[4] Born in Sarilhos Pequenos, Moita, Setúbal District, Fernandes started his career with local G.D. Fabril, scoring 43 goals in five years.
[5] In 1975 he got his first break, joining Primeira Liga (the only tier he competed in in a career which spanned almost two decades) club Sporting CP, netting more than 250 times in official matches and only trailing legendary Fernando Peyroteo who totalled over 500.
[7][8][9][6] In 1985–86, aged 34/35, Fernandes produced his best individual season, scoring 30 goals – and winning the Bola de Prata – for the eventual third-placed side, behind FC Porto and S.L.
[12] After that season in Lisbon, Fernandes closed out his career at Vitória de Setúbal, reuniting with his former Sporting teammate Rui Jordão,[13] adding a further 20 total goals to his tally and retiring at 37.
[5] In his last campaign he notably scored against Sporting in a 2–1 home win, mere minutes after kick-off, and the Sadinos finished in a comfortable eighth place.
[24] In May 2024, Sporting chairman Frederico Varandas and club footballer Viktor Gyökeres visited Fernandes in hospital with the league championship cup, before reception at Lisbon City Hall.