Fabio Coentrão

Fábio Coentrão is a left wingback of Real Madrid C.F. He was born on March 11, 1988 in Vila do Conde, Portugal.

Fábio’s professional career began in 2004 when he signed his first contract with Rio Ave F.C. Sometime before joining the club’s main squad Fábio practised in the football academy of Rio Ave. During three years, from 2004 till 2007, Coentrão was not among the team’s key players and played occasional matches in the starting line-up of the Portuguese club. During three seasons he played 28 matches of the club and scored 4 goals.

In 2007, S.L. Benfica signed a professional contract with the young Portuguese. Fábio occasionally appeared on the pitch in his debut 2007/08 season but his displays were not of the level that could enable him to become the team’s key player.

In 2008, the club decided to loan Fábio so that he should remain in good shape and continue to have playing practice. During six months, from January to June 2008, Coentrão played in 16 matches for Madeira C.D. Nacional and scored 4 goals.

After returning from Nacional Coentrão continued his loan spell at Real Zaragoza. During the 2008/09 season the Portuguese only played once for the club.

In 2009, Fábio returned to his native Rio Ave F.C. which served a starting ground for his professional career. During the 2009/10 season Fábio played in 16 matches for the club and scored 3 goals.

After returning from another loan, Fábio continued to play for the Portuguese S.L. Benfica where the defender got an opportunity to be on the starting line-up. The head coach entrusted him with the left wingback position and Coentrão, in his turn, did not let the coach down and had an excellent season in 2010/11. After his successful display, Coentrão became a transfer target for Real Madrid C.F. José Mourinho liked Fábio’s game style, so the Portuguese coach wanted him on his team. In July 2011, Real Madrid C.F. paid 30 million euros for the Portuguese defender and signed a long-term contract with him. Currently, Coentrão is a main defender of the starting line-up.

From 2006 till 2010 Fábio played for the Portugal youth national team: in 16 matches he scored 5 goals. Since 2009 Fábio has occasionally been invited to the Portugal national team fixtures with the total of 18 matches and 1 goal.