10 fun facts about Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes began his professional career with Novara in the Italian Serie B before transferring to Udinese in Serie A in 2013. Three years later, he moved to Sampdoria. In 2017, Fernandes joined Sporting CP, where he achieved success by winning consecutive Taças da Liga in 2018 and 2019, along with the Taça de Portugal.

His outstanding performances led to him being named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Primeira Liga Player of the Year for both seasons. During the 2018-19 season, he set a record by scoring 33 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as the highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder and midfielder in Europe for that season.

In January 2020, Fernandes made a significant move to Manchester United for an initial fee of €55 million (£47 million), making him the second-highest fee paid for a Portuguese player leaving the domestic league at that time.

Fernandes has represented Portugal at various youth levels, including under-19, under-20, under-21, and under-23, as well as at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He made his senior international debut in 2017 and has been part of Portugal’s squads for major tournaments such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, UEFA Euro 2020, and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Notably, he was part of the victorious Portuguese team in the 2019 UEFA Nations League, where he was also named in the Team of the Tournament. Some fun facts about him has been listed below.

1. Football family

Alongside his older brother Ricardo, who is also a competitive football player, he grew up playing football on the bustling streets of Porto. Bruno’s father, a devoted sports enthusiast, shared the same passion as his mother.

Interestingly, Bruno Fernandes’ father was a football player as well, although he did not succeed professionally. Bruno must have received significant recognition for his accomplishments in a family where football is deeply ingrained in their heritage.

2. Dropped out of school

Bruno Fernandes made the decision to drop out of school during his early teenage years. Growing up, he spent his time playing football on the streets of Porto alongside his older brother Ricardo, who was already a professional player.

When his Father had to move to Switzerland for work and wanted Bruno to join him, the young boy declined due to the lower quality of football in Switzerland. Instead, he was later given the opportunity to join Boavista’s youth academy.

3. Fan of Manchester United

Fernandes saw a notable improvement in his skills and mental fortitude after joining the Serie A League. Starting off at Udinese, he later transferred to Sampdoria in Genoa. Upon returning to Portugal to play for Sporting Lisbon, he had evolved into a proficient playmaker with a knack for scoring goals.

4. He Taught Himself Italian

At the age of 17, Fernandes signed with the Italian team Novara. Initially, he found it challenging to adjust to his new environment and soon began to feel homesick.

Despite not knowing a single word of Italian, the young Portuguese player managed to learn the language quickly through his dedication and perseverance.

According to reports, he would write down words like ‘Tavolo’ on the table, ‘Sedia’ on chairs, and ‘Frigo’ on the refrigerator to help him remember.

5. Started as center back

Fernandes’ early footballing days commenced at his hometown club Infesta. Instead of starting off as the creative playmaker he is now known as, he initially played as a centre-back. It wasn’t until he was 15 years old and went on loan from Boavista to Pasteleria in Lisbon that Fernandes transitioned to a more offensive role on the field.

6. Idolises Ronaldinho

Many supporters are familiar with Fernandes’ admiration for his Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo since he was young. However, were you aware that his initial inspiration came from the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho?

In an interview, he said, “When I grew up, the first player I liked to watch was Ronaldinho. He had this kind of magic that nobody else had. It was the way he worked every day. The mentality he had and the capacity to give one hundred per cent in every game at a high level.”

7. His Lucky Number Is Eight

When Juan Mata departed from Manchester United in the Summer of 2022, the Spaniard’s number eight jersey became vacant. Without delay, Fernandes decided to switch from his number eighteen shirt to take on the number eight jersey.

Fernandes has a special connection to the number eight, as it was previously worn by Bruno’s father during his own football career. Fernandes considers the number eight to be his fortunate symbol.

He explained, “The eighth is the day of my birthday!” Fernandes told Manchester United’s official website in July 2022. “So this number eight says a lot about me, my family, and my past. That’s why I like to use it. And that’s why it’s my preferred number.”

8. Record breaker

Fernandes has set numerous records throughout his successful career, achieving milestones in both Portugal and the Premier League. In the 2018-19 season with Sporting Lisbon, he netted 23 goals in competitive matches, surpassing Antonio Oliveria’s club record from the 1981-82 season for most goals scored by a midfielder in a single season.

9. Nicknamed little onion

As a result of his petite height and slim physique, Bruno Fernandes acquired the moniker “Cebolinha” during his early years, which translates to “little onion” in Portuguese. This childhood nickname has gained a mythical status among football enthusiasts, with some still addressing him as “Cebolinha” to this day.

10. A giver

Fernandes is recognized for his selfless endeavors and has participated in various initiatives to support underprivileged children in Portugal. He has generously donated to several charitable organizations and foundations, including Make-A-Wish Portugal and Casa Ronald McDonald, which provides accommodations for families with critically ill children.