Francis Fernandes

Francis Fernandes is a known name in Indian Professional football. His primary position in the field is a Right Winger but is flexible enough to manage any position the team needs him to do. Born in Vasco da Gama in Goa, Fernandes spent a majority of his childhood in Bogmalo, a sleepy village near the beach.

It was here he picked up Football. Fernandes did his schooling from Regina Mundi where he was part of the school Football team. During his university years at MES College, he participated in the trials for Vasco club and joined the U-19 team. The footballer’s versatility made him an asset, and he was given a place in Vasco’s senior squad.

He had two very successful seasons with the senior team where he won Santosh trophies before he left the club to join Salgaocar in 2006. This transfer proved to be lucrative for both the winger and the club as during his eight-year tenure with the club he led them to some great wins. Fernandes won a few more Santosh trophies before the entry of I-League, and National team players weren't allowed in the competition.

The year 2011 was profitable for the versatile veteran where his performance led the Salgaocar to win both the I-League cup and Federation Cup, which led the National team to include him in the squad. Until the year 2015, he was a regular face in the team making 29 appearances in total. His only goal in the international level was against Palestine in 2014 where India lost 3-2.

In 2014 his contract with Salgaocar ended, and he ventured out to ISL to expand his collection of trophies and awards. For the first two seasons of ISL, Fernandes was with Delhi Dynamos and appeared in 16 matches. He joined Pune City for the following ISL season. In a fixture against NorthEast United, where his team lost, his performance garnered praised, and he received the Emerging Player of the Match award. Fernandes captained the Goan team in the 71st Santosh Trophy Championship, but due to an unforeseen injury, he couldn't be a part of the Semi-finals.

Though his team reached the finals, they lost the trophy to West Bengal in a 1-0 loss. For the fourth season squad, Chennaiyin FC selected him from the draft. Out of 21 games, he appeared in 17 matches starting in 15 of them. He also scored a goal against Bangalore FC, though his team lost. In the finale against BFC, he played an integral role in supporting the defense and wings with his performance leading to the team lifting the cup.