Ricardo Fernandes Şamaxı Scout Report
Ricardo Fernandes
Quick Answer
Ricardo Fernandes is a 1.93m right-footed experienced goalkeeper who came through CF Belenenses’ academy in Portugal, went on loan to AD Fafe, played for several Portuguese clubs, left Sacavenense and joined Şamaxı on 1 July 2024. His biggest strength is becoming one of the standout goalkeepers in the Azerbaijan Premier League and signing a long-term contract with the club through 2027; the key watch point is that he does not have an extensive playing record at the top level of Portuguese football.
Player Info Card
| Full name | Ricardo José da Silva Fernandes |
| Date of birth | 28 October 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Place of birth | Oliveira do Bairro, Aveiro, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portugal |
| Primary position | Goalkeeper |
| Shirt number | Unknown |
| Current club | Şamaxı (1 July 2024) |
| Contract status | Until 30 June 2027 |
Career History
| Period | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2013 | Oliveira do Bairro / CF Belenenses | Portugal — academy |
| 2016 (loan) | AD Fafe | Portugal Segunda Liga |
| — | Sacavenense | Portugal |
| 2024-present | Şamaxı | Azerbaijan Premier League — since 1 July 2024 |
Born in Oliveira do Bairro, Portugal, Fernandes spent his early years in CF Belenenses’ academy and began his professional career in Portugal’s third tier. In July 2016 he went on loan to Segunda Liga club AD Fafe, making his professional debut on 31 July 2016 against F.C. Vizela. He moved to Azerbaijan as a free agent on 1 July 2024, joining Şamaxı from Sacavenense. He quickly became one of the club’s standout goalkeepers and has publicly stated his desire to help the club achieve its goals.
Playing Style & Assessment
Fernandes offers a classic goalkeeper profile who stays composed on the line, is reliable on reflex saves, and uses his height advantage effectively on crosses.
Strengths
- Standout performances in the league — Being described as one of the standout goalkeepers in the Azerbaijan Premier League points to a consistent level of performance.
- Physical height advantage — At 1.93m he has a significant edge coming for crosses and commanding his box.
- Long-term contract security — His contract running through the summer of 2027 shows the club places long-term trust in him.
Development Areas
- Limited top-flight European experience — Having spent most of his career in Portugal’s lower tiers means his performance has not been tested at the very top level.
- Limited public data on distribution — A broad statistical sample regarding his ball-playing ability, important for modern goalkeepers, remains limited in public sources.
- Age curve — At 31, he is moving from the middle to the later stage of his career.
Level Projection
Verdict: A Portuguese-developed goalkeeper who has become one of the standout names in the Azerbaijan Premier League; could be assessed as a rotation option or low-cost opportunity for mid-table Süper Lig sides seeking goalkeeping security and experience.
Sporting Director’s Note
| Current level | Süper Lig rotation / low-cost opportunity |
| Primary role | Goalkeeper |
| Transfer cost | Data insufficient |
| Key strength | Standout performances in the league |
| Key risk | Limited top-flight European experience |
| Scout verdict | Track live |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ricardo Fernandes? A Portuguese-developed goalkeeper who has played for Şamaxı since July 2024 and become one of the standout goalkeepers in the Azerbaijan Premier League.
When does Ricardo Fernandes’s contract with Şamaxı expire? His contract runs until 30 June 2027.
Sources & Methodology
This profile was compiled by cross-referencing Transfermarkt, the club’s official profile page, Wikipedia and accessible football data platforms. Tactical commentary and the level projection are GegenSports editorial assessments.
- Wikipedia — Ricardo Fernandes (footballer, born 1994)
- Transfermarkt — Ricardo Fernandes profile and transfer data
- İdman və Biz — Ricardo Fernandes interview
