The round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Frankfurt Arena began with a poignant tribute to a legendary figure. A minute of silence was observed before kick-off in honor of Manuel Fernandes, a former Sporting CP and Portugal star, who passed away last week at the age of 73.
Fernandes, a true icon of Portuguese football, left an indelible mark on the sport. As a player, he enjoyed a remarkable career, most notably with Sporting CP, where he became a club legend. He scored an impressive 257 goals in all competitions, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the club’s history. He also represented Portugal with distinction, scoring seven goals in 31 appearances.
Beyond his playing days, Fernandes continued to serve Sporting CP. He returned to the club as a coach, first as an assistant and later as head coach, winning the Supertaca in 2000/01. He also held various administrative roles, including director of the B team and head of the scouting department. In the final years of his life, he worked as a commentator and ambassador for Sporting CP.
The minute of silence served as a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual whose contributions to Portuguese football will forever be remembered. It was a poignant moment that underlined the respect and admiration he commanded from fans, players, and officials alike.
