Romeo Fernandes created history when he made his much anticipated professional debut in Brazil for Clube Atletico Paranaense at home to Nacional PR in the last round of the Campeonato Paranaense on Saturday.

The Goan footballer became the first Indian to feature in Brazilian professional football. Since joining on loan from Dempo Sports Club, the 22 year-old has largely trained with the reserves but was put through his paces alongside the senior players over the last few days. 

Romeo was expected to make an appearance in the second half of the encounter with Nacional and was introduced in the 69th minute, replacing Rafinha.

Atletico, who lead the standings, were already 4-0 up when the Indian youngster took to the pitch and they eventually dispatched their opponents 5-0. 

After impressing in the Indian Super League with FC Goa, Romeo's Brazilian debut only adds to the recent progress of Indian players abroad. Last month, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made his professional debut to Staebek FC in Norway to become the first Indian player to play a competitive match for a European club.