Gabi reveals why she left Brazil: 'I needed to leave my comfort zone to reach the top'

In a laid-back poolside chat, Bruno Rezende and Gabriela Guimarães – two of Brazil's biggest volleyball stars – looked back on the hardest period of their careers: the decision to leave home and play abroad. There was no cheering, no arena lights, just honest talks about fear, doubt, and the determination to push beyond one's own limits. Gabi, one of the best outside hitters of her generation, admitted that the plan to go overseas had been brewing since the Rio 2026 Olympics. Yet she did not rush into the international transfer market. Lingering injuries and the question of whether she could compete in the world's top leagues made her stop and question herself. For Gabi, physical readiness was not enough; she needed mental maturity, the courage to leave her comfort zone, and the willingness to make sacrifices to move forward. The 2026-2026 season marked a golden milestone when Gabi signed with VakifBank, one of the most ambitious teams on the planet. That was a huge leap, and she felt from the very first days that she was entering a completely different level. The environment in Turkey was harsh, demanding, where every small detail was scrutinized. Gabi admitted that the early period was really challenging, but coach Giovanni Guidetti became a huge anchor. One of the first things he told her was that he wanted to prepare her to become team captain. Gabi was shocked because she had never seen herself in that position. Guidetti's trust helped her discover leadership potential she never knew she had. Gabi's story is not just about the VakifBank contract. It is a journey of self-discovery, a process of overcoming self-imposed limits. The truth is many talented Brazilian athletes have failed abroad because they were not mentally ready. Gabi saw that and chose to wait. She did not want to become a commodity sold hastily before she was prepared. Instead, she picked the perfect moment to break through. Of course, the national team jersey is the biggest inspiration of her career. She recalled that the dream of wearing Brazil's colors began in her youth as she watched her idols play. Her first call-up to the youth national team in 2026, training at Saquarema alongside the golden generation that had just won Olympic gold in Beijing, was the moment she felt closer to her dream than ever. From a professional perspective, Gabi's success at VakifBank lies in her proactivity. She did not go abroad to 'learn' but to assert her status. Being handed the captain's armband is not just a reward for talent; it is an affirmation of the courage of an athlete who dared to leave her comfort zone. This contrasts with the current trend of many young talents who go abroad too early, before they are ripe, leading to injuries or loss of form. Gabi waited until she was 27 – the most mature age in terms of skill and psychology. In a transfer market where smaller clubs keep nurturing young talents for the 'big fish', Gabi's case is a prime example of a sustainable development strategy. She is not just an export product; she is a winner who returns with experience and resilience. Gabi's story teaches us about patience and self-awareness. In modern volleyball, being fast is not always good, and leaving your comfort zone does not mean jumping at any opportunity. What matters is knowing who you are, what you want, and when is the right time to fly. In the end, the poolside conversation between Bruno and Gabi is more than a casual chat; it is a manifesto of a new generation of Brazilian volleyball – daring to leave the nest, facing challenges, and always carrying the national flag dream in their luggage. The upcoming season will answer for all the sacrifices they have chosen. The question remains: will domestic clubs ever be strong enough to keep the 'Gabis' of the future? Only time and proper development strategies can tell.