
Bruno and Ricardo Fernandes (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Bruno Fernandes’ older brother, Ricardo, juggles two jobs while captaining a lower-league English side, reflecting on his brother’s incredible rise to football stardom.
Bruno Fernandes has established himself as one of the top players at Manchester United and a key figure in the Portuguese national team. However, fans were surprised to learn that his older brother, Ricardo Fernandes, is also involved in football, albeit at a much lower level—and with a very different lifestyle.
While Bruno has been at Manchester United for five years, making 262 appearances, scoring 86 goals, and winning trophies such as the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Ricardo plays for Roffey FC, a club competing in the lower leagues of English football. Interestingly, just like Bruno, 34-year-old Ricardo is the captain of his team and plays in midfield. However, unlike his famous sibling, Ricardo balances football with a job in the healthcare sector, working for the NHS.
Reflecting on their contrasting lives, Ricardo told *FourFourTwo*: "We have different lives. Bruno is a professional footballer, and I work for the NHS." He added, "When I was young, my friends and close family probably thought I was the brother who was going to make it, but I wasn't, and he was."
Despite the differences in their careers, Ricardo remains supportive of his brother and doesn’t mind being recognized because of Bruno’s fame. "I have nothing against people coming up to me and talking about my brother. I'm glad that Bruno is known all over the world. Manchester United was a big step for him. He's often criticized, but you have to live with it when you're in such a big club," he said.
Ricardo was there for Bruno during the early stages of his career, including his time in Italy with Novara. While Bruno’s financial success means Ricardo doesn’t have to work, he insists on earning his own living. "It’s clear that because of Bruno’s wealth, I don’t have to do anything, but I’m determined to earn every dinar myself," Ricardo explained.
Ricardo enjoys a happy life with his family and stays in regular contact with Bruno. Although he admits that he would have loved the chance to play alongside his brother, he acknowledges Bruno’s superior talent and work ethic. "I would have liked it if we had played together, but Bruno is still much better and more talented. He also worked harder throughout his career," he said.
Despite their different paths, Ricardo takes pride in his brother’s success while remaining dedicated to his own career and family life.