Fred (footballer, born 1993)
A Brazilian midfield engine whose relentless energy and tactical intelligence powered Shakhtar Donetsk's domestic dominance and European runs.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Brazilian association football player·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Fred, the Brazilian midfielder distinct from the striker of the same nickname, built a reputation as the indefatigable heartbeat of his teams. Emerging from the youth ranks of Internacional in Porto Alegre, his potential was quickly spotted by Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. In Donetsk, he matured into a complete central midfielder, his box-to-box stamina and crisp passing becoming trademarks. He was a cornerstone of Shakhtar's relentless collection of Ukrainian Premier League titles and domestic cups, while also proving his worth on the challenging stage of the UEFA Champions League. His performances earned him a spot in Brazil's 2018 World Cup squad and a high-profile move to Manchester United, where his experience and ball-winning prowess were utilized in a deep-lying role.
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.
Fred was born in 1993, 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 Fred Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Fred's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Ukrainian Premier League titles and three Ukrainian Cups during his tenure with Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Selected for the Brazil national team squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
- Transferred from Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester United in 2018 for a reported fee of approximately £52 million.
- Won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in the 2020-21 season.
Did You Know?
His full name, Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos, is often shortened to 'Fred' to avoid confusion with former Brazilian striker Frederico Chaves Guedes.
He was named in the Ukrainian Premier League's Team of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
He made his senior debut for Brazil in a 2018 friendly against the United States, coming on as a substitute for fellow midfielder Fernandinho.
“My role is to win the ball back and keep our team moving forward.”
