Carlos Fernandes (footballer, born 1978)


Carlos Miguel Brandão Fernandes is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a left back.
He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 272 games and 13 goals over 15 seasons, mainly in representation of Farense and Braga. He started his career with Sporting.

Club career

During his professional career, unsuccessful product of Sporting CP's youth system Fernandes represented, among other clubs, C.F. Os Belenenses and Boavista FC, having made his Primeira Liga debut with S.C. Farense in 1999. In mid-January 2006 he joined S.C. Braga, appearing in seven UEFA Cup matches over the course of his two full seasons.
In July 2008, Fernandes signed with C.S. Marítimo, which had just qualified for the UEFA Cup. He was released in late January 2009, moving in July to S.C. Olhanense which in turn had returned to the top division after 34 years.
In the subsequent top flight campaign, Fernandes was first-choice left-back and also scored twice. On 12 December 2009, he opened the score at home against S.L. Benfica in an eventual 2–2 draw; Olhanense also managed to stay up, after finishing in 13th position.