It’s my dream to lift the ISL Cup with FC Goa: Brison Fernandes
The ISL 2024-25 Emerging Player of the Season opened up about his humble beginnings, love for FC Goa and his mission to win the ISL Cup.
FC Goa midfielder Brison Fernandes calls the club his family and has set his sights on lifting the ISL Cup with them. The 23-year-old midfielder, who was recently crowned the Emerging Player of the Season in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, has come a long way since joining FC Goa’s U16 squad in 2016. Nearly a decade later, he has grown into one of Indian football’s brightest young stars, having made his senior debut with FC Goa in 2021.
“This club is like a family to me. It gave me the platform to shape me not just as a player but as a person,” Fernandes said in an interview with The Navhind Times.
#MediaWatch: “Football won’t take you anywhere,” they told him. But Brison didn’t listen. He kept his head down, played the game his way - simple, sharp and honest. And this season, the spotlight found him.
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) May 12, 2025
After being named the ISL Emerging Player for 2024-25, amcho Brison… pic.twitter.com/1aVuZeJpzN
Now a key figure in FC Goa’s midfield, Fernandes played an instrumental role in their impressive campaign this season. He scored seven goals and delivered two assists. He helped the Gaurs register one of their best-ever league stage finishes, ending second with 48 points.
While FC Goa’s ISL campaign ended in the semi-finals after a narrow loss to Bengaluru FC, Fernandes and his teammates bounced back to lift the Kalinga Super Cup, earning a spot in the AFC Champions League 2. He was even on the scoresheet in the semi-final victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
But for the midfielder, there is still one trophy which is on his mind.
“Now there is just one trophy the club has never won, the ISL Cup. It’s my dream to lift that trophy for my people and this club,” he expressed.
Fernades’ rise wasn’t without struggle. As a young student in Goa, he often heard discouragement from those who doubted football could ever be a viable path.
He revealed: “One of my teachers always used to tell me football won’t take you anywhere… maybe because I wasn’t among the brightest students. And at some point these thoughts used to come into my head and it did affect me.”
The Loutolim-born midfielder says what kept him going was the unwavering support from the people who mattered.
“My friends were the answer.. They were with me when I had nothing. So I’ll always be there for them,” he says. “My parents always supported me in whatever way they could — my dad came to my matches, my mama always had my meals ready before and after.”
Brison's performances didn’t just make headlines domestically. His consistency earned him a call-up to the Indian national team, and in March, he made his senior debut against Bangladesh, a proud moment for the Goan midfielder.
“I felt proud representing my people and my nation. Whenever I get such opportunities, I’ll give my 100 percent for that beautiful logo on my chest,” he said.
