ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico United has announced the international transfer of Brazilian winger Luiz Fernando to Hanoi Football Club, a top-tier team in Vietnam. The move follows an impactful 2025 season in Albuquerque, with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed.
Fernando joined United ahead of the 2025 USL Championship campaign after three seasons with Memphis 901 FC, where he recorded 15 goals, 10 assists, and over 100 chances created in 86 appearances.
In his single season with New Mexico United, Fernando quickly became a fan favorite. He made 16 appearances, including 14 starts, and logged 1,207 minutes on the pitch. He scored 4 goals and added 1 assist, averaging a goal contribution every 241 minutes. Known for his pace, technical skill, and ability to stretch defenses, Fernando played a key role in several of United’s attacking sequences and helped energize the team’s offense during critical stretches of the season.
“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Luiz,” said Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “In a short time, he captured the hearts of our fans and became an integral part of our team and our club. However, in football, when opportunities like this arise, they must be respected — especially when it’s something the player truly wants to explore.”
Luiz Fernando Nascimento, born June 23, 1997, began his football journey in Brazil with Corinthians’ youth academy. He made his professional debut in 2016 with Flamengo de Guarulhos before moving to the United States, where he built a solid career in the USL Championship.
- Richmond Kickers (2016–2018): 77 appearances, 7 goals
- Atlanta United 2 (2019–2020): 33 appearances, 2 goals
- Atlanta United (MLS, 2019–2020): 1 appearance in CONCACAF Champions League
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (2021): Signed but did not make an appearance
- Memphis 901 FC (2022–2024): 85 appearances, 15 goals
- New Mexico United (2025): 16 appearances, 4 goals
In total, Fernando has logged over 221 professional appearances, scoring 31 goals across his career.
Fernando now joins Hanoi FC, becoming the club’s fourth foreign signing for the 2025–26 season. Known for his creativity and attacking flair, he is expected to bring technical depth to the Vietnamese side. Hanoi FC has yet to officially confirm the deal, but multiple sources report the transfer is complete.
New Mexico United returns to USL Championship action this Saturday, traveling to face Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium.
