Roger Ibañez Da Silva

Roger Ibañez began his footballing education at PRS Futebol before moving to Sergipe and eventually the Fluminense youth academy, where he spent his final development years before his professional debut in 2017.

Roger Ibañez began his professional career at Fluminense before moving to Europe to join Atalanta in 2019. In 2020, he moved to AS Roma, where he became a club icon under Jose Mourinho, making over 100 appearances and winning the 2021-22 UEFA Conference League. In August 2023, he completed a high-profile €30 million transfer to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. In Jeddah, he has been a consistent leader, helping the club compete for domestic and continental honors alongside stars like Riyad Mahrez.

During the 2025-2026 season, Ibañez has reached a new level of offensive productivity for a defender. On May 12, 2026, he scored a vital match-winning goal against Al-Taawoun, showcasing his continued aerial dominance. In the current Saudi Pro League campaign, he has recording 4 goals and 2 assists, consistently ranking among the top defenders for interceptions and successful clearances. His performances in the Middle East have been so dominant that he earned a high-profile recall to the Brazil national team for the final 2026 friendlies. He remains under contract with Al-Ahli until June 2027.

On the international stage, Ibañez earned his senior Brazil debut in 2022. After a period away from the squad following his move to Arabia, his consistent form led to a triumphant return in May 2026. Manager Carlo Ancelotti officially included him in the preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, valuing his recovery pace and big-game experience against world-class strikers. He featured in the final warm-up matches against France and Croatia in late May 2026, solidifying his role as a primary defensive option for the tournament.

By May 2026, he has reached over 250 professional appearances and is recognized as one of the most physically imposing defenders in Asia. His market value remains significant, reflecting his status as a world-class center-back in his prime athletic years. His tactical growth in Europe and Saudi Arabia has prepared him for the intense physical demands of top-flight international football. He continues to focus on maintaining his high levels of concentration and helping Al-Ahli achieve further success on the continental stage. His career trajectory highlights his success in maintaining elite standards across diverse footballing cultures.

Roger Ibañez was born and raised in Canela and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family in southern Brazil. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary work ethic in training. He is a devoted husband to Bruna Kisner and a dedicated father to two children, citing his family as his primary motivation. He managed the challenges of moving across different continents and learning new languages with significant maturity.

He currently resides in Jeddah following his move to Al-Ahli, where he and his family have successfully adapted to the local culture. Off the pitch, Roger is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He is also a brand ambassador for several major sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a top-tier global athlete. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in Italian and basic Arabic. His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in every dressing room he has entered.

His philanthropic work focuses on providing sporting and educational facilities for children in his hometown of Canela. He is involved in several charitable initiatives that support local youth development and healthcare programs. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving one final global success with the Seleção as he enters the peak years of his career.