Signed on a free transfer in summer 2018, the diminutive Brazilian international winger Bernard augmented Everton’s attacking ranks, bringing Champions League and Seleção experience to Goodison Park. Alas, injuries and the physical demands of the Premier League proved too much for him to make a lasting impression, and Evertonians were treated to just flashes of brilliance from the player.

Bernard grew up in a modest neighbourhood in Belo Horizonte. Despite his small stature, he quickly stood out for his exceptional ball control and vision on the field. Bernard joined the youth academy of Atlético Mineiro and made his first-team debut in 2011. He played a pivotal role in the club’s Copa Libertadores triumph in 2013, forming a lethal partnership with Ronaldinho.

In 2013, Bernard’s performances earned him a transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine for €25 million. Over five seasons, he won multiple league titles and gained valuable experience in the UEFA Champions League. At the same time he was elevated to the Brazil national team, and was part of the squad that played in the World Cup when Brazil hosted the tournament in 2014.

In August 2018, Bernard signed for Everton on a free transfer. ‘Bernard is a clever player,’ Marco Silva said during his unveiling. ‘He has the ability to play on both wings and can also operate in a central role, offering us great versatility.’

Bernard’s debut season was his most productive in a blue shirt, making 34 appearances across all competitions, contributing to Everton’s attacking play with key assists and moments of brilliance. A burgeoning partnership with Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurðsson contributed to several important victories, including a fine 2-0 win over West Ham in March 2019, where Bernard scored the second goal.

However, his time at Everton was not without challenges. Bernard struggled with injuries and consistency, which limited his impact during subsequent seasons. By the 2020/21 campaign, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Bernard’s role diminished. The Athletic noted, ‘Bernard’s creativity remained intact, but the physical demands of the Premier League appeared to take their toll on the diminutive playmaker.’

There was, however, time for one thrilling interlude, when he struck an extra time winner in Everton’s 5-4 FA Cup fifth round victory over Tottenham in February 2021. That was effectively his parting shot in an Everton shirt and after three seasons at Goodison, Bernard left the club in July 2021 to join Al-Sharjah in the UAE Pro League.  In 2023, Bernard signed with Panathinaikos and was part of the team that won the Greek Cup in 2024. Later that year he returned to Brazil, where he rejoined his hometown club, Atlético Mineiro.