Lester Fernandez (born 6 December 1986), is an Indian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Kenkre in the I-League. He is currently a football coach too.[3]
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 6 December 1986[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Bangalore, Karnataka, India[2] | ||
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Kenkre | ||
| Number | 22 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2003–2007 | Tata FA | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2007–2008 | Dempo | ||
| 2008–2009 | Vasco | ||
| 2009–2010 | Salgaocar | ||
| 2010–2012 | Pune | ||
| 2012–2013 | United SC | 11 | (0) |
| 2013 | Mumbai Tigers | 0 | (0) |
| 2014 | Pune | 1 | (0) |
| 2014 | ATK | 6 | (0) |
| 2015 | Bharat | 9 | (0) |
| 2019– | Kenkre | 9 | (2) |
| International career | |||
| 2012 | India | 2 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| SP Academy | |||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:33, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | |||
Career
Early career
Born in Bangalore, Karnataka, Fernandez graduated from the Tata Football Academy in 2007.[4] He then signed his first professional deal with Dempo of the I-League. He then signed for Vasco next season before signing with Salgaocar the next season in 2009.[4]
He then signed for I-League side Pune F.C. in 2010.[4] After the 2010–11 season, Fernandez was voted the Fans' Player of the Year.[4]
Prayag United and Mumbai Tigers
On 11 June 2012 it was announced that Fernandez had been sold to fellow I-League side Prayag United for Rs 20 lakh.[5] He made his debut for Prayag United on 7 October 2012 against Air India in a league match. He came on in the 82nd minute for C.K. Vineeth as Prayag United won 5–1.[6]
After the 2012–13 season, Fernandez left Prayag United due to lack of playing time and signed for Mumbai Tigers who were expected to participate in the I-League for the 2013–14 season.[7] However, before the season began, it was announced that Mumbai Tigers had dropped out of the I-League, meaning that Fernandez would not participate in the league.[8]
Pune
On 18 February 2014 it was announced that Fernandez had re-signed with former club Pune.[4] He made his return debut for the club on 19 February 2014 against Mohammedan. He came on as a 65th-minute substitute for Anthony D'Souza as Pune won 2–0.[9]
Atletico de Kolkata
Fernandez was drafted by Indian Super League franchise Atlético de Kolkata in the 10th round.[10] In his second match against Chennaiyin FC, he won the ISL Emerging player of the match award.[11]
International
In February 2012 Fernandez was selected into India head coach Savio Medeira's 30-man squad.[12] He then made his international debut for India on 23 February 2012 against Oman in which he started and played 56 minutes as India lost 5–1.[13]
Honours
- Atlético de Kolkata