Roger Fernandes is a name on many lips at Sp. Braga these days. The 19-year-old winger has become a standout figure. He recently sat down with the club’s media. Fans had sent in questions through social media. Roger shared his journey and how he has grown since arriving at the club five years ago.
He remembered a much younger version of himself. “I was just a boy then,” he said, recalling his arrival at Braga at 13 or 14 years old. He feels well-loved by many there. He promised to remain the same person. But, he added, he now carries much more responsibility. This season brings an even bigger ambition for him. “I always had ambition,” he explained. “But this time, my belief is even stronger.”
A Journey from Nothing
Roger never forgets the people who support him most. His family is key to his growth. He spoke openly about his humble beginnings. “As everyone knows, I came from nothing,” he shared. His family now lives with him. His mother is also due to arrive soon. She plans to come before the “Braga Day” event. This, he says, is huge motivation. “I had nothing back then,” he continued. “I worked hard to get my family here. This depended only on me.”
He often reminds himself of this truth. “When I go to sleep, I always tell myself it’s up to me,” he stated simply. He believes he controls his own work. He places the rest in God’s hands. “I can never blame others if I fail or stumble,” he said. “I blame myself. It’s because of me. This pushes me to get better every single day.”
The Dream of the National Team
This year brought a major milestone for Roger. He gained Portuguese citizenship. This new status meant he could finally join the national team. He received a call-up for the recent Euro U21 tournament. “This was something I always wanted,” he expressed.
He remembered watching his teammates leave for international duty. He often felt left behind. “My friends like Chissumba, Jónatas, Vasconcelos would go,” he recalled. “I dreamed of going with them.” The call-up made him incredibly proud. He was one of the last players chosen.
The moment he arrived at the Cidade do Futebol (City of Football) was unforgettable. He saw the team’s crest from his car. “The first thing I wanted was to get there and put on the jersey,” he said. He took a deep breath. “I told myself I had made it.” He quickly dressed. He breathed in the moment. He knew all his hard work had paid off. “It was a truly great experience,” the winger concluded.