He started his career at Santos FC, and received the nickname Tostão from none other than Pelé and Zito, who found Fernandes' style similar to that of the national team and Cruzeiro star.
The nickname had weight, and the original Tostão team signed Fernandes, who did not disappoint and even though he was a midfielder, he was top scorer in the Minas Gerais championship in 1982 and 1983,[2] and champion in 1984, accumulating great performances against rival Atlético Mineiro.
[3] In 1986 he arrived at Coritiba, and again achieved great success, becoming champion in 1986 and 1989 and joining the club's gallery of idols.
[4][5] Tostão ended his career in 1999 at Rio Branco SC de Paranaguá at the age of 39.
[6] He was honored by the municipal council of Curitiba due to the services provided to Coritiba FBC.