Fernando (footballer, born 1987)
A tenacious midfield shield whose tactical intelligence and physical presence anchored teams in Brazil, Portugal, and Turkey for nearly two decades.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: July 25·Millennials
Biography
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Fernando Francisco Reges carved out a career defined by resilience and understated mastery of the defensive midfield role. He emerged not as a flashy star but as an essential component, the player who did the hard, often unseen work that allowed others to shine. His journey took him from the youth ranks of Vila Nova in Goiás to the pinnacle of European football with Porto, where his disciplined performances were crucial to domestic dominance. Later spells at Manchester City, Galatasaray, and Sevilla showcased his adaptability and enduring quality. Fernando's game was built on anticipation, crisp ball recovery, and simple, effective distribution, making him a manager's dream and a consistent force in the engine room until his retirement.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Fernando was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Fernando Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Fernando's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Primeira Liga titles and a UEFA Europa League trophy with FC Porto.
- Played a key role in Manchester City's 2017-18 EFL Cup victory and Premier League title win.
- Earned over 300 appearances in European club competitions across Portugal, England, Spain, and Turkey.
- Secured the Turkish Süper Lig title with Galatasaray in the 2022-23 season.
Did You Know?
He shares his full name, Fernando Francisco Reges, with a famous Brazilian samba singer from the 1950s.
Despite his defensive role, he scored a memorable long-range goal for Porto against Basel in the 2014-15 Champions League.
He was known for his extremely low number of fouls committed relative to his position, highlighting his clean tackling style.
“My job is to break up the play and protect my defenders.”
