Ricardo Vaz Afonso Fernandes (born 28 August 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Liga 3 club União Santarém. Born in Portugal, he plays for the São Tomé and PrÃÂncipe national team.
Fernandes is a youth product of Arrentela and Pescadores, before moving to Casa Pia's youth academy in 2018. On 20 May 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Casa Pia. In the winter of 2022, he was loaned to Real in the Portuguese third division. He returned to Casa Pia for the 2022âÂÂ23 season, as they were newly promoted to the Primeira Liga. Later that summer, he transferred to Estoril where he was assigned to their U23 side.
Born in Portugal, Fernandes is of Santomean descent. He was called up to the São Tomé and PrÃÂncipe national team for a set of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in September 2023.
Fernandes' twin brother, Rogério, is also a professional footballer.