*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 September 2023
Cesar Fernando Silva dos Santos (born 29 November 1989), commonly known as Cesinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Daegu FC as a forward.
Career
Early years in Brazil
Born in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, Cesinha graduated with Corinthians youth system, but made his senior debuts while on loan at Osvaldo Cruz.[1] After appearing for União Barbarense and Pão de Açúcar, he returned to the former on 7 December 2011.[2] On 16 May 2012, Cesinha signed for Bragantino.[3] After appearing sparingly, he returned to Barbarense in January of the following year, in a six-month loan deal.[4] Cesinha returned to Braga in June 2013,[5] appearing regularly afterwards. On 3 October of the following year he was loaned to Atlético Mineiro, until May 2015.[6] Cesinha made his Série A debut on 9 October, replacingLuan in a 0–0 away draw against Fluminense.[7] On 6 May 2015 he moved to fellow league team Ponte Preta, until December.[8]
South Korea
In 2016, Cesinha joined South Korean club Daegu FC on loan. Scoring 11 goals, he helped secure the club's promotion that year from K League 2 to the top tier of football in South Korea, K League 1. His loan was made permanent the following year. By June 2020, he had lived in South Korea for five years, one of the criteria to become a citizen of the country. Media reported that Cesinha was keen to become a South Korean citizen and represent the country in international football.[9]