Former Real Madrid star Fábio Coentrão under investigation for illegal seafood trade

Former Real Madrid and Portugal defender Fábio Coentrão has found himself at the center of an investigation into illegal seafood trade, according to Portugal’s food safety authority, Asae.  

The 36-year-old, who retired from professional football in 2021, transitioned into the fishing industry and owns three fishing boats. Seven months ago, Coentrão expanded his business by renting a warehouse to begin selling seafood.

However, the Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias reports that health authorities have recently suspended operations at three illegal warehouses in northern Portugal, seizing 17 tonnes of foodstuffs in the process.

Coentrão, a decorated footballer, played a significant role in Real Madrid’s success during his tenure, but his post-retirement business endeavors have now come under scrutiny.

One of them housed a shellfish farm belonging to Coentrao, an Asae spokesperson told AFP.

According to Jornal de Noticias, on Wednesday inspectors went to the warehouse belonging to the former Madrid player in the northern fishing port of Povoa do Varzim, where there were 12 seawater tanks filled with lobsters and prawns.

In all, more than a tonne of shellfish was seized by the authorities due to a number of irregularities, missing invoices and lack of a trading licence.

Born in the seaside town of Vila do Conde, Coentrao amassed 52 international caps for his country and also won two Champions Leagues during his time at Real Madrid.