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Edimilson Fernandes
Edimilson Fernandes
from Wikipedia

Edimilson Fernandes Ribeiro (born 15 April 1996) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder and defender for Young Boys and the Switzerland national team.[3]

Key Information

Club career

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Sion

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Fernandes is a youth exponent from FC Sion. He made his Swiss Super League debut on 1 June 2013 against FC Zürich in 4–2 home win. He started in the first eleven and was substituted after 53 minutes.[4] He scored his first senior goal on 1 March 2015 in a 2–2 draw at home to FC Luzern.[5] Fernandes played every minute of Sion's 2015–16 Europa League campaign before the side was knocked out by Braga in the last 32.[5] In all games, he played 65 times for Sion's first team and 41 games for the club's under-21 side.[5]

West Ham United

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On 25 August 2016, Fernandes signed a four-year deal with English club West Ham United for a fee of £5 million.[6] He made his West Ham debut on 25 September 2016 in a 3–0 home defeat by Southampton, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Mark Noble.[7] On 26 October 2016, Fernandes scored his first goal for West Ham in a 2–1 win against Chelsea in the EFL Cup, winning praise from manager Slaven Bilić.[8][9]

Loan to Fiorentina

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On 13 August 2018, Fernandes joined Italian side Fiorentina on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy.[10]

Mainz 05

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On 3 June 2019, Fernandes joined Bundesliga side Mainz 05 on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[11][12] On 17 August 2019, he made his full debut for the club in the league season opener against SC Freiburg, starting and playing 84 minutes of a 3–0 loss while picking up a first-half yellow card.[13]

Fernandes scored his first goal for Mainz in the penultimate Bundesliga game of the 2019–2020 season. After being substituted on in the second half, he scored the third goal in Mainz's 3–1 win over Werder Bremen.[14]

Loan to Young Boys

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On 15 February 2022, Fernandes moved on loan to Young Boys until the end of the season.[15]

Loan to Brest

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On 30 August 2024, Fernandes signed for Ligue 1 club Brest on loan for the season, with an option for the club to make the deal permanent.[16]

Return to Young Boys

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On 14 July 2025, Fernandes returned to Young Boys on a permanent basis and signed a four-year contract with the club.[17]

International career

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Fernandes made his debut for the Switzerland under-21 team in March 2016 in a 1–1 draw with England. In his second game, on 2 September 2016, he scored his first international goal in a 3–0 win against Kazakhstan in Biel/Bienne.[18][19]

In November 2016, Fernandes received his first call-up to the senior Switzerland squad for a match against the Faroe Islands.[20] He made his senior debut against them, coming off the bench in the 69th minute.

In May 2019, he played in 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where his team finished fourth.[21]

In 2021, he was called up to the national team for the 2020 UEFA European Championship, where the team created one of the main sensations of the tournament by reaching the quarter-finals.[22]

Personal life

[edit]

Fernandes was born in Sion, Switzerland, to a family of Portuguese and Cape Verdean descent.[5] He is the cousin of Swiss international footballer Gelson Fernandes, Portuguese international footballer Manuel Fernandes and ex-Sunderland midfielder Cabral.[5]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 14 February 2026[23]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sion 2012–13 Swiss Super League 1 0 0 0 1 0
2013–14 16 1 0 0 16 1
2014–15 26 1 3 2 29 3
2015–16 5 0 4 2 8[c] 0 17 2
Total 48 2 7 4 8 0 63 6
West Ham United 2016–17 Premier League 28 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 32 1
2017–18 14 0 0 0 2 0 16 0
Total 42 0 1 0 5 1 0 0 48 1
Fiorentina (loan) 2018–19 Serie A 29 2 4 0 33 2
Mainz 05 2019–20 Bundesliga 24 1 1 0 25 1
2020–21 14 0 1 0 15 0
2022–23 32 0 2 0 34 0
2023–24 21 0 2 0 23 0
Total 91 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 97 1
Arminia Bielefeld (loan) 2021–22 Bundesliga 7 0 1 0 8 0
Young Boys (loan) 2021–22 Swiss Super League 14 2 0 0 14 2
Brest (loan) 2024–25 Ligue 1 19 3 3 0 10[d] 1 32 4
Young Boys 2025-26 Swiss Super League 16 1 1 0 7[c] 0 24 1
Career total 266 11 23 4 5 1 25 1 319 17
  1. ^ Includes Swiss Cup, FA Cup, Coppa Italia, DFB-Pokal
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League

