Víctor Bernárdez

Honduran footballer (born 1982)

Víctor Salvador Bernárdez Blanco (ˈbiɣtoɾ βeɾˈnaɾðes; born 24 May 1982), also known as Muma, is a Honduran former footballer who most recently played as a defender for Oakland Roots SC.

Bernárdez was raised in La Ceiba, living with his mother, sisters, and extended family in a single house. He grew up relatively poor and endured hardships, including having his home damaged because of Hurricane Mitch in 1998. He started playing soccer in his youth with the other children of his neighborhood. Bernárdez earned the nickname of "Muma" from teammates of Vida and Honduran national player Rene “Pupa” Martinez. They noticed him following Martinez at every chance he got, so he was the Muma to Pupa. Eventually he was able to join CDS Vida, who his grandfather had played for as well as coached.

Víctor Bernárdez began his career in La Ceiba with his hometown club Vida. His play with Vida as well as familial connections earned him a move to top Honduran side Motagua.

Bernardez credits his uncle with helping to facilitate his move to Motagua from Vida. His uncle knew members of the organization and recommended for them to sign Bernárdez. Bernárdez made his debut for San Jose on April 3, in their first match of the 2012 season in a 1–0 win against the New England Revolution. His first goal for the club came in a California Clásico match, with Bernárdez scoring off a corner kick from fellow countryman Marvin Chavez. He went on to make 24 starts for the Earthquakes, quickly becoming a consistent starter for the team. Bernárdez gained recognition for his individual play for the team, being named a finalist for Defender of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, as well as part of the 2012 MLS Best XI. His play helped lead the Earthquakes to the Supporters Shield, which was their first trophy in seven years. Bernárdez proved to be a key member of the Earthquakes in playoffs, scoring in the first leg of the Western Conference semi finals away to the LA Galaxy. In the following match, Bernárdez left in the 12th minute with an injury and the Earthquakes subsequently gave up three goals, losing the match as well as the playoff series. San Jose's Supporters Shield win in 2012 won the team qualification for the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League. Bernardez made his competition debut on August 28, 2013, in a 1–0 loss away to Heredia Jaguares de Peten. On October 14, 2014, the Earthquakes hosted Bernárdez's hometown club CDS Vida. He was unable to play in the match due to being called up for national team duty. Bernardez made his 100th appearance for the San Jose Earthquakes on August 28, 2015, in a 1–0 win against the LA Galaxy. He stated in August 2017 that he hoped to play one final season with San Jose in 2018 and then retire as an Earthquake. His contract option for the 2017 season was not picked up by San Jose on 27 November 2017, and he confirmed on Instagram that same day that his days as an Earthquake were over. Bernardez played in 178 games during his MLS career.

On 14 June 2019, Bernárdez joined Oakland Roots SC ahead of their inaugural NISA season. In addition to playing, Bernárdez would also act as an assistant coach and Captain appearing in 2 games.

He made his debut for Honduras in a March 2004 friendly match against Venezuela and has earned, as of June 2012, a total of 64 caps, scoring 4 goals. He has represented his country in 23 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played one match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also featured at the 2007 UNCAF Nations Cup as well as at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Bernárdez announced before the 2014 World Cup that he would retire after Honduras' last match in the tournament. Bernárdez played in every one of Honduras' group stage matches at the 2014 tournament including what was his final appearance for the team, a 3–0 defeat to Switzerland. The following year Bernárdez reconfirmed his decision to retire from international play, citing the need for him to move on so that new players could get their chance with the side. He also stated that his best memories playing with the national team were his participation in two World Cups as well as helping Honduras to beat Mexico in Estadio Azteca in 2013.

Bernárdez is married to Wendy Salgado, who represented Honduras at Miss Universe 2007. They have two children, Ananda and Megan. He also has a daughter named Victoria who lives with his mother in Honduras.