former Real Madrid player also invested into an alcoholic beverage company called Gin Pablo. Through these efforts, Fabio emphasizes his desire to move away from the world of soccer.
Fabio Coentrao reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his Real Madrid career
Following a standout performance with Benfica in the Portuguese league, Real Madrid signed Fabio Coentrao for $34.78 million to bolster the left-back position and provide competition for Brazilian standout Marcelo. Although he spent seven years with the Spanish giants, Coentrao struggled to secure a consistent starting role, drawing significant criticism for his performances. Nonetheless, he reflected on his time with the team, offering insights into his challenging journey.
Fabio Coentrao of Real Madrid CF and Arda Turan of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid.
“I had to go to other clubs to show my work and then I arrived at Real Madrid, the best club in the world… But, that’s not for everyone. I was there for seven years, with a contract that was renewed in the middle of that time. I won 15 or more titles there. That speaks for itself and it’s a matter of pride,“ Fabio Coentrao said, as reported by Marca in 2020.
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Not only did he successfully remain with the Spanish team for several years, securing numerous titles, but he also represented Portugal in two FIFA World Cup editions: 2010 and 2014. However, his tenure at Real Madrid was not without challenges, as he played only 106 games.
Following inconsistent performances, he embarked on a series of loans beginning in 2015, featuring for teams like Monaco and Sporting CP, before departing on a free transfer to join Rio Ave in 2018.