International

[edit]
Scores and results list Switzerland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fernandes goal.[24]
List of international goals scored by Edimilson Fernandes
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 15 October 2019 Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland  Republic of Ireland 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
2 3 June 2021 Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland  Liechtenstein 7–0 7–0 Friendly

Honours

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Edimilson Fernandes Ribeiro (born 15 April 1996) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for BSC Young Boys in the Swiss Super League and the Switzerland national team. Born in Sion, Switzerland, Fernandes began his professional career with hometown club FC Sion, where he debuted in the 2014–15 season and contributed to their victory in the Swiss Cup, their first major trophy in 18 years. In August 2016, at age 20, he transferred to West Ham United in the English Premier League for a reported €7 million, becoming one of the club's record signings for a Swiss player. During his two seasons with West Ham, he made 42 league appearances. In 2018, Fernandes was loaned to in , where he played 29 league matches before joining in the on a permanent transfer in 2019. Over five years with Mainz, he established himself as a versatile performer capable of playing in midfield or central defense, accumulating 98 appearances while on loans to (2021–22), (2022), and in (2024–25). In July 2025, he returned to Young Boys on a permanent four-year deal until 2029, reuniting with the club where he had previously excelled on loan. Fernandes earned his first cap for in March 2017 and has since represented his country in major tournaments, including and the , where he featured in group stage matches. As of 2025, he has made 34 appearances for the national team, scoring two goals.

Club career

Sion

Edimilson Fernandes joined the youth academy of his hometown club in 2007, progressing through the ranks after starting his early football development at FC Fully. He made a seamless transition to the senior team, debuting in the on 1 June 2013 as a starter in a 4–2 home victory against , where he played the first 53 minutes at the age of 17. This appearance marked the beginning of his integration into the first team, initially as a substitute before earning more regular starts in the 2014–15 season. Over the course of his time at Sion from 2013 to 2016, Fernandes made 48 appearances in the , scoring 2 goals. His first senior goal came on 1 March 2015 in a 2–2 draw at home to , a strike that highlighted his growing attacking threat from midfield. Later that season, he netted his second league goal in a 2–0 away win against on 7 June 2015, contributing to Sion's push for European qualification. Fernandes' development was particularly evident in European competitions, where he played every minute of Sion's campaign across 8 matches in the group stage and knockout phase, helping the team advance from ahead of Rubin Kazan and before a last-32 exit to . Notable contributions included his full involvement in the 1–0 group-stage win over Rubin Kazan on 17 September 2015, showcasing his defensive solidity and stamina in high-stakes fixtures. His family ties to the club extended through cousins like Adrien Fernandes, who also featured in Sion's youth setup.

West Ham United

In August 2016, Edimilson Fernandes transferred from to West Ham United for a reported fee of £5 million, signing a four-year contract. The move marked his entry into the at the age of 20, with the club viewing him as a promising defensive capable of adding energy and versatility to their squad. Fernandes made his first appearance for in the third-round tie against Stanley on 20 September 2016, starting in a 4-1 victory. His debut followed five days later as a late substitute in a 3-0 home defeat to on 25 September 2016. Over the next two seasons, he accumulated 42 appearances without scoring a goal, though he netted once in the against Chelsea in October 2016. Across all competitions, Fernandes featured in 48 matches during his tenure, primarily as a substitute. Under manager in the 2016-17 season, Fernandes showed flashes of potential with his physicality and ball-winning ability but struggled to secure regular starts amid competition from midfielders like and . The following year, under , his opportunities diminished further due to an ankle injury requiring surgery in late 2017 and the physical demands of adapting to the Premier League's intensity. This limited role highlighted challenges in breaking into a crowded midfield, ultimately leading to a loan move to Fiorentina in August 2018 as a development opportunity.

Fiorentina (loan)

On 13 August 2018, Edimilson Fernandes joined on a season-long loan from West Ham United, with the deal running until 30 June 2019 and including an option for Fiorentina to purchase him permanently for a reported €8 million; the Italian club paid an initial loan fee of approximately €1 million. During the 2018–19 season, Fernandes featured regularly as a defensive midfielder under manager , making 29 appearances in with 2 goals and accumulating 1,974 minutes played, while also appearing in 4 matches for a total of 220 minutes without scoring. His goals came in consecutive away fixtures in 2019: an in a 1–1 draw against Udinese on 3 February, marking his first goal, and the third in a 4–1 victory over on 17 February. In the , he started in notable wins, including a 7–1 quarter-final triumph over on 30 January 2019, as Fiorentina advanced to the semi-finals before elimination by . Fernandes adapted to the tactical demands of Italian football, contributing to Fiorentina's possession-based style and defensive solidity, which helped the team finish 16th in and avoid relegation while reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. The loan provided him with consistent playing time after limited opportunities at , enhancing his experience in a top European league and boosting his profile ahead of his return to the Hammers in summer 2019.

