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Manuel FernandesPortuguese footballer
Date of Birth: 05.02.1986
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Early Life and Career at Benfica
- Injury and Loan Spells
- Transfers to Valencia and Beşiktaş
- Joining Lokomotiv Moscow
- International Career
- Achievements
Early Life and Career at Benfica
Manuel Fernandes, a Cape Verdean-Portuguese footballer, grew up in the Lisbon suburb of Amadora. His passion for football was evident from a young age, as he frequently played street football with future fellow footballer, Nani. He eventually joined the youth academy of Benfica, a prominent Portuguese club.
Fernandes' professional debut for Benfica came during the 2003/2004 season under manager José Antonio Camacho. In only his second match, he scored a memorable goal against Gil Vicente, making him the youngest player to score for Benfica at the time. The following season, he became a regular starter, forming a central midfield partnership with Armando Petit. With Fernandes' contribution, Benfica captured their first Primeira Liga title in 11 years. He also played seven matches in the UEFA Cup that season before the team was eliminated by CSKA Moscow.
Injury and Loan Spells
In the 2004/2005 season, Fernandes faced a setback due to a groin hernia, which required surgery in Munich. Despite the injury, he managed to score his first Champions League goal against Villarreal.
In 2006, Fernandes was loaned to Portsmouth on the condition that the club would purchase his transfer for €7 million if he fully recovered from his groin injury. He made his debut for the club in the League Cup against Mansfield Town, playing for just five minutes in the 2:1 victory. Fernandes struggled for consistent playing time throughout the rest of the season, partly due to Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's reluctance to play him in more than two consecutive matches to avoid the obligation to purchase his transfer for £12 million.
In January 2007, Fernandes was loaned to Everton after signing a long-term contract with Benfica. He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers and scored his first goal for the club against Watford. Despite impressing with performances like a goal against league leaders Manchester United, Everton were unable to afford his £12 million transfer fee.
Transfers to Valencia and Beşiktaş
After returning to Benfica, Fernandes was sold to Valencia for €18 million in August 2007. He made his debut as a substitute in the team's 2:1 victory over Almería. In October 2008, he scored his first goal for Valencia against Valladolid. However, a broken fibula sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
In the fall of 2010, Fernandes signed a loan deal with Turkish club Beşiktaş with an option for a permanent transfer in January 2011.
Joining Lokomotiv Moscow
In June 2014, Fernandes signed a long-term contract with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. He became a key player for the club, scoring memorable goals like a spectacular scissor-kick against Arsenal Tula on August 10, 2014.
In 2017, Fernandes scored a hat-trick against Zlín in the Europa League group stage, becoming the author of the fastest hat-trick in the competition's history. He also scored three goals in the first leg of the Europa League round of 32 against Nice in 2018.
International Career
Fernandes made his senior international debut for Portugal in 2005, and he played in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in June 2007. He scored his first goal for the national team in a friendly match against Canada in 2006.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Fernandes has achieved notable success:Primeira Liga Champion (Benfica, 2004/05)
Taça de Portugal (Benfica, 2003/04)
Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Benfica, 2005)
Copa del Rey (Valencia, 2007/08)
Turkish Cup (Beşiktaş, 2010/11)
Russian Cup (Lokomotiv Moscow, 2014/15, 2016/17)
