Ruben Fernandes

Ruben Miguel Marques Santos Fernandes (born 6 May 1986) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Gil Vicente F.C. as a defender.

Club Career

Born in Portimao, Algarve, Fernandes started his career with local Portimonense SC. In the summer of 2007, he joined Varzim S.C. on loan as a replacement for Bruno Miguel, returning at the end of the season and renewing his contract for another year.

Fernandes made his debut in the Primeira Liga in the 2010–11 campaign, playing 20 games and scoring once as his team was relegated one year after promoting. He only returned to the top division for 2013–14 after signing with G.D. Estoril Praia, taking part in two UEFA Europa League campaigns with the team and scoring a late equaliser as a substitute in a 1–1 group stage draw against eventual champions Sevilla FC, on 28 November 2013.

In late April 2015, as his contract with the Lisbon outskirts club was about to expire, Fernandes hinted in his Facebook page he was open to negotiations for its renewal. However, in June, he signed a two-year deal with the option for a third one with promoted Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truidense V.V. In September, he stated in an interview that the main reason for moving abroad was to experience another championship.

Fernandes scored his first goal for his new team on 24 July 2015, to help the hosts defeat Club Brugge KV 2–1. His second came on 19 September, in a 3–0 away victory over K.V.C. Westerlo.

Fernandes then returned to his country's top tier, where he represented Portimonense and Gil Vicente FC.