Mainz 05

On 3 June 2019, Edimilson Fernandes completed a permanent transfer from United to for a reported fee of €7.5 million, signing a four-year contract until 30 June 2023. He primarily operated as a defensive , valued for his physical presence, tackling ability, and ball-winning skills in the center of the pitch. During his main spells at Mainz from 2019 to 2021 and 2022 to 2023, excluding loan periods, Fernandes made 91 appearances across the and , scoring 1 goal and providing several assists. In the 2019–20 season, he adapted to the 's intensity, featuring in 22 matches and scoring his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win over SC on 19 October 2019. The following 2020–21 campaign saw him become a regular under manager , who took over in January 2021, with approximately 16 appearances and 0 goals as battled relegation, ultimately securing survival on the final day with a 3–2 victory against ; Fernandes entered as a substitute and contributed defensively in that decisive match. Limited playing time in the early 2021–22 season led to moves, but Fernandes returned strongly in 2022–23, starting 26 matches under Svensson and helping achieve a mid-table finish of 9th place with a club-record six consecutive wins to start the season. His resurgence included consistent starts in central midfield, where he provided stability during high-pressing phases, and he recorded 0 goals along with 3 assists in the , notably assisting Jonathan Burkardt's winner in a 2–1 victory against amid a tight mid-season schedule. In November 2022, amid this improved form, Fernandes extended his contract until 30 June 2026, affirming his importance to the squad.

Arminia Bielefeld (loan)

On 31 August 2021, Edimilson Fernandes joined on a season-long from Mainz 05, with the deal including an option to buy. The move was intended to provide Fernandes with increased playing opportunities in the , following limited starts at Mainz amid stiff competition in the midfield. Arminia's Samir Arabi highlighted Fernandes' experience and physical attributes as key additions to bolster the team's central midfield. During his stint, Fernandes made 7 appearances for in the season, accumulating 282 minutes on the pitch without scoring a goal. He started 2 matches and came off the bench 5 times, but his involvement was curtailed by early-season concerns and the team's overall struggles in a relegation fight. ultimately finished 17th and were relegated, with Fernandes' integration described as underwhelming compared to other squad reinforcements. The loan ended prematurely on 14 February 2022, after which Fernandes returned to Mainz before securing another loan move shortly thereafter.

Young Boys (first loan)

On 15 February 2022, Edimilson Fernandes joined on a loan from until the end of the 2021–22 season. This mid-season move marked his return to Swiss football after spells in and , allowing him to reconnect with the domestic league where he had begun his professional career at Sion. During his loan, Fernandes made 14 appearances across the Swiss Super League and cups, scoring 2 goals while establishing himself in the central midfield. He provided defensive stability and versatility, often deployed as a defensive midfielder to support Young Boys' title-challenging campaign in the league's second half. His contributions helped the team maintain momentum, culminating in Young Boys securing their fourth consecutive Swiss Super League title on 18 April 2022. Fernandes' time at Young Boys also fostered greater familiarity with the club and Swiss football's demands, paving the way for his eventual permanent return in 2025.

Brest (loan)

On 31 August 2024, Edimilson Fernandes joined on a season-long loan from , lasting until the end of the 2024–25 campaign. The move was motivated by Fernandes' desire for increased playing time following a limited role at . Fernandes initially faced challenges adapting to French football, featuring in just two of Brest's first eight Ligue 1 matches and enduring a rocky start with an early substitution and an own goal in a UEFA Champions League fixture against Sturm Graz. His breakthrough came in October 2024 after midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou suffered an injury, allowing Fernandes to establish himself as a key defensive midfielder under manager Éric Roy. He made 19 appearances in Ligue 1 (12 starts, 1,105 minutes), plus 10 in the Champions League and 3 in the Coupe de France, totaling 32 outings across all competitions with 1 goal and 1 assist. The goal came in a 2-1 group stage win over Sparta Prague on 6 November 2024. In his role, Fernandes provided defensive solidity, often deployed deep to shield the backline and curb opposition transitions, with versatility to cover full-back positions when needed. His contributions included leading Brest with 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes in (20 total) and averaging 1.7 clearances per game, alongside 9 tackles and 14 blocks over his domestic league appearances. These efforts helped Brest secure a surprise ninth-place finish in with 50 points, marking a solid top-half campaign despite a mid-season dip. No major injuries hampered Fernandes during the loan, though the physical demands of European competition tested his consistency. Upon the loan's conclusion in June 2025, Fernandes returned to before securing a permanent transfer elsewhere.

