Marcilio Florencio Mota Filho

Nino began his footballing education at the Criciúma youth academy in 2014, where he spent two years developing the defensive skills and tactical awareness that would lead to his senior debut in 2016.

Nino began his professional career at Criciúma before moving to Fluminense in 2019. In Rio de Janeiro, he became a club legend and the captain of the side that won the historic 2023 Copa Libertadores. In January 2024, Zenit Saint Petersburg secured his signature in a transfer worth approximately €5 million. In Russia, he flourished over two successful seasons, winning the 2023-24 Premier League and the 2024-25 Super Cup.

During the 2025-2026 season, Nino has been an ever-present figure in the Zenit defense. He has made 25 appearances, recording 1 goal and 1 assist while maintaining an elite 7.27 average match rating. In May 2026, he featured in several high-stakes matches, including a 3-1 win against CSKA Moscow on May 2 and a 2-1 win against Sochi on May 10. His ability to anchor the defense while contributing to the buildup play has been central to Zenit's dominance. He remains under contract with the club until June 2028.

On the international stage, Nino earned his senior Brazil debut in early 2024. He famously won the Olympic Gold medal with the Brazil U23 team in 2020. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, he has been a consistent member of the squad, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a disciplined and physically imposing option in the defense. His synergy with fellow Brazilian defenders has been a highlight of the national team's recent tactical evolution. He is a member of the national team pool for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his leadership and aerial ability are highly valued.

By May 2026, he has reached over 300 professional appearances across Brazil and Russia. His market value remains stable at approximately €12 million, reflecting his status as an elite center-back in the region. His tactical growth under various managers has seen him improve his defensive positioning and decision-making. He continues to focus on helping Zenit achieve further success while maintaining his high levels of concentration. He remains entirely focused on achieving one final global success with the Seleção.

Nino was born and raised in Recife and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family in Pernambuco. 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 Larissa Ribeiro and the couple has a daughter. He frequently credits his family for providing the emotional stability necessary to sustain his high-level career across continents.

He currently resides in Saint Petersburg and has fully embraced the local Russian culture and language. Off the pitch, Nino is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He is also a brand ambassador for several sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a rising star in Europe. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved proficiency in Russian. His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Zenit dressing room.

His philanthropic work focuses on providing sporting and educational facilities for children in his hometown of Recife. He is involved in several charitable initiatives that support local youth development and healthcare 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.