Fernandinho – a legend of both Manchester City and Premier League football – has this week confirmed his intention to retire from professional football.
The announcement brings to a close one of the most decorated and respected careers in the modern era, with Fernandinho long established as one of Manchester City’s greatest-ever midfielders.
Since leaving the Etihad Stadium in 2022, the Brazilian returned to Athletico Paranaense – the club where his professional journey began – and had been widely expected to make a final decision on his future as his involvement on the pitch gradually reduced. Now 40, the midfielder has opted to draw a line under his career.
During his nine seasons under two different City managers in Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola, Fernandinho became the heartbeat of the club’s midfield, renowned for tactical intelligence, ball-winning ability, and remarkable positional discipline.
The Brazilian was central to Manchester City’s domestic dominance, with his trophy haul of five Premier League titles, six League Cups, an FA Cup and Community Shield placing him among the most decorated players in club history.
Fernandinho made 383 appearances for City across nine seasons, having joined in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk, winning 258 games, scoring 26 goals, and winning a remarkable 13 trophies – captaining Pep Guardiola’s side towards the end of his Etihad Stadium career.
Speaking this week during a charity match at Athletico Paranaense’s stadium, as reported by Globo Esporte as well as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Fernandinho has made clear that he has an intention to step away from his playing career.
The 40-year-old had not played since December 2024 in Athletico Paranaense against Atletico Mineiro, but said after his brief appearance this week, “I’m already tired. I ran for 30-something minutes today and I’m exhausted.”
The Manchester City legend continued, “There’s nothing in football that motivates me anymore. I’ve achieved everything I could. Now it’s time to enjoy my family.”
Concluding, Fernandinho said, “We didn’t reach an agreement for a new contract, and that’s the most natural thing in the world. I’ve never hidden my gratitude, my respect and affection for Athletico, especially their fans.”
With his retirement confirmed, attention will now turn to what comes next for one of the game’s most experienced midfield minds. Fernandinho previously expressed interest in coaching, and City have a strong track record of welcoming former players back into their network – whether as Academy staff, global partners, or ambassadorial figures.
His deep understanding of Pep Guardiola’s system, coupled with his leadership qualities, would make him a valuable addition should he pursue that pathway. Alternatively, the Brazilian could choose to step away from football entirely in the short term, focusing on family life after more than two decades at the top level.
His legacy at Manchester City is already cemented, and he remains widely admired by supporters who view him as a transformative figure in the club’s modern era. Whether he eventually returns to the Etihad Campus in a new role or continues building his post-playing career in Brazil, Fernandinho’s impact will continue to be felt.
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