Bruno Fernandes's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Bruno Fernandes. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Bruno Fernandes is a professional Portuguese footballer renowned for his role as an attacking midfielder and captain for Manchester United. Known for his elite vision, technical proficiency, and dead-ball expertise, he has established himself as one of the most productive playmakers in the Premier League since joining the club in 2020. Before his time in England, Fernandes gained prominence at Sporting CP, where his prolific goal-scoring record earned him widespread acclaim. A crucial figure for the Portugal national team, he has represented his country in multiple major international tournaments. His playing style is defined by his high work rate, leadership qualities, and exceptional ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, making him a vital tactical component for both his club and country.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

10 July 2018: Contract Renewal with Sporting CP

On 10 July 2018, following the resignation of president Bruno de Carvalho, Fernandes signed a new five-year contract with Sporting CP, which included a €100 million release clause and an improved salary.

17 January 2023: Manchester Derby Comeback Win

On 17 January 2023, Fernandes played a pivotal role in Manchester United's 2-1 comeback victory against Manchester City in the Manchester derby, scoring a controversial goal that helped extend the team's winning streak to nine games.

18 January 2023: 100th Goal Contribution Milestone

On 18 January 2023, Fernandes scored in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, marking his 100th goal contribution for Manchester United and solidifying his status as one of the club's top-performing midfielders in the Premier League era.

1981: António Oliveira's established goal record

In the 1981–82 season, António Oliveira set a club record for the most goals scored by a midfielder, a record that stood until it was surpassed by Bruno Fernandes in March 2019.

2003: Baseline for Premier League chance creation records

The 2003–04 season serves as the starting point for modern Premier League chance creation statistics, against which Bruno Fernandes' 2022–23 performance of 119 chances was measured.

2006: Cristiano Ronaldo's Premier League Player of the Month achievement

During the 2006-07 season, Cristiano Ronaldo set a precedent by winning back-to-back Premier League Player of the Month awards, a feat that Bruno Fernandes would later match in 2020.

2017: Senior International Debut

Bruno Fernandes made his official debut for the Portugal senior national football team in 2017.

2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup Squad Selection

Bruno Fernandes was selected to be part of the Portugal national team squad competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2018: Domestic Success with Sporting CP

During the 2018 season, Fernandes achieved a major milestone by winning the Taça da Liga, while also earning recognition as the Primeira Liga Player of the Year and a spot in the Team of the Year.

2018: Recognition as Primeira Liga Player of the Year

Following the conclusion of the 2018–19 season, Bruno Fernandes was awarded the Primeira Liga Player of the Year title for the second consecutive time due to his exceptional performances throughout 2018 and 2019.

March 2019: Breaking the club record for goals by a midfielder

On 3 March 2019, Bruno Fernandes scored his 23rd competitive goal of the season against Portimonense, breaking the long-standing record held by António Oliveira since the 1981–82 season.

May 2019: Record-breaking goal scoring and cup victory

During May 2019, Fernandes achieved several feats: on 5 May he scored a hat-trick against Belenenses SAD to become the highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder in a single season, and on 25 May 2019, he scored his final goal of the campaign in the Taça de Portugal final victory against Porto.

2019: UEFA Nations League Victory and Individual Honor

Bruno Fernandes won the UEFA Nations League Finals with Portugal in 2019 and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.

2019: Prodigious 2019-20 Season Start

During the 2019 season, Bruno Fernandes showcased exceptional form by scoring seven goals in his first 10 appearances, highlighted by a scoring streak spanning six consecutive games, making him only the third Sporting player in the 21st century to achieve this feat.

2019: Continued Success and Record-Breaking Season

In 2019, Fernandes secured his second consecutive Taça da Liga and the Taça de Portugal, while also setting a record of 33 goals across all competitions during the 2018–19 campaign, becoming the highest-scoring midfielder in Europe.

2020: UEFA European Championship Participation

Bruno Fernandes participated in the UEFA European Championship as a member of the Portugal squad during the 2020 tournament.

February 2021: Record-equalling win against Southampton

On 2 February 2021, Bruno Fernandes contributed one goal and two assists during Manchester United's historic 9–0 home victory against Southampton, a performance that matched the record for the biggest win in Premier League history.

2021: UEFA Europa League Finalist and Top Scorer

In 2021, Bruno Fernandes helped guide his team to the UEFA Europa League final and was recognized as the competition's top scorer for the season.

2021: 2021-22 UEFA Champions League Performance

Throughout the 2021-22 season, Bruno Fernandes emerged as the leading assist provider in the UEFA Champions League, recording seven total assists despite broader team struggles.

April 2022: Contract Extension with Manchester United

On 1 April 2022, Bruno Fernandes signed a new contract extension that solidified his position at Manchester United until June 2026, including an additional one-year option.

2022: Record-breaking playmaking performance

During the 2022–23 Premier League season, Bruno Fernandes created 119 chances, marking the highest recorded number of chances created by a Manchester United player in a single campaign since the 2003–04 season.

2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad Selection

In 2022, Bruno Fernandes was named to the Portugal national team squad for the FIFA World Cup tournament.

2023: 2023 FA Cup Final and Champions League Qualification

In 2023, Manchester United qualified for the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League following a third-place league finish, and Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty in the 2023 FA Cup final, though the team lost 2–1 to Manchester City.

2024: UEFA European Championship Participation

In 2024, Bruno Fernandes competed for Portugal in the UEFA European Championship tournament.

2025: Second UEFA Nations League Title

Bruno Fernandes achieved his second UEFA Nations League Finals title with the Portugal national team in 2025.

2025: Second UEFA Europa League Final Appearance

During the 2025 season, Bruno Fernandes once again contributed to his club's success by reaching the UEFA Europa League final and securing the title of the competition's top scorer.

2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad Selection

Bruno Fernandes received a call-up to represent Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2026: Individual Award Clean Sweep and Record Breaking

In 2026, Bruno Fernandes received the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards. Additionally, he was named Premier League Playmaker of the Season after recording 21 assists, a performance that set a new record for most assists in a single Premier League season.

26 February 2023: 2023 EFL Cup Final Victory

On 26 February 2023, Fernandes won his first trophy with Manchester United after starting in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium in the 2023 EFL Cup final.

3 January 2023: 150th Appearance for Manchester United

On 3 January 2023, Bruno Fernandes reached a significant career milestone by making his 150th appearance for Manchester United, during which he provided an assist for Marcus Rashford in a 3-0 victory against Bournemouth.