Mateus Fernandes’ first Portugal call-up is a bit of a moment of celebration, not only for West Ham United but for his old academy side SC Olhanense.
The Algarve-born Fernandes was finally given a shot by Roberto Martinez ahead of the March international break.
With Bernardo Silva rested and as Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha recovers from concussion, West Ham United’s influential number 18 has the chance to put himself in the frame for a World Cup spot, much to the delight of his current employers and the club where he started his career.
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West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Mateus Fernandes’ Portugal call-up delights West Ham United and Olhanense
Speaking to Record, Olhanense president Aderito Esteves admits a senior Portugal debut would be a source of ‘enormous pride’ for a fifth-tier outfit from the Algarve Football Association First Division
“It is a day of huge joy for the club and for the entire city of Olhao,” smiles Esteves. “To see a son of the land who started here with us reach the highest level of world football is something that leaves us with a full heart.”
Mateus Fernandes during Portugal v Azerbaijao - UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Photo by Sergio Mendes/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Esteves admits that Fernandes’ talent always shone through from a young age, catching the attention of Sporting Lisbon in 2016.
“We always believed that Mateus would reach the National Team,” adds the president. “From a very young age, when he was just seven or eight years old, you could see he was different. He had a natural talent, but above all, a focus and a competitive mentality that wasn’t normal for a child.
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“He didn’t just play – he understood the game.
“He is a golden boy. He hasn’t changed at all. Success hasn’t gone to his head. Whenever he has a free day, he comes back to Olhao to see his family and always stops by the club. He stays there talking to the kids, giving them encouragement. He is the best mirror they could have to look into.
“For Olhanense, this is a historic milestone. It proves that there is quality in the Algarve and that our academy works. We are a modest club, but today we feel like the biggest club in the world because of Mateus.”
Roberto Martinez explains Fernandes call-up
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West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
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Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa, Nuno Espirito Santo was delighted to see his young compatriot get a shot alongside such luminaries as Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha.
Also, the aforementioned Roberto Martinez hailed Fernandes’ ‘incredible’ evolution into one of the most influential, complete midfielders in the Premier League.
“Regarding Mateus Fernandes, what he’s doing now is incredible,” former Everton, Wigan Athletic, Swansea City and Belgium coach Martinez said at a press conference on Friday.
“It’s very important for us to see what he can do. His energy, his versatility… He deserves a call-up to the national team.”
Fernandes has three goals and three assists in 27 Premier League starts since joining the Hammers in a £40 million deal from Southampton last August.
He is one of a number of West Ham players who could feature at the World Cup, alongside Jarrod Bowen, El Hadji Malick Diouf and – should they progress through the play-offs – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mads Hermansen, Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
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