Brison Fernandes makes history as first Indian to score in AFC Champions League 2

Goa Khabar : In a moment that will be etched in Indian football history, FC Goa’s young midfielder Brison Fernandes became the first Indian player to score in the AFC Champions League 2, achieving the milestone against Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Nassr, a club that features global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix and Sadio Mané.

For Brison, who hails from the quiet village of Loutolim in South Goa, the goal meant more than just a personal triumph, it was a proud moment for his club, his state, and the entire nation.“It’s definitely one of the best moments of my football career,” said Brison, still beaming after the match. “To score not just for my club but also for my country is a very proud moment.”

Although FC Goa’s result didn’t go in their favour, Brison’s strike made headlines across Asia, symbolizing the growing influence of Indian footballers on the continental stage. Even Al Nassr’s coach, Luís Castro, praised FC Goa’s spirited performance, remarking on the team’s determination and tactical discipline and mentioned, “We played against a side that refused to lose”. Brison humbly echoed those sentiments, saying, “It would’ve been better if my team could win or at least draw level. We had our chances, but our opponent was of very high quality. The important thing is we gave a fight, and I think we left our fans and the country proud. We hope to continue that in our remaining games.”

Brison’s composure on the pitch belies his youthful energy off it. At just 21, he already represented the dreams of countless young footballers across India. Asked about sharing the pitch with world-class talents like Mané and potentially Ronaldo, he admitted, “Yes, at the start you do feel a bit star-struck, as a football fan you can’t help it. But once the game starts, nothing else matters except giving your best and getting a result.”

For someone whose idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring against Ronaldo’s club was poetic. “It would be a dream come true for any footballer to score against him,” Brison said with a smile. “Even though he didn’t play, I’m sure he watched the game. Knowing that he might’ve seen my goal gives me a lot of joy.”

Brison’s journey from rural Goa to the continental stage is one of persistence and family support. Growing up in Loutolim, he often had to cycle several kilometres just to find a football ground. “My dad works in the Coca-Cola industry and my mom is a housewife,” he shared. “Sometimes my father dropped me to training, sometimes I cycled. There weren’t proper pitches nearby, but that never stopped me.”

It was during a kindergarten fancy-dress competition that Brison first dressed as a footballer and his father later gifted him a Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United jersey in 2008, sealing his fate as a footballer. “From that day, I wanted to become like him. My dad has been my biggest supporter; he’s always been there for me.”

Now a mainstay at FC Goa, a club he has been part of since his under-15 days, Brison’s loyalty to his hometown team runs deep. When asked if he’d consider joining another big Indian club, he replied firmly, “I’m focused on playing and representing my hometown club. It’s a great pride and honour for me to represent the people of my state and our wonderful fans.”

As for the future, Brison’s goals are as grounded as they are ambitious. “I want to keep contributing to FC Goa, keep getting as many minutes as possible, and bring more glory and silverware to my people and my state,” he said. “I also want to help the Indian National Team in whatever way I can.”

Off the field, Brison remains a simple Goan boy, spending time with friends and enjoying life’s quieter moments. But when the whistle blows, he embodies the next generation of Indian footballers as disciplined, passionate, and fearless on the biggest stages.

When his shot found the back of the net against Al Nassr, Brison recalls the moment vividly: “It was hard to process, it’s all adrenaline. But a few seconds later, when I saw the ball in the net and heard the sound of the crowd, it hit me. That sound, that moment, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Brison Fernandes’ goal wasn’t just one for FC Goa, it was one for India. A moment that inspires young footballers across the country to dream big, believe in themselves, and know that from small villages, great players can rise to make history.

With momentum surging on the domestic front, FC Goa now turn their attention back to continental duty as they travel to Saudi Arabia to face Al Nassr FC in a pivotal AFC Champions League Two Group D fixture on November 5, 2025.