This review examines the impact of soil fauna on the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM), focusing on labile (particulate organic matter, POM) and stabilized (mineral-associated organic matter, MAOM) forms. The authors propose three major mechanisms through which soil fauna influence SOM: transformation, translocation, and grazing on microorganisms. Transformation involves altering the quantity and decomposability of organic matter, soil mineralogy, and microbial community composition. Translocation refers to the movement of organic matter and soil particles, while grazing affects microbial biomass and community structure. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary studies that cover individual taxa and complex communities, using physical fractionation, isotopic, and microbiological approaches. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes to advance concepts, models, and policies related to soil organic matter management, particularly in the context of climate change and carbon sequestration. The review also discusses the role of specific soil fauna, such as earthworms, and their effects on SOM dynamics, as well as the interactions among different faunal taxa and the influence of environmental factors like land use and climate change. Finally, it calls for future research to better understand the mechanisms by which soil fauna affect SOM and to develop effective management strategies.This review examines the impact of soil fauna on the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM), focusing on labile (particulate organic matter, POM) and stabilized (mineral-associated organic matter, MAOM) forms. The authors propose three major mechanisms through which soil fauna influence SOM: transformation, translocation, and grazing on microorganisms. Transformation involves altering the quantity and decomposability of organic matter, soil mineralogy, and microbial community composition. Translocation refers to the movement of organic matter and soil particles, while grazing affects microbial biomass and community structure. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary studies that cover individual taxa and complex communities, using physical fractionation, isotopic, and microbiological approaches. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes to advance concepts, models, and policies related to soil organic matter management, particularly in the context of climate change and carbon sequestration. The review also discusses the role of specific soil fauna, such as earthworms, and their effects on SOM dynamics, as well as the interactions among different faunal taxa and the influence of environmental factors like land use and climate change. Finally, it calls for future research to better understand the mechanisms by which soil fauna affect SOM and to develop effective management strategies.