Bibiano Fernandes to take charge of the Indian U-20 Football Team

Under Bibiano, India won the SAFF Under-15 Championship twice in 2017 and 2019.

Former Bengaluru FC reserves team manager, Bibiano Fernandes, the 48-year-old former Indian footballer from Goa, has now become the head coach of the Indian U-20 national team. His appointment comes at a crucial time when there is a less influx of young talents into the senior team. The senior national team urgently needs young talents to step up and reinforce the squad as legends like Chhetri have to step in and carry forward the senior team, coming out of retirement.

The Indian U-20 team has always been a key feeder for the U-23 and senior teams for decades. Fernandes’ experienced leadership will be crucial in identifying and nurturing the future stars of the Blue Tigers. He is expected to ensure a seamless transition for young players to higher levels of international football to help the senior squad. Bibiano’s diverse coaching experience across various junior teams and clubs could serve as a major boost for the Indian U20 squad.

The BFC family thanks Bibiano Fernandes, who has today left his role as the Blues' Reserve Team Head Coach, in search of a new adventure. Good luck, coach! 🫡 #WeAreBFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/CEQrmWy3DK

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 24, 2025

Who is Bibiano Fernandes ?

Bibiano Fernandes is one of India’s renowned footballers. He represented the national team and several clubs across the country. Being born and brought up in Mapusa city of Goa, the 6-feet-1-inch former midfielder has plied his trade for teams like Churchill Brothers, Dempo, Sporting Goa, and Santa Cruz Club de Goa. He also featured for the iconic Kolkata giants, East Bengal FC. Fernandes earned a solitary cap for India before moving into coaching management.

After retirement, he ventured into coaching. He managed the Indian U-17 team and Bengaluru FC’s reserve squad. Under his visionary leadership, India won the SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017 and 2019. He also led the U-16 team to the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship quarterfinals. This was a major milestone in Indian youth football.

The road ahead for India’s U20 team

India’s U-20 squad have endured a rough and patchy start to 2025 so far. Suffering heavy defeats to teams like Syria, Jordan and Indonesia have exposed their vulnerabilities. In contrast, now, their 2024 campaign have seen brighter moments, with victories over Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia and Laos. But with both the U-20 and senior teams facing setbacks recently, the pressure is now on Bibiano Fernandes to take charge of the ship.

Their biggest test lies ahead in the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship which is set to take place in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. With clashes against regional rivals like Sri Lanka and Nepal coming ahead, the team will be desperate to take significant leaps. Under Fernandes, a new era is set to usher for the young Tigers.

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