Portuguese architect and football manager of Spanish descent, whose dual career left an indelible mark on both fields. Fernández's architectural works are distinguished by their simplicity of form and functional solutions, seamlessly integrating modernist principles with contextual adaptation. He graduated from the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes de Lisboa and became a significant figure in Portuguese modern architecture during a period of significant urban transformation after World War II.

In football, Fernández is celebrated for leading Sporting Clube de Portugal (Sporting CP) to victory in the 1964 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. His deep ties with Sporting CP also extended to his architectural contributions; he designed the original Estádio José Alvalade, inaugurated in 1956, in collaboration with António Augusto Sá da Costa. His involvement with Sporting CP spanned both professional and emotional dimensions, making him an iconic figure in the club’s history.

Fernández’s architectural portfolio showcases a commitment to rationalist and modernist approaches, employing materials like concrete and glass. Notable projects include the Tivoli Hotel in Lisbon (with Porfírio Pardal Monteiro and António Pardal Monteiro), the National Library of Portugal, and key buildings at the University of Lisbon, such as the Reitoria and the Faculty of Law. The Reitoria, co-designed with Pardal Monteiro, was awarded the prestigious Prémio Valmor.

His most iconic project, the original Estádio José Alvalade, demonstrated his ability to merge utility with visionary design. It was celebrated for its grandeur and innovative structure, earning recognition as one of the finest stadiums of its era. Fernández also collaborated with Jorge Ferreira Chaves on the Hotel Florida, leaving an enduring legacy in Lisbon's urban landscape.

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PT/FAUL/ARQUIVO/AF

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