Introduction
Fernando Lúcio da Costa, better known as Fernandão (18 March 1978 – 7 June 2014), was a Brazilian footballer.
Career
Having started his career at Goiás of Goiânia, Fernandão had a four-year spell in France, initially moving to Marseille for R$1.4 million, before returning to Brazil to play for Internacional. He helped the club finish as runners-up in the 2005 season of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. In the same year, he had his first cap against Guatemala and made an assist for forward Fred to score a goal.
2006 was arguably Fernandão's best year. He led Sport Club Internacional to win the Copa Libertadores for the first time ever. Fernandão was a joint top scorer of the competition and was voted man of the Match in the final against São Paulo, match in which he scored one goal and made one assist. After the win, he extended his contract with Sport Club Internacional and skippered the club to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December. In May 2010 the same Brazilian club São Paulo FC announced the signing of striker Fernandão of Goiás for an undisclosed fee. In May 2011 the two sides agreed to terminate the playing contract between them in a friendly manner.
As coach
On 20 July 2012, Internacional, after the firing of Dorival Júnior, announced Fernandão as their new coach. On 20 November, however, Fernandão was dismissed by the club's directory.
Death
On 7 June 2014, Fernandão, at the age of 36, died in a helicopter crash. The Eurocopter AS350 where he was with four more people crashed by around 1 a.m. in Aruanã, Goiás, Brazil. All occupants were found dead.
Honours
Club
- Copa Centro-Oeste: 2000, 2001
- Campeonato Goiano: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 e 2000
- Campeonato Gaúcho: 2005, 2008
- Copa Libertadores de América: 2006
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2006
- Recopa Sudamericana: 2007
- Dubai Cup: 2008
Individual
- Brazilian Bola de Prata (Placar): 2006
- "Fernandão, ídolo do Internacional, morre aos 36 anos". Diario Da Amazonia. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
- "Bola de Prata (Placar Magazine)". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 June 2014.