Central defender Rúben Fernandes joins Farense

Experienced central defender Rúben Fernandes is Farense's first signing for the 2025/26 edition of the II Football League, announced today the Algarve SAD, which began pre-season with medical examinations.

"It is with great pride that I take this step in my career and start representing Farense. I know the history and passion that this club carries, and I come with all the ambition and dedication to help the team achieve its goals", said the Algarve player, born in Portimão, quoted by the club.

Rúben Fernandes, 39, who signed a one-season deal, said he was “excited” to wear the Algarve team’s jersey, promising to “give everything on the pitch” to help Farense “have a great season”.

The player, who came through the ranks at Portimonense, where he made his senior debut, also played for Varzim, Estoril Praia, Sint-Truiden (Belgium) and Gil Vicente, which he represented over the last six seasons.

Rúben Fernandes is the first reinforcement announced by the relegated Farense for the season of return to the II League, which, until now, had only officialized the renewals of Marco Matias and André Candeias .

The Algarve club's pre-season, which has not yet released details about the remaining players under contract, began today with medical examinations, while field work on the pitch will begin on Monday.

Farense, 17th in the 2024/25 edition of the I League, returned to the II League two years later and will be led by coach Jorge Silas, who succeeds Tozé Marreco.

Farense provisional squad 2025/26:

– Goalkeepers: Ricardo Velho and Lucas Cañizares.

– Defenders: Pastor, Marco Moreno, Lucas Áfrico, Tomás Ribeiro, Paulo Victor and Rúben Fernandes (ex-Gil Vicente).

– Midfielders: Claudio Falcao and Miguel Menino.

– Forwards: Marco Matias, André Candeias, Jaime Pinto, Rui Costa, Álex Bermejo, Tomané and Bruno Santos.