[2] Born in São Paulo, Nicolas Bernardo joined Santos' youth setup at the age of nine,[3] and signed his first professional contract on 18 December 2015.

[4] In December 2018, after already featuring with the B-team in the Copa Paulista, he renewed his contract for a further year.

[5] In March 2020, after failing to agree new terms and with his contract expired in December 2019, Nicolas Bernardo left Peixe.

[3] On 14 August 2020, Nicolas Bernardo moved abroad and signed a three-year contract with Portuguese LigaPro side GD Chaves.

[6] He made his professional debut on 18 September, coming on as a second-half substitute for José Gomes in a 0–0 home draw against Varzim SC.