He then moved up joining Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Club Paraná and started demonstrating his offensive prowess, scoring 7 goals in 41 matches.

After being relegated with Criciúma Fernandinho was loaned to top side Vasco da Gama and appeared in 18 league matches scoring 3 goals.

Upon joining Criciúma he began playing exclusively at left-back and was a key offensive player for the side, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.

With Cruzeiro, Fernandinho quickly established himself as the club's starting left-back and helped them capture the 2008 and 2009 Minas Gerais State League.

He suffered an ACL injury in 2009 which kept him out of action for most of the 2009 season, however upon returning he has drawn interest from top European clubs AC Milan and Fenerbache, which considered him a possible replacement for the departed Roberto Carlos.