Нова-Фрибургу
Bernardo grew up in Nova Friburgo, where he first started playing basketball at the age of 5, but being the shortest player on his team he struggled to make an impact. He then turned his attention to football at a young age, which became his passion. Bernardo also had an Italian passport. His mother Dr Jamila Calil Salim Ribeiro, a neurosurgeon, served at times as alderman and health secretary of Nova Friburgo and stood in 2010 for the Partido Popular Socialista as candidate for the federal parliament.