# Mário Fernandes > Brazilian-Russian professional footballer **Wikidata**: [Q2444565](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2444565) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mário_Fernandes) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mario-fernandes ## Summary Mário Fernandes is a Brazilian-Russian professional footballer who has played as a defender for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team. He is recognized for his dual nationality and contributions to Russian football, including winning the Russian Premier League and representing Russia in international competitions. ## Biography - Born: September 19, 1990 - Nationality: Brazil, Russia - Education: Not specified - Known for: Playing professional football as a defender for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team - Employer(s): CSKA Moscow, Russian national football team - Field(s): Association football ## Contributions Mário Fernandes has made significant contributions to professional football through his performances on the field: - Played as a defender for PFC CSKA Moscow, a club with which he won the Russian Premier League - Represented the Russian national football team in international competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup - Contributed to Russia's third-place finish at the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League - Accumulated over 100 appearances for CSKA Moscow and earned 16 caps for the Russian national team as of 2023 ## FAQs **What teams has Mário Fernandes played for?** Mário Fernandes has played for CSKA Moscow, one of Russia's most successful football clubs, and has also represented the Russian national team in international competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup. **What is Mário Fernandes's nationality?** Mário Fernandes holds dual nationality: Brazilian by birth and Russian by naturalization. He chose to represent Russia internationally in football. **How did Mário Fernandes become a Russian citizen?** Mário Fernandes was naturalized as a Russian citizen in 2015, enabling him to represent Russia in international football competitions. His decision to switch allegiance was influenced by limited opportunities in Brazil and greater career prospects in Russia. **What achievements distinguish Mário Fernandes's career?** Mário Fernandes won the Russian Premier League with CSKA Moscow and was part of the Russian squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also contributed to Russia's third-place finish at the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. **What position does Mário Fernandes play, and what are his stats?** Mário Fernandes plays as a right-back defender. He is 186 cm tall, weighs 77 kg, and wears jersey number 6. His career includes over 100 appearances for CSKA Moscow and 16 caps for the Russian national team. ## Why They Matter Mário Fernandes represents a unique case of transnational athletic identity, having transitioned from Brazilian to Russian football and achieving success in both contexts. His career illustrates the global nature of modern football, where talent mobility and national representation can transcend birthplace. His contributions helped strengthen Russia's defensive line during key international tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Russia advanced to the quarter-finals—a historic achievement. His presence also highlights the increasing trend of footballers changing national allegiances for competitive opportunities, influencing how countries approach talent acquisition. ## Notable For - Representing Russia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, contributing to a historic run to the quarter-finals - Winning the Russian Premier League with CSKA Moscow - Earning over 100 appearances for CSKA Moscow and 16 caps for the Russian national team - Being naturalized as a Russian citizen in 2015 to pursue an international football career - Playing a key role in Russia's third-place finish at the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League - Holding dual nationality (Brazilian and Russian), representing a blend of cultural and sporting identities ## Body ### Early Life and Nationality Mário Fernandes was born on September 19, 1990. Originally from Brazil, he opted to naturalize as a Russian citizen in 2015 to further his football career, which had previously been limited by fewer opportunities in Brazil. This decision allowed him to represent Russia internationally, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey. ### Career Mário Fernandes began his professional football career in Brazil before moving to Russia, where he joined CSKA Moscow. He became a key player for the club, making over 100 appearances and contributing to their success, including a Russian Premier League title. His standout performances caught the attention of the Russian national team selectors, leading to his inclusion in the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. #### CSKA Moscow At CSKA Moscow, Fernandes played as a right-back and became known for his defensive stability and ability to contribute offensively. His tenure included: - Over 100 appearances for the club - A Russian Premier League title - Participation in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League #### Russian National Team Fernandes earned 16 caps for the Russian national team as of 2023. His international highlights include: - Participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Russia reached the quarter-finals - Involvement in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, contributing to a third-place finish - Playing a critical role in major qualifying cycles and friendly matches ### Recognition and Awards Mário Fernandes received the title of Honoured Master of Sports of Russia, a prestigious sporting award given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. This recognition underscores his impact on Russian football and his contributions to the national team. ### Physical and Personal Stats - Height: 186 cm - Weight: 77 kg - Jersey Number: 6 - Position: Right-back - Social Media Handles: Instagram (@mario.fernandes02), VKontakte (mario_fernandes/22895) ### Influence and Legacy Mário Fernandes's career exemplifies the modern trend of international footballers changing national allegiances for greater opportunities. His success with both CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team has made him a notable figure in Russian football. His journey from Brazil to Russia also reflects broader themes of migration, identity, and globalization in sports. By representing Russia on the international stage, Fernandes helped elevate the team's profile during a transformative period in its history, including a memorable World Cup campaign in 2018. His legacy lies in bridging cultures through sport and contributing to competitive achievements in one of the world's most-watched football leagues. ## References 1. Source 2. Transfermarkt 3. As 4. FootballFakts.ru 5. Sambafoot 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. premierliga.ru