Former Manchester City and Brazil midfielder Fernandinho has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.
The 40-year-old confirmed his decision after taking part in a farewell charity match at Arena da Baixada, the home of Athletico Paranaense, the club where he both began and ended his playing journey. A free agent since leaving Athletico in January, Fernandinho told Brazilian media that he no longer felt motivated to continue at the highest level.
“I’m already tired; I exhausted myself just running a little over 30 minutes today. There’s nothing left in football that motivates me. I’ve already achieved so much. Now it’s time to enjoy my family,” he said.
Fernandinho’s career included trophy-laden spells in Ukraine and England. He won six league titles and the 2009 UEFA Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk, becoming a midfield mainstay before earning a move to Manchester City in 2013.
In Manchester, he became one of the Premier League’s most reliable and influential midfielders. He lifted five Premier League trophies, won the EFL Cup six times, and made 264 league appearances—the eighth-most in City’s history—contributing 20 goals and 19 assists. He also ranks fifth in interceptions for the club with 380.
On the international stage, Fernandinho enjoyed success with Brazil, winning the U20 World Cup and Copa América, while earning 10 World Cup finals appearances and scoring once.
With his retirement now official, Fernandinho closes a chapter defined by consistency, leadership and silverware—leaving behind a legacy as one of Manchester City’s greatest midfielders and one of Brazil’s most dependable modern-era professionals.
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