Frederico Rodrigues De Paula Santos

Fred began his footballing education at Atlético Mineiro before moving to the Internacional youth academy in 2010. He spent two years in the system, where he was meticulously developed before his professional debut in 2012.

Fred's professional journey began at Internacional, but his move to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 launched his European career, winning three Ukrainian league titles. In 2018, Manchester United secured his signature in a high-profile transfer worth £47 million. During his five seasons at Old Trafford, he made 213 appearances and won the EFL Cup in 2023. Seeking a fresh challenge, he joined Fenerbahçe in August 2023 for approximately €10 million.

At Fenerbahçe, Fred's impact was immediate, helping the club secure high-stakes victories and becoming a cornerstone of their midfield. During the 2025-2026 season, he was appointed vice-captain and has recorded his best statistical campaign in Turkey. On May 9, 2026, he delivered a match-winning performance against Konyaspor, scoring two goals in a 3-0 victory. In the current Süper Lig season, he has been a consistent 8.0-rated player, recorded for his 88% passing accuracy and defensive work rate. He remains under contract as a primary asset in Fenerbahçe's pursuit of a domestic double.

On the international stage, Fred has earned over 30 caps for Brazil. He was a key member of the squad for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2021 Copa América. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, his consistent form in Turkey has kept him in the national team pool. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has frequently praised his energy and tactical awareness, making him a strong candidate for the final 2026 squad. He continues to provide the Seleção with essential experience in the midfield rotation.

By May 2026, he has reached over 450 professional appearances across Brazil, Ukraine, England, and Turkey. His market value remains stable, reflecting his status as one of the best midfielders in the region. His career trajectory highlights his success in maintaining top-level performance in the world's most physically demanding leagues. He continues to grow as a complete leader, admired for both his individual flair and his tactical discipline on the pitch. He remains entirely focused on achieving one final global success with the Seleção.

Fred was born and raised in Belo Horizonte and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary discipline. He is a devoted husband to Monique Salum, whom he married in 2019, and the couple has a son named Benjamin. He frequently credits his family for providing the emotional stability necessary to sustain his high-level career across Europe.

He currently resides in Istanbul following his move to Fenerbahçe, where he and his family have adapted well to the local culture. Off the pitch, Fred is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian music and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He is also a brand ambassador for several major sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a top-tier global athlete. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in English and basic Turkish.

His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in every dressing room he has entered. He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in Belo Horizonte, focusing on providing sporting equipment and support for local youth sports programs. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving further success with both club and country as he enters the peak years of his career.