Caio, and the UAE Football
The move of UAE national team player Caio Lucas Fernandes to Emirati football was not merely a passing chapter in his career. Over the years, it evolved into a remarkable sporting success story, establishing the Brazilian-born player as one of the most prominent foreign players to have left his mark on the football pitches of the UAE.
Titles that made him a legend
Caio Lucas Fernandes' relationship with Sharjah FC has become one of the most prominent success stories of a foreign player in Emirati football, after the Brazilian-born winger contributed to a period filled with championships and achievements with "The King."
Since joining Sharjah, Caio established himself as an influential player in the attacking line, utilizing his individual skills, speed, and ability to score in important matches, gradually becoming one of the team's most prominent stars.
The first major title in this phase came with the UAE President's Cup in the 2022-2023 season, before Caio added the UAE Pro League Cup and the UAE Super Cup to his collection in the same season.
The most prominent achievement, however, came on the continental stage in the 2024-2025 season, when he led Sharjah to the AFC Champions League title, a historic achievement for the club. Caio not only contributed to the victory but also won the Best Player award in the tournament, confirming his status as one of Sharjah's most prominent players on the Asian stage.
Thus, Caio's name became synonymous with four team titles with Sharjah, in addition to a prestigious continental individual award, transforming his time with "The King" from a mere professional experience into a significant chapter in the club's history.
This record reflects the immense impact Caio had on Sharjah, especially considering he wasn't just an attacking player; he became one of the team's icons in recent years, and one of the names linked to its most prominent local and continental moments.
Since joining Sharjah, Caio established himself as an influential attacking player, making the most of his individual skills, pace, and ability to score in important matches. Over time, he became one of the team’s standout stars.
His first major title during this period came with the President’s Cup in the 2022–23 season, before Caio added the UAE Pro League Cup and the UAE Super Cup to his trophy cabinet in the same season.
His most significant achievement came at the continental level during the 2024–25 season, when he led Sharjah to the AFC Champions League Two title, marking a historic achievement for the club. Caio’s contribution went beyond helping the team lift the trophy, as he was also named the tournament’s Best Player, further cementing his status as one of Sharjah’s most prominent figures on the Asian stage.
A warrior's success story
Professional Career in Asia and Europe
Caio Lucas Fernandes has an impressive list of titles to his name, having won championships during his career in Japan, the UAE, and Portugal, in addition to achieving notable individual honors at the continental and international levels.
Starting in the Japanese League
Caio’s first taste of major success came with Japanese club Kashima Antlers, when he won the J.League Cup in 2015, before adding the J.League title in 2016. During his time in Japan, he was also named the J.League Young Player of the Year.
With UAE Club Al Ain
Caio then moved to Al Ain in the UAE, where he won the UAE Pro League title in the 2017–18 season, as well as the President’s Cup in the same season.
The 2018 season was a particularly remarkable chapter in his career, as Al Ain reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. Caio was awarded the Silver Ball at the tournament, an individual achievement that reflected the high level of his performances on the global stage.
Top Scorer and Individual Awards
Caio’s achievements were not limited to team titles. He finished as the top scorer in the UAE Pro League Cup during the 2018–19 season with seven goals. He was also named the Best Player of the AFC Champions League Two for the 2024–25 season.
