When FC Goa's Spanish coach Manolo Marquez made a bold claim about a young winger in 2023, few in Indian football took it at face value. He described Brison Fernandes as the most talented player he had ever trained. At that time, the statement seemed puzzling, as Brison was far from being a regular starter, let alone a standout performer at the club.
The Turning Point: A Lesson in Professionalism
Brison, however, understood the deeper message behind his coach's words. Marquez emphasized that while talent was abundant, it was the right professional mentality on and off the pitch that truly separated the best from the rest. The young footballer took this advice to heart. He embarked on a personal mission, training alone during the off-season and fundamentally altering his approach to the game.
His dedication yielded remarkable results. The following season, he secured regular playing time, delivered sharper performances, and earned a coveted call-up to the national team, first under Manolo Marquez and later under Khalid Jamil. Reflecting on his earlier statement, Marquez told TOI, "When I said those words about Brison, either I was a very bad coach or Brison needed to improve. Obviously, now Brison is very professional, on and off the field. That is the key."
Rewriting His Destiny on the Field
The transformation has been spectacular. Brison Fernandes was crowned the Emerging Player of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, netting seven goals and providing two assists. This made him the second-highest Indian goalscorer in the league, trailing only the legendary Sunil Chhetri.
He has carried this scintillating form into the current campaign. His growing confidence was on full display when he scored a stunning goal against Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr FC in the AFC Champions League Two. He followed this up with another brilliant strike against Mumbai City FC in the Super Cup semifinal.
"Playing against top opposition in the AFC Champions League has helped all of us. Personally, I am more confident, and it shows on the pitch, the way we approach games," Brison said in a pre-match interaction.
The Ultimate Test: Super Cup Final Showdown
Now, Brison and FC Goa stand on the brink of more glory as they prepare to face former champions East Bengal in the Super Cup final. Despite the Kolkata club's resurgence, the defending champions, bolstered by home support and their in-form winger, are confident.
"Of course, I think we are the favourites," stated Brison. "If we stick together (on the field), we will lift the trophy. We have the home advantage and look forward to seeing as many people supporting us. We will enjoy this one together."
Brison's journey from a peripheral figure to a national team asset and a key player for FC Goa is a powerful blueprint for young athletes. It underscores Marquez's belief that perseverance and professionalism inevitably unlock potential, a sentiment he also echoed while praising goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari's similar rise. For Brison Fernandes, the belief of his coach was not just praise—it was a challenge he was determined to meet.
