The concept is called saudade, a deep, melancholic longing that often overtakes Brazilians when they live away from home. They yearn for the inherent joy of their homeland, a land affectionately described as ‘all jewels, all beauty’ – at least, on the surface. Fab Melo, however, didn’t seem to suffer from this particular brand of sadness. He was always smiling, even in unfamiliar territory, with a basketball clutched in his hands. This instrument had not only taken him far from home but had also opened doors to meeting new people, forging friendships, and building a professional career.
Yet, despite these opportunities, the true spark was never ignited within him; a genuine love for basketball never blossomed. For Fab, it was simply a profession, a job like any other. And when he eventually returned to his native Brazil, fate, it seemed, slammed the door shut on his aspirations.