Permanent return to Young Boys

On 14 July 2025, Edimilson Fernandes completed a permanent transfer from to for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract that runs until 30 June 2029. This move followed a successful loan spell at the club during the previous season, allowing Fernandes to return on a long-term basis to the team where he had previously thrived. In the early stages of the 2025–2026 season, Fernandes has featured prominently, making 10 appearances with 1 goal and 3 assists as of November 2025. Under Patrick Rahmen, he has established himself as a key defensive , starting in qualifying matches and several domestic fixtures, contributing to the team's midfield stability with his versatility and physical presence. However, on 2 November 2025, Fernandes suffered a serious muscle and injury in his left calf during a goalless draw against , sidelining him for several months. Fernandes' return to represents a strategic step for career stability, providing a familiar environment in the after a period of loans and moves across , while also enhancing his prospects for selection with the national team.

International career

Youth international career

Edimilson Fernandes represented at the youth international level, progressing through the age groups to reach the under-21 team. He made his debut for the Switzerland U21 side on 26 March , starting in a 1–1 draw against during the qualifying campaign. In his second cap, Fernandes scored his first goal for the team on 2 September , netting in the 63rd minute during a 3–0 home win over in another qualifying match. His long-range strike contributed to 's strong performance in the group stage qualifiers. Fernandes accumulated 6 appearances and 2 goals for the U21 team between January 2016 and August 2018, primarily featuring in qualifiers that helped build his tactical awareness and competitive experience. These outings at the youth level honed his defensive midfield skills and prepared him for the demands of senior international football, leading to his first call-up to the full squad in late 2016.

Senior international career

Edimilson Fernandes received his first senior call-up to the national team in November 2016 for a qualifier against the . He made his debut in that match on 13 November 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 victory. As of November 2025, Fernandes has earned 34 caps and scored 2 goals for . Fernandes featured in Switzerland's successful 2018–19 UEFA Nations League campaign, including appearances in the finals tournament in June 2019, where the team finished fourth after losses to and . He was part of the squad for , named to the 26-man roster in May 2021, though he did not feature in the group stage matches against , , or . During the qualifiers, Fernandes made two appearances as Switzerland secured qualification with a second-place finish in their group. Under head coach , Fernandes has continued as a squad player, receiving call-ups for the matches, including the October and November fixtures against and . His consistent club form at Young Boys has supported these selections, positioning him as a versatile defensive option for the national team.

Personal life

Early life and background

Edimilson Fernandes Ribeiro was born on 15 April 1996 in Sion, the capital of the canton in southwestern . His parents, originally from , first emigrated to before settling in in search of better economic opportunities, a journey that shaped the family's path and his early exposure to multiple cultures. Fernandes grew up in the nearby village of Fully in the region, a rural Alpine area near the French border, where the mountainous landscape and close-knit immigrant community influenced his formative years. From a young age, Fernandes developed a strong interest in football, heavily influenced by his extended family's deep involvement in the sport. His cousins, including Swiss international and player Manuel Fernandes, provided early inspiration and guidance, fostering his passion amid the family's Cape Verdean roots and Portuguese connections. This dual cultural heritage—blending Swiss upbringing with Cape Verdean and influences—played a key role in shaping his identity, as he navigated life in a multicultural household while embracing the opportunities in . Fernandes joined the youth academy of local club as a young talent, marking the beginning of his structured football development in the region before progressing to professional levels.

