Career Timeline of Bruno Fernandes: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bruno Fernandes made an impact.

Bruno Fernandes is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned for his role as a midfielder. He currently plays for and captains Manchester United in the Premier League. Additionally, he is a key player for the Portugal national team. Known for his playmaking abilities, goal-scoring record, and leadership qualities, Fernandes has become a vital asset to both club and country since joining Manchester United in January 2020.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 1994: Comparison to Eric Cantona

In October, after being sent off for the second time in five days during a match, it was mentioned that Bruno Fernandes became the first Manchester United player to be sent off in consecutive matches since Eric Cantona in March 1994.

2008: Comparison to Nemanja Vidic

On December 26, after receiving his third red card of the season during a match, it was mentioned that Bruno Fernandes became the first Manchester United player to receive 3 red cards in a season in the past 16 years, since Nemanja Vidic in the 2008–09 season.

August 2012: Joining Novara in Italy

On August 27, 2012, Bruno Fernandes joined Novara in Italy.

2013: Move to Udinese

In 2013, Bruno Fernandes moved from Novara to Serie A side Udinese.

August 2016: Move to Sampdoria

On 16 August 2016, Bruno Fernandes moved to Sampdoria on loan with an obligation to be signed permanently.

2016: Representing Portugal at the Summer Olympics

In 2016, Bruno Fernandes represented Portugal at the Summer Olympics.

June 2017: Joining Sporting CP

On 27 June 2017, Bruno Fernandes joined Sporting CP on a five-year deal.

August 2017: First Call-Up for Portugal National Team

On 28 August 2017, Bruno Fernandes was first chosen for the Portugal national team, replacing the injured Pizzi for World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Hungary.

November 2017: International Debut for Portugal

On 10 November 2017, Bruno Fernandes won his first full cap for Portugal, replacing Manuel Fernandes in a friendly win over Saudi Arabia.

2017: Senior international debut

In 2017, Bruno Fernandes made his senior international debut for Portugal.

2017: Signing with Sporting CP

In 2017, Bruno Fernandes signed with Sporting CP after five years in Italy.

2017: UEFA European Under-21 Championship Participation

In June 2017, Bruno Fernandes participated in the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, helping Portugal to a group stage finish and scoring a goal against Serbia in the opening match.

2018: UEFA Nations League group stage

Bruno Fernandes was selected for three matches in the league phase of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League group stage, helping the hosts Portugal qualify to the inaugural Nations League Finals in June 2019.

2018: FIFA World Cup selection

In 2018, Bruno Fernandes was chosen in Portugal's squad for the FIFA World Cup.

2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Bruno Fernandes was selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, scoring his first goal for Portugal in a warm-up match against Algeria on June 7. He played in the World Cup game against Spain on June 15 and was eliminated on June 30 after a loss to Uruguay.

2018: Taça da Liga win and Primeira Liga recognition

In 2018, Bruno Fernandes won the Taça da Liga and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Primeira Liga Player of the Year.

March 2019: Breaking club record for goals by a midfielder

On 3 March 2019, Bruno Fernandes surpassed António Oliveira's club record for goals by a midfielder in a season.

May 2019: Highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder

On 5 May 2019, Bruno Fernandes became the highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder in a single season of all time, with 31 goals.

June 2019: UEFA Nations League Finals Victory

In June 2019, Bruno Fernandes played in both matches as Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in Porto to win the UEFA Nations League Finals. He was named in the "Team of the Tournament" for his performance.

2019: Scoring in consecutive appearances for Sporting

During the 2019-20 season, Bruno Fernandes became the third Sporting player in the 21st century to score in six or more consecutive appearances for the club.

2019: Back-to-back Taça da Liga win and record-breaking season

In 2019, Bruno Fernandes secured back-to-back Taças da Liga, along with the Taça de Portugal. He was also named Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and achieved a record of 33 goals in all competitions.

2019: Europa League top scorer

In 2019, Bruno Fernandes was the Europa League top scorer.

2019: UEFA Nations League Finals win and Team of the Tournament

In 2019, Bruno Fernandes won the UEFA Nations League Finals with Portugal and was named to the Team of the Tournament.

January 2020: Signing with Manchester United

In January 2020, Bruno Fernandes signed with Manchester United for an initial €55 million (£47 million).

January 2020: Transfer agreement with Manchester United

On 29 January 2020, Manchester United confirmed they had reached an agreement with Sporting for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes.

2020: UEFA European Championship selection

In 2020, Bruno Fernandes was chosen in Portugal's squad for the UEFA European Championship.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020 Participation and Criticism

In 2020, Bruno Fernandes was selected for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, appearing in all games but was criticised for his performances and dropped from the starting line-up for the final group stage match.

February 2021: Goal and assists in record-equalling win

In February 2021, Bruno Fernandes scored one goal and made two assists in Manchester United's Premier League record-equalling 9–0 home win against Southampton.

2021: UEFA Europa League final with Man United

In 2021, Bruno Fernandes contributed to Manchester United reaching the UEFA Europa League final.

March 2022: World Cup Qualification

On 29 March 2022, Bruno Fernandes scored both goals in Portugal's 2–0 win over North Macedonia in the final of the World Cup qualification play-offs, ensuring Portugal's qualification for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

April 2022: New contract with Manchester United

On 1 April 2022, Bruno Fernandes signed a new contract with Manchester United, set to last until June 2026 with an option for a further year.

2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup Performance

In 2022, Bruno Fernandes played in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, providing two assists against Ghana on November 25 and scoring both goals against Uruguay on November 28. He also provided an assist against Switzerland on December 6. Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals, but Fernandes finished as joint-top assister.

2022: FIFA World Cup selection

In 2022, Bruno Fernandes was chosen in Portugal's squad for the FIFA World Cup.

January 2023: 150th appearance for Manchester United and EFL Cup final

In January 2023, Bruno Fernandes made his 150th appearance for Manchester United and on 26 February, started in the 2023 EFL Cup final as Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2–0.

July 2023: Named Manchester United captain

On 20 July 2023, Bruno Fernandes was named as the captain of Manchester United.

2023: FA Cup final with Man United

In 2023, Bruno Fernandes contributed to Manchester United reaching the FA Cup final.

January 2024: Contract offer from Al-Hilal turned down

In January 2024, Bruno Fernandes turned down a contract offer worth €100 million from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, choosing to stay with Manchester United.

April 2024: 50th Premier League Goal and Player of the Month

In April 2024, Bruno Fernandes scored his 50th Premier League goal and was named Manchester United Player of the Month after scoring seven goals in six appearances.

May 2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Squad Selection

On 21 May 2024, Bruno Fernandes was selected in the 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.

2024: UEFA European Championship selection

In 2024, Bruno Fernandes was chosen in Portugal's squad for the UEFA European Championship.

2024: Europa League top scorer

In 2024, Bruno Fernandes was the Europa League top scorer.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers

In March 2024, Bruno Fernandes continued his World Cup form during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, providing two assists and a brace against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 17. He scored the only goal against Slovakia on September 8 and scored a goal and provided a hat-trick of assists against Luxembourg on September 11. He finished as the top assister with eight assists.