Fabio Carvalho wheeled away in jubilation as Anfield was sent into pandemonium. The 20-year-old just extended his recent birthday celebrations with the winner against Newcastle United in the 98th minute, well into extra time. After scoring in back-to-back games, it was a moment in time that both Fabio and Liverpool fans believed would kick-start their season.

In reality, Liverpool’s season stuttered and stalled between mesmeric highs and heart-wrenching lows – and, ultimately, Carvalho’s Liverpool career has since been one that has required much patience as a result.

While it’s been a campaign filled with ups and downs, Carvalho’s creativity and self-expression have never been in doubt. Carvalho is used to taking risks on the pitch as an attacking footballer blessed with a genuine game-changing X-Factor, fuelled by his strong sense of self-expression.

His individuality has also developed through his love for fashion over the years. As he says about his clothing: “for me personally as a player, if you feel good then it’s more likely that you’ll play good.” Carvalho’s sense of style is something that he’s seen reflected back in the fans at Liverpool.

“There are people from different cultures, different backgrounds, which helps because you don’t want to be the same as everyone else, you want to be different and be out there. That’s how I try to play my football, like how I dress and style myself.”

These values are also being celebrated through Converse and LFC’s new lifestyle capsule, which Carvalho is helping to launch. By showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of modern football fandom, the project also shows how important the fans are to the game. “Fans come from all over the world, from different backgrounds, and it’s good to see different people,” Carvalho says. “It carries into the team as well, because we’ve got different players from all over the world, and it’s helpful for them. It brings home what ‘Liverpool’ is all about”.

As we approach the business end of the season, Hypebeast caught up with Fabio Carvalho to talk through his season so far, what he’s learned over the last 12 months and why he’s the perfect fit to model the Converse x LFC partnership.

It’s been a season of ups and downs for Liverpool – how have you found your first campaign at the club?

It’s been an interesting season, but I’ve learned a lot from it. I’d obviously have liked to get some more minutes at the club – but I think I’ve gained a lot of valuable lessons to help me improve in the future.

There’s a lot of excitement about what’s to come from the younger generation of Reds like yourself – do you feel like you can be a player that can help kick off a new era at the club?

Definitely, just look at the likes of Harvey, Curtis, Trent is still so young too… then the likes of Stefan breaking through this season… we’re confident we can get back to our best and start dominating again. I know it’s not been the easiest time to be a Liverpool fan, but I’m positive better days are ahead next season.

What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned since being at the club?

Patience… and the importance of taking your chances. At a club like Liverpool, you need to be ready to step up and be counted on when you’re selected.

How have you settled into Liverpool life – and are you vibing with the city?

I don’t actually live in Liverpool, I live just outside in an area I can get outside into the outdoors and walk my dog. But every time I step out in the city I feel nothing but love from the fans. The atmosphere of the city is always special, there’s something about it that feels unique compared to anywhere else I’ve been.

The Converse x LFC collection celebrated the diverse and creative nature of the club’s beating heart – its supporters. How much do you feel that presence when you’re in the city?

There are people from different cultures, and different backgrounds, which helps because you don’t want to be the same as everyone else, you want to be different and be out there. I think the collection represents that perfectly!

How would you describe your relationship with the fans?

The fans have been incredible. Whether it’s been showing support online or in person, they’ve always made me feel so welcome and been supporting me from the start of my time here. Seeing that energy at Anfield has been next level, too.

You were a natural fit to model the collection as one of the most low-key, big-hitters when it comes to your style game off the field. Do you pride yourself on your sense of style?

I do! I’ve always tried to take care of myself when it comes to my style, and I definitely stay tapped in with fashion. I always get told I need to upload some more fit pics! Maybe I’ll drop a few more pics off soon…

You should! There are plenty of other big dressers in the changing room, too…

Curtis does a lot, and Harvey likes to flex too… We’ve got a little group chat set up discussing all sorts of things, we send a lot of music too. Curtis definitely likes to flex a bit every now and again. I’m in a group chat with Harvey and him – those two have also been great in helping me settle into the city and life at the club.

Are there any other ways you express yourself creatively on and off the pitch?

I actually used to draw a lot growing up you know! I would always play around and sketch things back in the day, and I actually did art as a GCSE. Maybe I can link up with the club on a project where I can show what I can do one day…

What are your aims and aspirations for the rest of this campaign, and next season?

I want to get more minutes under my belt and level up ahead of the new season. We’ve got a final run of games to show what we can do as a team and what I can do as a player!