FABIAN Caballero, a talented striker who made his mark at clubs like Arsenal and Dundee, captured hearts both on and off the pitch.
Tragically, after his recent passing, many are left wondering about his life and legacy, particularly the role of his wife, Tahiana Alvarado, in his journey.
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Fabian Caballero, a retired Argentine footballer, was married to Tahiana Alvarado, a Paraguayan woman who is largely known through her relationship with him.
Their marriage has been a key aspect of his life, with Tahiana’s support playing a significant role during his career and personal journey.
Fabian’s football journey began in Argentina, where his talent was recognised early on.
Fabian’s time with Arsenal
On October 29, 1998, Fabian Caballero was loaned to Arsenal from Cerro Porteño for the remainder of the 1998–99 Premier League season, with the option for a permanent transfer.
Although he primarily featured for Arsenal’s reserve team, where he scored 8 goals in 16 matches, he made three appearances for the first team, including his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough and an assist in an FA Cup win over Preston North End.
However, his time with the London club was cut short by injuries that hampered his ability to make a lasting impact on the team.
Move to Dundee F.C.
Despite the setback, his career continued, and in 2000 he made a move to Dundee F.C. in Scotland.
His time in Dundee was notable, as it marked a period where he contributed significantly to the team’s success, winning the Scottish League Cup and becoming a fan favourite.
During his time in Dundee, he and Tahiana welcomed their daughter, Tahira.
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In a 2018 interview with The Scotsman, Caballero expressed his pride in his daughter’s Scottish identity: “My daughter is Scottish.
“She is Dundonian! She is 14 now.
“She was very happy in Dundee.
“When anyone asks her ‘Are you Paraguayan?’ she says: ‘No I am not, I am Scottish.’
“Maybe she will come back in the future, to university or something.”
Fabian Caballero’s career may have seen him move across continents, but his family has strong connections to both Paraguay and Scotland.
Changing his nationality
At one point, Fabian seriously considered changing his nationality to play for Paraguay, the home country of his wife.
He realised that his chances of being called up for the Argentina national team were slim due to the fierce competition and high level of talent within the Argentine squad.
This possibility of representing Paraguay seemed like a logical step, given his personal connection to the country through his wife.
Reflecting on the situation, he said: “It didn’t happen in the end – my representative did not do anything about it.”
