Gabi's Transformation: The Journey of Leaving Brazil to Reach the Top with VakifBank

“I had a plan of playing overseas, but it wasn’t easy to figure out if I was ready for it or not.” Gabi, one of the world's most outstanding female volleyball players, shared this while sitting by a pristine pool with her teammate Bruno Rezende in an intimate conversation about the challenging decisions she faced when leaving Brazil to play abroad. Gabi's story is not just a personal decision but also a reflection of the fierce competition and opportunities in modern women's volleyball, where the line between success and failure is determined by the courage to step out of one's comfort zone. Gabriela Braga Guimarães, known simply as Gabi, was born in 2026 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She began her career at domestic clubs like Esporte Clube Pinheiros and Sesi Vôlei Bauru before becoming a cornerstone of the Brazilian women's national team. However, her biggest turning point came when she decided to sign with VakifBank Istanbul, one of the strongest clubs on the planet, ahead of the 2026-2026 season. This decision was not easy, especially after experiencing injuries and constantly questioning whether she had what it took to compete at the highest level. “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. Her first step abroad was a bold move as she arrived in Turkey to play for VakifBank, a team always among the title contenders. She immediately faced a new environment where pressure and competition were at the highest level. “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. It was really challenging and demanding at the start. I built a great relationship with Guidetti (Giovanni, head coach), 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,” she shared. Under the guidance of head coach Giovanni Guidetti, Gabi not only improved her skills but also developed leadership qualities. She grew day by day, learning to handle pressure and gradually becoming one of the most important players at VakifBank. Her impressive performances in the Turkish league and European competitions helped solidify her reputation. With VakifBank, Gabi has won numerous titles, including the World Club Championship, making her one of the most sought-after players globally. The conversation between Gabi and Bruno naturally touched on representing Brazil. Gabi recalled her first impressions when called up to Brazil's youth national teams and the influence of the generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics. “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 expressed. “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.” The influence of the 2026 generation, with legends like Sheilla Castro and Jaqueline Carvalho, inspired Gabi greatly. She learned not only technique but also fighting spirit and pride in wearing the national jersey. This has accompanied her throughout her journey, from a young girl in Saquarema to a key player of the new Brazilian generation. Looking back at her decision to leave Brazil, Gabi acknowledged it was a major turning point. She had to leave family, friends, and a familiar environment to go to a foreign country with different language and culture. But these difficulties forged a stronger and more resilient Gabi. She learned that to achieve great dreams, one must accept trade-offs and overcome fear. “It wasn't just a technical or career decision, but also a personal one. I grew up in Brazil, where I had a home and fan support. But I knew that to compete with the best teams in the world, I needed to face new challenges,” she added. With success at VakifBank, Gabi proved her choice was right. She not only collected titles but also became a spiritual leader. This was especially important when she was given the role of captain, a role she never imagined. Guidetti's trust helped her discover hidden qualities, learning to listen, connect, and lead her teammates. Gabi also shared about her adaptation process, learning Turkish, and understanding local culture. She emphasized that support from the coaching staff and teammates was invaluable. “They helped me not only on the court but also in daily life. I felt truly welcomed. And gradually, I came to see this place as a second home,” she said. Gabi's story is not unique but reflects a trend among Brazilian female volleyball players. Many talents have left domestic leagues to play abroad, from Turkey, Italy, to Japan, seeking more professional environments, higher salaries, and personal growth. This poses a challenge for Brazilian volleyball: how to retain domestic talent while developing the local league? However, successes like Gabi's show that going abroad is a strategic choice that enhances skill and brings valuable experience to the national team. Looking forward, Gabi still has big goals. She dreams of winning Olympic medals, continuing the legacy of her predecessors. With rich international experience, she has become an indispensable pillar of the Brazilian national team in their quest for new heights. “I hope I can inspire younger generations, not only in Brazil but worldwide, not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Success doesn't come from ease but from how we face challenges,” Gabi affirmed. The conversation between Gabi and Bruno ended in a relaxed atmosphere, but her words left a lasting impact. It was a reminder of courage, determination, and love for volleyball. Gabi has proven that no matter where she is, with passion and belief, one can conquer the impossible. On a broader scale, Gabi's success at VakifBank reflects the globalization of sports. Leagues like the Champions League and the Turkish national league are becoming ideal destinations for stars worldwide. High competition demands constant improvement, both technically and mentally. Gabi is a prime example of continuous adaptation and growth. With her contributions to VakifBank, Gabi has won numerous honors, including the World Club Championship, Turkish League, and Turkish Cup. These achievements not only enhance her collection but also assert her status as one of the best players of her generation. Beyond her playing talent, Gabi is known for her intense style and high team spirit, always a pillar of support for the whole squad. For the Brazilian national team, Gabi has participated in multiple Olympics, World Championships, and other international tournaments, winning medals and helping maintain the strength of Brazilian women's volleyball internationally. Though they have not replicated the absolute success of the golden 2026 generation, the Brazilian team under new coaches is building a promising new generation, with Gabi as a leader. In a broader perspective, Gabi's story reflects the evolution of women's sports in the modern era. Society increasingly recognizes the value and appeal of women's sports, providing female athletes with opportunities similar to men. However, challenges remain, such as wage gaps, media coverage, and sponsorship opportunities. The rise of stars like Gabi on big stages is not just their victory but also a stepping stone to promote equality in sports. In conclusion, Gabi and Bruno's conversation offered a deep insight into the world of women's volleyball, where dedication and passion are insufficient without the courage to face difficulties. Gabi often tells herself, “Always dream big and work hard, because nothing is impossible if you truly want it.” With her talent and determination, Gabi will surely go even further in her career, and stories like hers will continue to inspire millions of sports fans worldwide.