Mateus Fernandes scores stunning goal for Tottenham Hotspur in friendly debut against MK Dons - 'Favourite goal of my career, by a mile'
Published 23/07/2026 at 09:22 GMT+1
React to this story
Tottenham Hotspur pre-season debuts do not come much better than the one Mateus Fernandes enjoyed on Wednesday, as the midfielder scored what he called the "favourite goal of my career" in a friendly against MK Dons.
'Vamos Espana' - Spain celebrate 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph in Madrid
Video credit: SNTV
Fernandes, signed by Spurs for a reported £85 million from West Ham United this summer, blasted a stunning volley into the top corner as the ball dropped to him at the edge of the area, just three minutes into the game.
"It was my favourite goal of my career, by a mile," the Portugal international said afterwards, with his goal the difference in Spurs' 1-0 victory.
"I need to do this more and more times, to shoot outside of the box, I know that I can do it. This just gives me confidence for the rest of the days."
The friendly against the League One side, held behind closed doors, gave Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi the chance to test out new players in his first pre-season with the club.
Also in midfield alongside Fernandes was another of Spurs' big-money moves this window in the form of Sandro Tonali, a £100m signing from Newcastle United.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made a fine save in the match too - his first showing for the London club since joining on a free transfer from Burnley last month.
There was also a return to action for Ben Davies, after the Welsh defender had been out since January with injury.
Former Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong was working for the club's media channels and was full of praise for Fernandes.
"He's such a gifted player," Bassong said. "What I'm impressed about is the balance, the quality, the connection, the fact that he's looking at the ball - he doesn't lose sight of the ball."
It has been a rollercoaster couple of seasons for Spurs, with two 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League and a UEFA Europa League triumph.
Three managers were in charge last season as the club narrowly avoided relegation - Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi.
- 'Completely unexpected!' - Why are Barcelona signing Adeyemi?
- Guardiola expected to say 'no' to Italy job - Euro Transfer News
- MLS announces investigation into tampering as Casemiro joins Inter Miami
Now, fans will hope for more stability as the club prepares for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Spurs squad will now fly to New Zealand on Thursday for their pre-season tour. They will play A-League side Auckland at Eden Park on Sunday.
Their Premier League season will begin at Brentford on August 22, which is followed by a home meeting with Newcastle on August 19.
The first TNT Sports live league game of the season for Spurs is at home to Aston Villa on September 19.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement