Roger Ibañez

Roger Ibañez da Silva (; born 23 November 1998) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and the Brazil national team. Mainly a centre-back, he can also play as a defensive midfielder.

Club career

Early career Born in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul to a Uruguayan mother, Ibañez only started his career in 2016, aged 18, at . Playing as a midfielder, he joined later in that year, and made his senior debut during the 2016 Copa Serrana, which was the club's first professional competition.

On 5 December 2016, Ibañez signed for Sergipe on loan for the season. The following 4 March, however, after featuring rarely, he was recalled. Upon returning, he became a regular starter during PRS' Campeonato Gaúcho Série B campaign.

Fluminense In the middle of 2017, Ibañez joined Fluminense and was initially assigned to the under-20 squad. Promoted to the first team for the 2018 season by manager Abel Braga, he made his professional debut on 20 January 2018, starting in a 0–0 Campeonato Carioca home draw against Botafogo.

On 28 February 2018, Ibãnez had his federative rights purchased by Flu, and he signed a new five-year deal with the club. He made his Série A debut on 15 April, starting in a 2–1 away loss against Corinthians, and finished the campaign with 14 league appearances.

Atalanta On 29 January 2019, Ibañez signed with Italian club Atalanta. Having been inserted in the squad in February, he received his debut on 11 May, coming on for the final few minutes of their 2–1 victory over Genoa. He replaced attacker Josip Iličić as the club was in the heat of battle for a top-four Serie A finish and UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in their history, which they eventually achieved.

Ibañez made his first appearance the following season on the final day of Atalanta's group stage campaign in the Champions League. Needing a win away to Shakhtar Donetsk, Ibañez came on for centre-forward Luis Muriel for the final 20 minutes with Atalanta leading 1–0 and having previously abandoned their regular back three for a back four while in search of the winning goal. Ibañez had only been included in one of the previous five match day squads, but the suspension of Rafael Toloi and an injury to Simon Kjær paved the way for his inclusion. Atalanta would win the game 0–3, qualifying for the knockout stage.

Roma On 27 January 2020, Ibañez moved to fellow Serie A club Roma and signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club. The transfer was initially a loan until 30 June 2021, set to convert to a permanent transfer for a predetermined fee of €8 million if certain conditions were met. On 4 March 2021, he signed a new long-term deal with Roma until 30 June 2025.

Al-Ahli On 10 August 2023, Roger Ibañez joined Saudi club Al-Ahli on a permanent transfer, for a reported fee of €30m including bonuses. On 18 August, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 away victory against Khaleej Club.

International career

On 9 September 2022, Ibañez received his first call up to the Brazil national team, for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. He made his debut against Tunisia on 27 September, in a 5–1 win.

On 18 May 2026, Ibañez was selected for Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Personal life Ibanez is married to Bruna Kisner. The couple has two kids: Antonella and Ravi.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Roma UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021–22 UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022–23

Al-Ahli AFC Champions League Elite: 2024–25, 2025–26 Saudi Super Cup: 2025

Individual Saudi Pro League Player of the Month: April 2025