Fabio Coentrao, once celebrated as one of the promising left-backs of European football, has traded his football boots for fishing nets, carving out a new life on the sea. Having had significant success with clubs like Real Madrid, Benfica, and Monaco, Coentrao's post-retirement choices have been nothing short of surprising for fans.
After announcing his retirement at the age of 33, Coentrao didn't simply drift away from the limelight like many footballers. Instead, he opted for what many would see as an unorthodox career shift: becoming a full-time fisherman. This decision is even more intriguing when considering his achievements on the football pitch, where he made 106 appearances for Real Madrid and helped the club secure two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
His affinity for the ocean, which he attributes to early experiences fishing with his father, has turned this hobby of his youth Into a full-fledged profession. “The roots have been here since I was born. My father always had a boat; he was reallyinto fishing. I used to go a lot with my father. I liked it very much,” Coentrao reflected, as reported by The Sun.
Having purchased his first fishing boat during his tenure at Real Madrid, Coentrao utilized his limited time off to indulge his love for the sea, stating, “Whenever I hadthat bit of time off, whenever I was on holiday, my life was... it was the sea, it wasfishing.” Besides the wet, salty air, Coentrao found solace, saying he also knew “that one day football would end, I would have to take another direction in my life.”
Since his retirement, the former athlete started to build upon this passion, eventually establishing himself within the fishing community by recruiting and employing young people. By 2022, he had successfully built up a team of 45 individuals, working across three active fishing ships. Coentrao has expressed enthusiasm for mentoring these younger workers, offering them pathways similar to his own past, saying, “Life inthe sea is not a shame, as many people think. It is a job like any other. Not onlythat, the sea is beautiful and we need it. It has people working here, and theprofession should be respected like any other.”
Coentrao’s career as a football player was not without its ups and downs. While he was brought to international stardom by his time at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he was seldom the most recognized name on the squad. Acknowledged primarily as solid and reliable, the Portuguese left-back was occasionally overshadowed by the star power of his teammates. Nevertheless, his dedication and contributions to his teams earned him respect and resulted in silverware, including two Champions League titles.
Life after football can often lead athletes toward punditry or management roles, as seen with figures like Micah Richards and Pep Guardiola. Yet Coentrao’s decision to fully immerse himself as a fisherman defies normative expectations for retired athletes and reflects his deep, lifelong passion.
For now, Fabio Coentrao serves as not just an entrepreneur but also as someone deeply connected to his roots, emphasizing the importance of nature and fisheries for future generations. His story highlights the various paths athletes can take after they retire and sheds light on the often-overlooked role of fishermen. This transformation from footballer to fisherman showcases Coentrao’s desire for personal fulfillment and serves as inspiration for others contemplating their post-sporting life.
After hanging up his boots and stepping away from high-profile matches and media attention, Coentrao is now happiest when surrounded by the sea. It is here, away from the fame of football, where he finds his true happiness. His life today shows us how one can fully embrace their passions and build meaningful connections with the community—even if it means trading the bright lights of the stadium for the calm waves of the ocean.
