Marco Fabián: What could have been.

Marco Fabián, once one of Mexico’s brightest footballing talents, was on the cusp of making a giant leap to the top echelons of European football. Having risen through the ranks at Chivas, established himself as a creative midfielder with Eintracht Frankfurt, and attracted interest from German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, it seemed his path was set for stardom. However, a devastating injury in 2017 altered the trajectory of his career, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

The Chivas Years: A Star in the Making

Fabián’s journey began at one of Mexico's most prestigious clubs, Chivas de Guadalajara. Graduating from the club’s esteemed youth academy, he made his first-team debut in 2007, quickly becoming a vital player for the club. His technical ability, vision, and knack for scoring spectacular goals made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the Mexican league. During his time at Chivas, Fabián won the hearts of fans and earned multiple individual accolades, including being named to the Liga MX Best XI in 2010.

Over the years, Fabián delivered some memorable performances in both domestic and international competitions. His contribution helped Chivas reach the final of the Copa Libertadores in 2010, an achievement that elevated his status as one of Mexico’s top talents. Despite some ups and downs with the club, the attacking midfielder's consistent form led him to wear the captain’s armband, further showcasing his leadership on and off the field.

Fabián’s rise at Chivas also earned him a call-up to represent the Mexican national team. He made his senior debut in 2012 and quickly became a regular feature in the squad. Over the course of his international career, Fabián earned 43 caps and scored 8 goals for El Tri. Notably, he played a key role in Mexico's 2012 Olympic gold medal win, adding to his growing reputation as one of the nation's most talented midfielders. His performances on the international stage further solidified his status, making him a player to watch both in Mexico and abroad.

Eintracht Frankfurt: Reaching His Peak

In 2016, Fabián made the bold move to Europe, signing with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. It was in Germany where his talent truly shone on the international stage. His first full season (2016/17) with Frankfurt was nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of Niko Kovač, Fabián flourished, playing as an attacking midfielder and often dictating the tempo of Frankfurt’s play.

One of his most iconic moments came when he scored a stunning long-range screamer against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park—a goal that left fans in awe and further increased his stock as an elite talent. That same season, he registered seven goals and four assists, playing a key role in Frankfurt's run to the DFB-Pokal final. His performances not only won him the admiration of Frankfurt’s fans but also drew the attention of some of Germany’s biggest clubs.

In a revealing interview, Fabián later disclosed that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were both seriously interested in signing him in 2017:

""I was in my prime, I was playing amazing under Niko Kovač, I was flying. There were already talks and approaches from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.""

Marco Fabián

The idea of Fabián linking up with elite clubs like Bayern or Dortmund was tantalising for fans and pundits alike. However, fate had other plans.

The Injury That Changed Everything

After the 2017 Confederations Cup, Marco Fabián suffered a severe setback—a herniated disc that would ultimately sideline him for almost an entire year. This injury marked the beginning of a sharp decline in his career. The now 35-year-old described it as the worst injury of his life, and it effectively put an end to the dream move to a major European club:

""After the 2017 Confederations Cup, I had the worst injury of my career, a herniated disc that ruled me out for around a year…""

Marco Fabián

The injury derailed not just his potential transfer but also his form upon returning to the pitch. While he managed to make a comeback, he never fully regained the momentum he had before the injury.

A Career Derailed: The Post-Injury Years

Following his recovery, Fabián’s career took a series of unexpected turns. He returned to Frankfurt for a short period but never quite hit the same heights. He later had stints at clubs such as the Philadelphia Union in MLS, Al-Sadd SC in Qatar, and FC Juárez in his native Mexico. Each move seemed like an attempt to rediscover his form, but the magic that once defined him was never fully recaptured.

More recently, Fabián has struggled to find stability, moving clubs every year since leaving Germany in 2019. After playing for Mazatlán during the 2022-23 season, he briefly joined Unió Esportiva Santa Coloma in Andorra in 2023, before moving to FC Rànger's in 2024, where he currently plays. The constant change of teams reflects his ongoing challenge to regain his footing, with his career now far removed from the heights it once reached. Playing in Andorra, far from Europe’s top leagues, it’s clear that Fabián’s trajectory has shifted drastically from the potential he once held.

What Could Have Been

At his peak, Marco Fabián was a player who had all the tools to succeed at the highest level. His technical skill, creativity, and eye for goal made him an exciting prospect for any team. While his injury may have denied him the chance to showcase his abilities on the grandest stages with the likes of Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, his legacy as one of Mexico’s most talented midfielders remains intact.

For fans of Mexican football, Fabián’s career will always serve as a reminder of what could have been—a player who flew so close to greatness but was ultimately grounded by misfortune.

What were your fondest memories of Fabián?