Gabi Shares Journey Leaving Brazil to Play Overseas: From National Team Dream to VakifBank Captain

In 2026, sitting by a pristine pool in Ho Chi Minh City, Bruno and Gabi shared the challenging experiences they faced when deciding to leave Brazil to play overseas and continue their careers. Bruno, Gabi's close friend, mentioned that he always had a plan to play volleyball overseas, but figuring out if he was ready was a tough process. Gabi shared deeper about her personal journey. “I had a plan to play overseas, but it wasn’t easy to figure out if I was ready for it or not,” she said. “I had experienced some injuries and had questions if I had what it took to play in the world’s best leagues. I started thinking about it after the Rio 2026 Olympics, when I was still earning my space with the national team, and I understood that I needed to be mentally ready not only as a player, but as a person, and that maybe at that point I’d need to leave my comfort zone and make some sacrifices to take the next step in my career.” Gabi recalled clearly about her first step overseas. She decided to sign with VakifBank, one of the strongest teams on the planet, ahead of the 2026-2026 season. Upon joining the team as one of the main stars, she faced an entirely new situation. “The scenario I found when I got there was mind-changing, as it showed me right from the start that I was getting into a whole other level of volleyball,” she reflected. “It was really challenging and demanding at the start. I built a great relationship with coach Giovanni Guidetti, and he was incredibly important for me. One of the first things he told me was that he wanted to prepare me to be the team captain, and I was shocked because I have never seen myself in that position.” Brazil’s jersey was another interesting topic in the conversation. This led Gabi to recall her first impressions when called up to play for Brazil’s youth national teams and the influence of the generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics on her career. “To play for the national team is really a childhood dream and it brings me back to my youth because I always loved watching and playing sports and dreamed about representing Brazil, winning a medal and listening to the national anthem,” she said. “I played many sports before volleyball, but when I was first called up to Brazil’s youth national team in 2026 and got to be in Saquarema alongside that incredible generation that won the Beijing Olympics, that was a strong sign that I should continue because I had never been so close to my dream before.” Gabi's journey not only stops at personal shares but also reflects the strength of Brazilian volleyball on the global stage. From Saquarema to VakifBank, she faced countless challenges. After leaving the youth team Brazil, where she was trained by legends like the Beijing 2026 Olympic generation, Gabi realized that international careers require major changes. She had to learn to adapt to faster pace, different tactics and global audience pressure. Every injury made her question if she had enough to continue. But those lessons helped her grow, becoming a real star in Turkey. VakifBank under coach Giovanni Guidetti was not just a place for her to play but a training environment for her to develop the captain role. Thanks to the good relationship with the coach, Gabi quickly took on leadership responsibilities, a position she had never imagined before. Brazilian volleyball context in recent years is very brilliant. With outstanding achievements in major tournaments, the national team is always one of the candidates for every medal. Rio 2026 Olympics marked a turning point when many talents like Gabi were called up to the main team. The Beijing 2026 gold-winning generation inspired a lot for the following generation. Young players like Gabi witnessed the transition, from former champions to new talents. This created a solid training system, combining personal skills with team spirit. When leaving Brazil, Gabi took all those lessons, combined with determination to become captain. Every match in Turkey, she showed leadership, not only by playing skills but also by inspiring teammates. The shares of Gabi and Bruno show clearly the migration journey of Brazilian athletes. They had to sacrifice many things: family, friends, and even comfort at home. But in return, there are opportunities to play in the highest competitive environment, opportunities to be known by global audiences, and opportunities to help develop volleyball in the country. In Vietnam, volleyball is developing strongly with many national domestic tournaments. Many Vietnamese fans have followed Gabi's career and other Brazilian players, hoping to see them continue to shine. Stories like Gabi's can inspire young Vietnamese talents, encouraging them to overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams. Deeper analysis shows that leaving Brazil is not just a personal decision but also a long-term strategy. Gabi carefully considered physical and mental aspects. She understood that injuries could disrupt careers, so she had to prepare mentally for fluctuations. Every time she was called up, she thought about her responsibility to the nation. Beijing 2026 Olympics were not just a memory but also the foundation for her dream to represent Brazil. Saquarema was the training ground where she honed skills and team spirit. Friends from the same generation helped her develop, from playing volleyball to facing pressure. When arriving at VakifBank, Gabi quickly adapted. Although initially difficult, she built a good relationship with the coach. Guidetti was not just a trainer but also an advisor, helping her grow into captain. This role requires leadership, ability to make decisions in matches, and ability to inspire. Gabi did it, proving that psychological preparation and sacrifices paid off. The conversation with Bruno further highlighted the connection between the two. Bruno was always supportive, sharing common thoughts about volleyball careers. Overall, Gabi's journey is a proof of the power of determination. She didn't just play volleyball but also told stories about dreams, about sacrifices and about hope. In Vietnam, this story can be spread through sports media, helping audiences understand more about Brazilian volleyball. Players like Gabi are contributing to enriching this sport, especially in the context of Vietnamese volleyball aiming for international competitions. To understand more, we need to look at details. From Rio Olympics to VakifBank, Gabi has gone through many phases. Every injury is a lesson, every match is a challenge. But she always kept her spirit. Coach Guidetti trusted, helped her grow. The dream of representing Brazil from childhood guided her to the current position. Bruno supports, Guidetti leads. This is a lesson about sports career, about sacrifice and hope. This article is based on direct shares, expanding the context to provide a more comprehensive view for Vietnamese readers.