Athletico idol and former City player, Fernandinho ends career: No longer motivates

Midfielder Fernandinho, idol of Athletico-PR and multi-champion for Manchester City, confirmed his retirement from professional football this Wednesday (19). The statement took place during the charity game “Bola para Frente, Rio Bonito do Iguaçu”, held at Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba. Aos 40 years old, the player has not officially entered the field since December 8, 2024, when Athletico0 was relegated to Athletico1 B.

The former captain stated that there is no longer any motivation to continue performing at a high level. Ele participated for around 30 minutes in the friendly match and highlighted his desire to prioritize his family after two decades of career.

At the age of 40, midfielder Fernandinho announces his retirement from football: “Já I’m tired. I’m already tired running for 30 minutes today.

— Planeta do Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info) November 20, 2025

Statement during the charity game

Fernandinho was questioned by journalists shortly after the event. He responded directly about his future on the pitch.

“I’m already tired. No football has nothing that motivates me more”, said the midfielder. The player added that he achieved everything he wanted and enjoyed every moment of his professional career.

Trajectory on Athletico-PR

Fernandinho returned to Athletico in 2022, after 17 years at Europa. Upon his return, he played in 86 games and scored four goals.

The contract ended on December 31, 2024. The club did not present a renewal proposal, and the player remained without a contract.

Victorious passage through Manchester City

The midfielder arrived at City in 2013 and remained for nine seasons. There, he won five Premier League titles and was captain in recent years.

• Five Premier League
• An FA Cup
• Six Copas from Liga Inglesa
• Two Supercopas from Inglaterra

He played 393 games for the English club and joined the gallery of idols.

Titles on Shakhtar Donetsk

Before the City, Fernandinho defended the Shakhtar between 2005 and 2013. It won six Campeonatos Ucranianos and the Copa of the 2009 Uefa.

The Brazilian played 284 games for the Ukrainian club. He also played in winning seven Copass from Ucrânia and seven local Supercopass.

Career in the Brazilian national team

Fernandinho was part of the Copa group in the 2014 Mundo, in the Brasil, and in 2018, in the Rússia. He played 53 matches for the main team.

The only title with hopscotch was the 2019 Copa América. The midfielder entered the field in decisive moments, such as in the quarterfinals against Colômbia in 2014.

The player started his career at Athletico-PR, where he was revealed in 2001 and won the 2005 Campeonato Paranaense before moving to Europa.