The day was October 25, 2009. A derby at the Engenhão stadium. A packed stadium. Flamengo was fighting for the Brazilian title and Botafogo was trying to avoid relegation. A young defender had a difficult mission: returning from the Brazilian U-20 team, which competed in the World Cup in Egypt, he was making only his eighth start for the red-and-black team.

With a strong personality and a lot of seriousness, however, Fabrício passed the test of fire. It was his last game of 2009, but there he proved his worth as a member of the red-and-black squad. That's why the 1-0 victory in that match remains in the defender's memory.

"That game was crucial for me at Flamengo. I came from the Egyptian U-20 team, I came straight into that match and did well. It was a good opportunity, a difficult game, but the team left the field with the victory. It was good for me to establish myself and show that my daily work was bearing fruit. That's when I knew I could be used," he said.

After that, the number 20 didn't play again that year and was even speculated about leaving the club. But in February 2010, the defender got a big opportunity. On the 24th, he started against Universidad Católica and remained with the first team since.

"The entire group's work is improving. It's not just because of me coming in. I'm happy to have started well and have this sequence of games. Thank God I clicked with Alvaro, but we have to praise the squad, which is improving with each game. That's why they're getting good results," he added.

At 20 years old, Fabricio has already played 16 professional matches for Flamengo. A product of the Flamengo youth academy, he previously played for Paraná and German football before establishing himself at Gávea. He is undefeated against Botafogo. He has played in two matches; winning one and drawing the other.