Former Manchester City and Brazil midfielder Fernandinho has announced his retirement from football at age 40 after a 23-year career.
Fernandinho, the former Brazil and Manchester City defensive midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, according to a report from VANGUARD. The veteran player, who earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders, confirmed his decision on Wednesday evening after participating in a charity match in Curitiba.
“There’s nothing left to motivate me in football, I’ve already achieved everything I wanted to,” he told reporters. He added, “Now it’s time to enjoy my family.”
Fernandinho’s career began and ended with Athletico Paranaense in Curitiba, where he first emerged as a promising talent. After eight successful seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine — where he won six league titles — he transferred to Manchester City in 2013. During his nine seasons in England, he played a pivotal role in the club’s rise to dominance, winning five Premier League titles.
He returned to Brazil in 2022 for a final stint with Athletico Paranaense but was released on New Year’s Day 2025, marking the natural end of his long playing journey.
On the international stage, Fernandinho was part of Brazil’s squad that won the 2003 under-20 World Cup and later earned 53 senior caps, including helping the team secure the Copa America title in 2019.
The announcement marks the close of an accomplished 23-year football career.