Do you still remember him? The striker once labeled “the worst No. 9 in Brazil’s history,” criticized so heavily that he left the national team—yet kept playing until the age of 38. Yes, we’re talking about Fred!

Brazil, the kingdom of football, reached its peak in the early 2000s with the 2002 World Cup triumph. But afterward, their performance declined sharply. They failed to reach the final in five consecutive World Cups, achieving only one fourth-place finish, and suffered the unforgettable 7–1 humiliation against Germany in 2014. While Europe’s rising powerhouses certainly increased competition, Brazil’s internal issues were undeniable—especially the inability to find a true heir to Ronaldo’s legendary No. 9 shirt.

And if fans were to choose the “worst ever,” Fred in 2014 would likely top the list. Aside from scoring a meaningless goal in the group stage, he contributed almost nothing and was criticized relentlessly until he left the national team. But what happened after that? Let’s take a closer look at his fascinating, turbulent career.

🌟 A Talented Striker Who Made It to Europe

Born in 1983, Fred wasn’t Brazil’s top-tier forward, but he was undoubtedly talented. In 2003, he debuted for América Mineiro and even scored a goal from kickoff in just 3.17 seconds—the fastest goal in Brazilian football history!

He shined at América Mineiro and Cruzeiro, netting 61 goals before turning 22, attracting European attention. In 2005, he joined Lyon for €15 million—an impressive fee at the time.

With Lyon, he won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and earned call-ups to Brazil’s squads for the 2006 World Cup and 2007 Copa América. Even with limited playing time, being selected showed his quality.

🌟 A Chance to Return to Europe Lost at the World Cup

By 2008–09, Fred was marginalized due to Karim Benzema’s rise. He left Lyon and returned to Brazil, signing with Fluminense. There, he revived his career spectacularly, forming a powerful partnership with Dario Conca, winning league titles, and claiming multiple Golden Boots.

This resurgence earned him a spot in the 2010 World Cup, 2013 Confederations Cup, and 2014 World Cup. He wore the iconic No. 9 jersey and performed brilliantly in the 2013 Confederations Cup, scoring 5 goals and ending Spain’s 26-game unbeaten streak.

But everything collapsed at the 2014 World Cup. On home soil, Fred struggled in every knockout match and became a focal point of criticism after the 7–1 loss. The pressure was overwhelming, and he ultimately stepped away from the national team.

🌟 A Brazilian League Legend Who Retired at 38

After leaving the national team, Fred continued his club career with determination. Whether at Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro, or Cruzeiro, he remained an effective striker until retiring at 38.

He ended his career with 786 matches and 399 goals, becoming the second-highest scorer in Brazilian league history, surpassing legends like Romário.

If we look beyond the infamous World Cup failure, we see this clearly: Fred was an excellent striker—perhaps even a legend—who simply faltered at the worst possible moment.