FC Goa has officially announced the departure of seven players from their first team following the expiration of their contracts this summer. The club bids farewell to Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez, Dheeraj Singh, Sanson Pereira, and Saviour Gama. These players have been instrumental to the team over the past seasons but are now set to pursue new paths in their football careers.
Brandon Fernandes joined FC Goa in 2017 through the Indian Super League (ISL) players’ draft. Over the years, he became a central figure for the Gaurs, making 130 appearances across all competitions and setting a club record with 31 assists. Fernandes also scored 17 goals, one of which was the decisive strike in the 2018-19 Super Cup final, securing FC Goa’s first major silverware.
In the recently concluded 2023-24 season, Fernandes captained the team to the Durand Cup semi-finals, contributing three goals and four assists. His leadership and performance helped FC Goa finish the ISL League season in third place and reach the semi-finals in the Cup playoffs.
Noah Sadaoui, who joined FC Goa in the summer of 2023, quickly became a key player in the team’s attacking lineup. The Moroccan international scored 29 goals and provided 16 assists in 54 matches, making him the club’s second-highest goal contributor. His tenure with the Gaurs was marked by significant performances that greatly bolstered the team’s offensive capabilities.
Spanish striker Carlos Martinez had a noteworthy season with FC Goa, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists in 32 appearances. His contributions were vital to the team’s successful run to the ISL semi-finals.
Victor Rodriguez, another Spanish player, also played a significant role in the squad. Despite his season being cut short by injury, Rodriguez managed to score five goals and provide three assists in 14 matches, leaving a strong impression during his time in the orange jersey.
Dheeraj Singh, Sanson Pereira, and Saviour Gama have been part of FC Goa’s setup for an extended period. They were integral members of the squad that made history by being the first Indian club team to participate in the AFC Champions League (ACL) group stage in 2021.
Dheeraj Singh’s performance in the ACL was particularly notable, earning him a spot in the ACL Team of the Season. Saviour Gama’s journey from the club’s development team to the first team saw him win multiple accolades, including the Super Cup 2018-19, ISL 2019-20 League Shield, and the Durand Cup 2021.
The departure of these seven players marks the end of an era for FC Goa, but it also signals the beginning of new opportunities for both the club and the players. FC Goa’s management and fans will undoubtedly cherish the memories and contributions of these footballers, wishing them success in their future endeavours. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on building a squad capable of maintaining their competitive edge in the ISL and beyond.
