One is trying to lead a rebuild of Manchester United, the other is pushing for promotion from the ninth-tier Southern Combination League.
While Bruno Fernandes, 30, leads United out at at the 75,000-capacity Old Trafford, known as the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, his older brother Ricardo plies his trade 240 miles away in West Sussex at a ground nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Trees’.
Roffey FC’s home in Horsham had an average attendance of 133 last season and got its nickname because it is surrounded by trees.
The Fernandes brothers may play at opposite ends of English football’s pyramid but they are more similar than you would think.
They wear the number eight, play in central midfield, have both captained their club and score spectacular goals.
“He saw it, it spread on the internet, it was great for me,” recalls Ricardo whose strike against Seaford Town in a 2-0 victory in April 2024, still gets shared regularly on social media.
“The way we pass the ball, our style of play is similar. He’s at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ at Old Trafford, I’m at the ‘Theatre of Trees’ at Roffey.”
“Growing up, the dream was that both of us would be professional, he’s made it and I’m pleased I can enjoy it alongside him as well.”
