Romeo Fernandes

Romeo Fernandes is an Indian professional footballer who was born on 6 July 1992 in Assolna, Goa.

Currently, Fernandes plays for Delhi Dynamos FC in Indian Super League and serves the club as a Right Winger.

This talented Indian winger had made headlines when he was loaned by Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense to play in Série A. This transfer also made him the first Indian player ever to played for any senior Brazilian club.

Background

Fernandes is the product of Dempo Sports Club’s youth development program. He joined the club in 2010 and trained with it with all his determination and passion before making the youth team debut the same year. Playing with club's U-18, U-19 and U-20 teams, he didn't let disappoint team management and performed like a pro.

He also played Goa Professional League for Margao SC in 2010-11 season on loan from his parent club.

Debut

Fernandes made his professional senior team debut for Dempo in the 2011-12 season of I-League. He had also played 2012 I-League U-20, playing 8 games and netting 7 goals for the club. On 28 November 2012, he claimed his first I-League assist for Dempo, playing against Mohun Bagan.

On the basis of his 2012 I-League performance, he was called up to play for India U-23 team in 2013 AFC U22 Qualifiers and made his debut on 28 June 2012 against United Arab Emirates U-22.

Rise to glory

In 2014, Fernandes was acquired by FC Goa on loan to play in the ISL. He scored his first goal in the League against Pune City on 22 November.

He had come on the field in the place of injured Robert Pirès and helped his team to won by 2-0.

Fernandes helped the club to reach in the semi-finals of the tournament with his 3 goals and 2 assists, playing 11 games. He had impressed the club's coach Zico who later recommended Atletico Paranaense to acquire him to feature in the Brazilian league.

He returned to Dempo for 2014-15 Federation Cup and scored 4 goals in 6 matches before being injured.

In 2015, Atletico Paranaense loaned him from his parent club but he could play only one game due to the conflict with Indian team coach Constantine.

On 12 November 2015, he became the 500th player to play for the senior Indian team. He played his first game against Guam in 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Club career

Fernandes has played all the seasons of ISL since his debut in 2014. From the years of 2014 to 2016, he played for FC Goa whereas at the present time, he is playing for Delhi Dynamos.

Having played 37 times for the Goa FC, he scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists.

In the current 2017-18 season, he has featured in 11 games of Delhi Dynamos till the time.