Fábio do Passo Faria (born 24 April 1989) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a central defender.
Club career Born in Vila do Conde, Faria finished his development at his hometown club Rio Ave FC, having arrived aged 16 from FC Porto. In 2007, with the side in the Segunda Liga, he was promoted to the first team, appearing in two games as they returned to the Primeira Liga.Fábio Faria (Rio Ave): o craque descoberto num piquenique (Fábio Faria (Rio Ave): the star discovered at a picnic); Mais Futebol, 8 October 2009 (in Portuguese)
After almost no competitive appearances in the 2008–09 season, Faria became an undisputed starter the following campaign – 27 matches, one goal,Paços de Ferreira ganha em Vila do Conde e ultrapassa anfitrião (Paços de Ferreira win in Vila do Conde and leapfrog hosts); Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, 21 February 2010 (in Portuguese) partnering veteran Gaspar as the team retained their league status – and was also called up to the Portugal under-21s for the first time. In December 2009, his solid performances earned him a transfer to S.L. Benfica on a four-year contract for an estimated fee of €2 million, effective for 2010–11.Fábio Faria é reforço (Fábio Faria is addition); Record, 3 December 2009 (in Portuguese)Official: Fabio Faria to Benfica; Portugal Football, 24 December 2009
Faria only featured once during his spell at the Estádio da Luz, 45 minutes in a 2–0 home win against C.S. Marítimo in the group stage of the Taça da Liga where he played as a left-back.Anselmo scores late brace as Nacional stun Porto ; PortuGOAL, 2 January 2011Uma carreira que não passou de promissora (A career that was only promising); Record, 8 March 2013 (in Portuguese) In January 2011, he was loaned to Real Valladolid of the Spanish Segunda División until June.Fabio Faria loaned to Valladolid; Portugal Football, 13 January 2011Valladolid confirma empréstimo de Fábio Faria (Valladolid confirm Fábio Faria loan); Rádio Renascença, 17 January 2011 (in Portuguese)
Still owned by Benfica, Faria split the 2011–12 season with F.C. Paços de Ferreira and former club Rio Ave.Fábio Faria contratado (Fábio Faria signed); Record, 31 January 2012 (in Portuguese) With the latter, after a game against Moreirense F.C. in the League Cup, he felt indisposed and had to be taken to hospital with a heart condition,Fábio Faria internado com problema cardíaco (Fábio Faria admitted with heart problem); Diário de Notícias, 5 February 2012 (in Portuguese) which put his career on hold for several months; his retirement was completed in March 2013, at the age of only 23.Fábio Faria anuncia fim da carreira de jogador (Fábio Faria announces end of playing career); Record, 8 March 2013 (in Portuguese)
Personal life Faria's father, Francisco (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 199 games and 62 goals.Fábio Faria. "O melhor será mesmo não jogar!" (Fábio Faria. "The best that could happen to me is not to play!") ; i, 5 May 2010 (in Portuguese)
Honours Benfica Taça da Liga: 2010–11Benfica 2–0 Marítimo; Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, 2 January 2011 (in Portuguese)
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