Carlos Fernandes (footballer, born 1978)

Carlos Miguel Brandão Fernandes (born 5 May 1978) 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 (three years apiece). He started his professional career with Sporting CP.

Club career
Fernandes was born in Lisbon. During his professional career, the unsuccessful product of Sporting CP's youth system 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, recently 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.

Coaching career
At the beginning of March 2022, Fernandes' coaching career started when he accepted his first managerial experience at SC Vianense. On April 28, 2023, Fernandes was fired.

On December 7, 2023, Fernandes became the new manager of União de Santarém.