Fernando Alberto dos Santos Cardinal has already etched his name in the annals of Brazilian futsal history. Corinthians recently unveiled their acquisition of the Portuguese pivot, marking a groundbreaking moment as he becomes the first European to land in the Brazilian National League. Never before, across the 27 editions held, has a Brazilian club secured a player from the Old Continent. Brazil, renowned for its talent export prowess, has traditionally seen its own talents sought after by teams worldwide. The notion of incorporating foreign players, particularly Europeans, was practically unthinkable within the futsal cradle. However, Cardinal’s signing has shattered this long-held notion.
Marquinhos Xavier from Paraguay was on the record: “Cardinal’s arrival at Corinthians broadens our horizons, allowing us to see far beyond our possibilities. The idea of looking towards Europe in search of players who complement our characteristics and playing culture is very positive.” While Brazilian clubs have sporadically shown interest in European players, Corinthians has consistently embraced innovation. In 2012, they explored the possibility of signing Luis Amado, reflecting a progressive mindset towards embracing diverse talents.
new era
Brazilian players frequently venture to Europe and Asia to ply their trade professionally, with some even acquiring citizenship in their host countries. Now, for the first time, a Portuguese player will compete in a league vying for world dominance alongside Spain. Cardinal’s arrival is expected to pave the way for further international exchanges, marking a shift from mere export to import of talents.
At 38 years old, Cardinal embarks on his Corinthians journey with fervor, eager to contribute to the team’s success. Having received offers from Brazilian clubs in the past, Cardinal’s dream of playing in Brazil finally materializes with Corinthians. His illustrious career spans various leagues across Europe, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and leadership.
While Ricardinho, another European talent, received enticing offers from Brazil, he ultimately chose a different path, opting to return to Riga in Latvia. Despite the allure of Corinthians’ offer to form a formidable duo with Cardinal, Ricardinho’s journey leads him elsewhere, epitomizing the global nature of futsal.
In summary, Cardinal’s arrival heralds a new era of international collaboration in Brazilian futsal, showcasing the sport’s evolving landscape and the growing appeal of its talents worldwide.