Lester Fernandez

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]

Lester Fernandez

Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-12-06) 6 December 1986 (age 38)[1]
Place of birth	Bangalore, Karnataka, India[2]
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in)[2]
Position	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 as of 17:33, 28 March 2022 (UTC)

Club 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 career

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][14]

Honours

Atlético de Kolkata

• Indian Super League: 2014