Following the confirmation of his arrival at West Ham United, we take a photographic journey through Mateus Fernandes’ glittering career in football so far.
Born in Olhão in the Algarve region of southern Portugal in July 2004, Fernandes began his career with local club Olhanense in 2010, before moving to Sporting Lisbon’s Academy at the age of 13 in 2016.
He came through the youth ranks at Sporting, being promoted to their B-team for the 2021/22 season and turning professional in October 2022, aged 18. Fernandes made his senior debut the same month in a Primeira Liga win over Casa Pia and appeared ten times for the club’s first team, scoring his first goal in an Allianz Cup win over Farense in November 2022.
Fernandes spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Primeira Liga club Estoril, playing 35 times and helping the club reach the Allianz Cup final, where they were beaten on penalties by Braga.
He joined Southampton in the summer of 2024 and was a bright spot in the Saints’ season, which ended in relegation from the Premier League, as he played 36 times at a high level all over the pitch. His strong showings were rewarded with the club's Fans' Player of the Season award.
Capped by Portugal at U18, U19 and U20 levels, Fernandes has earned 16 U21 caps, including three at the 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship finals in Slovakia.
Check out the images from our newest recruit’s life on the pitch so far in the gallery above.
