Football: The Fernandes clan is the official supplier of Swiss Football

In the Fernandes family, I ask for the eldest, Gelson Fernandes. A rich career made up of more than 300 matches in four of the five major European championships (Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1). Sixty-seven caps with Switzerland, three selections for a World Cup and a legendary goal against Spain in 2010.

Over the generations and alliances, the family clan has become one of the official suppliers of talent to Swiss football. Edimilson FernandesSwiss international, participates in Brest’s epic in the Champions League. Joel Monteiro (YB) unlocked his counter with the Nati against Spain with a superb goal. A selection thatUlisses Garcia (OM defender) has found. We can still cite Elton Monteiro (ex-LS), Cabral (five times Swiss champion with Zurich and Basel) and Dylan Tavares (Bastia in Ligue 2 and Cape Verdean international).

“We should make a statue to mothers,” laughs the former Sédunois. When I signed for Manchester City, my mum got calls from all the women in our family asking for advice: “What did you feed your son?” My cousins ​​didn’t want to be like me, because they are stronger. But they said to themselves that if I had succeeded, it was possible for them too. I’m always there if they need to talk, get a little motivation or love. I can play big brothers, but I no longer give them career advice since I joined FIFA.”

What explains this unique lineage? Gelson Fernandes identifies three factors: “Education, genetics – there must be good fibers in us – and the precariousness of our parents. No, that’s not the right word, he corrects himself. But rather this desire to get out of it. Some were in difficult situations, sometimes even without papers, upon arriving in Switzerland. When you look at those of the third generation, even if their life is simpler, they are hungry, want to succeed.

The next generation is already here. The promising striker Keyan Varela (18 years old) has just signed until 2028 with Servette, whileAlvyn Sanches flares up with LS at 21 years old. “Her mother is my mother’s second cousin,” explains Gelson Fernandes about the Vaudois gem. If Alvyn keeps his head on his shouldershe will be able to do beautiful things.”

Alvyn Sanches is courted during the winter transfer windowwhile Lausanne-Sport hopes to keep it. Should he stay? “I have absolutely no influence on his career choices,” says the manager. But at LS, Alvyn is followed by a hardworking coach, who believes in him and has repositioned him very well. “Steph” Henchoz also does a good job as sports director. They are two friends. For Alvyn, shining at home is still nice. I experienced it at the time at FC Sion.” Stay to jump better.

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