Maurício Fernandes

Maurício Fernandes (born 5 July 1976), known simply as Maurício, is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a central defender.

Possessing a powerful shot which allowed him to score several goals from free kicks, he spent the vast majority of his professional career in Portugal, representing four clubs and amassing Primeira Liga totals of 141 games and 13 goals over the course of eight seasons.

Club career
Born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Maurício did not start playing organised football until well into his 20s. He represented mainly modest sides in his country, with the exception of Fluminense FC in 2002, helping the Rio de Janeiro team to the Campeonato Carioca.

In August 2003, shortly after being released by Esporte Clube Juventude, Maurício signed with S.C. Braga in Portugal, being rarely used by the Minho side in three years (he was inclusively demoted to the reserves) and also being loaned to fellow Primeira Liga club C.F. Estrela da Amadora, where he excelled, scoring four goals as the team finished in mid-table in the 2005–06 season.

Subsequently returned to Braga, Maurício left for the Pohang Steelers of South Korea in the 2007 January transfer window. After appearing rarely in the K League 1 he returned to Portugal and former club Estrela, netting another four goals as it again managed to retain top-division status after finishing 13th, notably in a 2–2 home draw against eventual champions FC Porto.

After one year in Greece with Ergotelis FC, the 33-year-old Maurício returned once again to Portugal, joining C.D. Feirense of the Segunda Liga on a one-year contract. For the following campaign he returned to the top flight, with S.C. Olhanense.

Honours
Bahia
 * Campeonato Baiano: 2001
 * Campeonato do Nordeste: 2001

Fluminense
 * Campeonato Carioca: 2002