Family and heritage

Edimilson Fernandes hails from a prominent footballing family with deep roots in the sport. He is the cousin of several professional players and coaches, including , a former Swiss international who now serves as FIFA's Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Director for Africa; Manuel Fernandes, a retired international with 15 caps; Adilson Cabral, a former defender and current manager of Team BEJUNE U19; Adrien Fernandes, a youth player for U21; Ulisses Garcia, a Swiss international defender; and Joël Monteiro, a Swiss youth international. Fernandes was born in , to parents of Cape Verdean origin who emigrated from Assomada in to before settling in in the 1990s for better opportunities. His family background blends Cape Verdean heritage on his mother's side—his mother Maria hails from , as does his uncle Jose, father of cousin Gelson—with Portuguese influences through the family's migration path and broader descent. This multicultural upbringing in the region shaped his identity, leading him to represent internationally due to his birth and lifelong residence there. The family's involvement in football has provided Fernandes with significant support throughout his career, particularly in navigating major moves abroad. His cousin Gelson, who himself transitioned from Sion to Manchester City at age 20, offered daily guidance and encouragement for Fernandes' 2016 transfer to West Ham United in , describing the as "one of the best leagues in the world" based on his own experiences. While specific details on family input for his later move to Mainz 05 in are less documented, the interconnected football lineage has fostered a network of advice and motivation. Fernandes emphasizes his Swiss roots in public discussions.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Edimilson Fernandes has accumulated 296 appearances, 10 goals, and 22 assists across all club competitions as of November 17, 2025. His career includes stints at , West Ham United, (loan), , DSC Arminia Bielefeld (loan), (loan and permanent), and (loan), with 49 yellow cards and 3 red cards recorded. The following table summarizes his appearances, goals, assists, yellow cards, and red cards in domestic league competitions by season and club:
SeasonClubLeague AppsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed Cards
2014–15FC Sion161270
2015–16FC Sion261340
2016–17FC Sion50120
2016–17West Ham United280140
2017–18West Ham United140110
2018–19ACF Fiorentina (loan)292091
2019–201. FSV Mainz 05241071
2020–211. FSV Mainz 05140110
2021–22DSC Arminia Bielefeld (loan)70000
2021–22BSC Young Boys (loan)142330
2022–231. FSV Mainz 05320340
2023–241. FSV Mainz 05210240
2024–25Stade Brestois 29 (loan)190110
2025–26BSC Young Boys101311
Total259821483
In domestic cup competitions, Fernandes has made 20 appearances, scoring 1 goal with 1 assist, and receiving 2 yellow cards. His European competition record stands at 21 appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists, 3 yellow cards, and no red cards, primarily from UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League matches. By club totals across all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed Cards
FC Sion472690
West Ham United481250
ACF Fiorentina (loan)292091
1. FSV Mainz 059516171
DSC Arminia Bielefeld (loan)80000
BSC Young Boys (loan & permanent)363861
Stade Brestois 29 (loan)321130
Total2951023493

International statistics

Edimilson Fernandes represented at various youth levels, accumulating approximately 17 appearances and 3 goals across the under-19 and under-21 teams. At the under-19 level, he made 13 appearances and scored 1 goal during the 2012–2013 season. For the under-21 team, Fernandes featured in 4 matches, netting 2 goals in the 2013–2014 season (with additional appearances in 2016). Fernandes has earned 35 caps for the senior national team since his debut in 2016, scoring 2 goals. His appearances span qualifiers (3 caps, 0 goals), UEFA Euro qualifiers (9 caps, 1 goal), (12 caps, 0 goals), and friendlies (10 caps, 1 goal). He was part of the squads for and but did not feature in any matches at either tournament. No additional caps have been recorded in 2025 as of November 17, 2025. The following table summarizes his senior international appearances and goals by year and competition:
YearCompetitionAppearancesGoals
2016 qualifiers10
2017 qualifiers10
2017Friendlies10
201840
2019UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers61
2019UEFA Nations League Finals20
202030
2020Friendlies20
2021Friendlies21
2021 qualifiers10
202230
2023UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers50
202440
Total352

Honours

Club honours

During his early career at , Edimilson Fernandes contributed to the club's success in the 2014–15 , where Sion defeated 3–0 in the final to claim the title. As an 18-year-old breakthrough talent, Fernandes featured in multiple matches throughout the competition, including a substitute appearance in the final, helping Sion secure the for the first time since the 2010–11 season. Fernandes has not won any additional club honours in subsequent spells at West Ham United, , , , , or his return to . His time across leagues in , , , and yielded no domestic titles or cups, though he remained a regular squad member in competitive campaigns.

International honours

Edimilson Fernandes has represented in several major international tournaments without the team securing any titles, but with notable progressions to knockout stages. He was named in the squad for , where advanced from the group stage to reach the quarter-finals after defeating on penalties in the round of 16, though Fernandes did not make an appearance during the competition. In the , Fernandes was part of the squad that finished fourth; he came on as a substitute in the 3–1 semi-final loss to and started in the 0–0 third-place match against , which lost on penalties. Fernandes also participated in the , playing all three group stage matches and the full 90 minutes in the round of 16 exit against (6–1 loss), as progressed from the group to the knockout phase for the second consecutive major tournament.

References

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