Fábio Faria

Fábio do Passo Faria (born 24 April 1989) is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Vila do Conde, Faria finished his football formation at hometown's Rio Ave FC, having arrived aged 15 from FC Porto. In 2007, with the side in the second division, he was promoted to the first team, appearing in two games as they returned to the Primeira Liga.

After almost no official appearances in the 2008–09 season, Faria became an undisputed starter in the following campaign – 27 matches, one goal, partnering veteran Gaspar as the club maintained its league status – and was also first summoned to the Portuguese under-21s. In December 2009, his solid performances earned him a transfer to S.L. Benfica on a four-year contract, with a transfer fee of around €2 million effective for 2010–11.

In January 2011, after only having appeared once officially for Benfica (45 minutes in a 2–0 home win against C.S. Marítimo for the League Cup, where he played as a left back), Faria was loaned to Real Valladolid in the Spanish second level, until June.

Still owned by Benfica, Faria split the 2011–12 season with F.C. Paços de Ferreira and former club Rio Ave. With the latter, after a game against Moreirense F.C. for the League Cup, he felt indisposed and had to be taken to hospital with a heart condition, which put his career on hold for several months; his retirement was completed in March 2013, at the age of only 23.

Personal life

Faria's father, Francisco Chico Faria (born 22 October 1964), was also a footballer. A striker, he also started his career at Rio Ave, and went on to play professionally for 13 years in representation of seven teams (notably C.F. Os Belenenses), amassing top division totals of 193 games and 58 goals.

Honours

Benfica

• Taça da Liga: 2010–11