Ibanez returns to the Brazilian national team via Al-Ahly and the Roshan League
A new international achievement is being recorded in the Saudi Roshan League
In an exceptional moment and a turning point in his football career, the solid Brazilian defender and Al-Ahli Saudi FC star, Roger Ibañez, received long-awaited news. He was officially called up to the Brazilian national football team (the Seleção), a fitting culmination of his tremendous efforts and outstanding performances in the Saudi Professional League. This decision ensures that the night of March 26th will remain etched in the player's memory, as the Brazilian national team prepares for tough international friendlies against France and Croatia during the upcoming international break, based on the selections made by the national team's coaching staff.
The Journey of Challenge: From Absence to Returning to Represent the Samba
Al-Ahli's defensive stalwart, Ibañez, didn't have an easy path to return to the Brazilian national team's official squad; it required a great deal of hard work and perseverance. The outstanding defender returns to his country's roster for the first time since August 2023, overcoming a relatively long absence. Since his initial call-up in September 2022, Ibañez had only managed to participate in three official matches with the national team. However, his move to the Saudi League and his remarkable performances in leading Al-Ahli's defense have allowed him to firmly establish himself on the international stage once again, proving that playing in the Saudi Professional League is a genuine gateway to international success.
A remarkable professional career: from Brazilian stadiums to the Old Continent
Looking at the background of Roger Ibañez's career, the 27-year-old's journey is filled with significant milestones. He began his professional career in 2016 at the age of 18, playing for a small local club in Brazil. He quickly caught the eye and moved to Sergipe on loan, then was loaned again to the prestigious Fluminense club, who later completed his transfer. Ibañez remained with Fluminense until 2019, making 39 appearances and scoring two goals, paving the way for his professional career in Europe.
In Europe, Ibañez wore the jersey of Italian club Atalanta before moving to Roma, where he enjoyed a golden period, maturing tactically and technically under the guidance of top coaches and becoming one of the most prominent defenders in Serie A. In the summer of 2023, Ibañez made a bold decision to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, a move that reflects the development and appeal of the Saudi Professional League.
The importance of the event and its expected impact on the sports scene
The call-up of Ibanez from the Saudi League to the Brazilian national team carries immense significance and multifaceted implications. Domestically, this event reinforces the status of the Saudi Professional League as one of the major competitive leagues followed by the coaching staff of the world's most prestigious national teams. It also provides Al-Ahli club with a tremendous morale boost and underscores the quality of their technical choices in recruiting foreign professionals.
On a regional and international level, this call-up sends a clear message to all global players that moving to the Middle East and the Saudi league does not mean stepping away from the international spotlight or losing the opportunity to represent national teams. On the contrary, the sporting environment in Saudi Arabia has become an ideal platform for maintaining high physical fitness and intense competitiveness, ensuring players remain at the pinnacle of global football.
