Mateus Fernandes admits he has always tried to ‘learn from’ Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as the West Ham ace joins his idol in the Portuguese national team squad for the first time.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hailed Fernandes’ ‘incredible’ progress when handing the West Ham United playmaker a place in the roster for the March international break.
It is testament to the remarkable strength in depth at Martinez’s disposal, though, that it has taken this long for Mateus Fernandes to get a go.
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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
West Ham United’s £40 million former Sporting Lisbon starlet joins the inimitable Bruno Fernandes in the squad, as well as ex-Wolves captain Ruben Neves, Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, and PSG’s Champions League-winning duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves.
One of those, meanwhile, is something of an idol to the youngster.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes speaks out on Bruno Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes during Portugal v Azerbaijao - UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Photo by Sergio Mendes/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“I was a little nervous on the first day because I was going to train with players I saw on television and who were role models,” a chipper Fernandes admits, in conversation with O Jogo.
“The biggest one right now is Bruno [Fernandes] because of the player he already is,” the 21-year-old added when asked to name his ‘role model’.
“Back when I was at Sporting, I looked up to him and tried to learn from him. He plays in the same league as me, he has a lot of experience with the national team and, in the Premier League, I try to watch him a lot. Without a doubt, he stands out.”
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Fernandes determined to make his mark for Portugal
Fernandes benefits from Joao Palhinha’s recent injury, while Man City veteran Bernardo Silva is rested.
It remains to be seen if there is space in Martinez’s World Cup squad for him, though the Algarve-born dynamo can give himself a real chance in the upcoming friendlies with co-hosts Mexico and the USA.
“There are no initiation rituals yet, but I’ve been told there will be,” he laughs. “I’m just another one to help. I bring energy and versatility. The quality of the national team is undeniable, I just want to help make it better.”
Fernandes has recently been linked with a move that would see him join Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
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