Roberto Eladio Fernández Roa, commonly known as Roberto Fernández or by his nickname "El Gato" (The Cat), is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was born on June 29, 1954, in Asunción, Paraguay. Known for his agility, reflexes, and commanding presence in goal, he is widely regarded as one of Paraguay's greatest goalkeepers.
Club Career
Fernández's senior club career spanned over two decades, playing for clubs in Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil:
- River Plate (Paraguay): 1973–1976
- Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina): 1976–1980
- Deportivo Cali (Colombia): 1981–1984
- Cerro Porteño (Paraguay): 1984–1986, where he quickly became a key figure.
- Internacional (Brazil): 1986–1991. During his time with Internacional, he won the Campeonato Gaúcho in 1987 and 1991, and was a runner-up in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 1987 and 1988.
- Palmeiras (Brazil): 1991–1992
- Cerro Porteño (Paraguay): 1993–1997. He returned to Cerro Porteño for the final years of his career, winning the Paraguayan Primera División title in 1994 and 1996.
International Career
Fernández was a prominent member of the Paraguay national football team, making his debut in 1976 and representing his country until 1989. He earned over 70 caps for the national side.
- Copa América: He was a crucial part of the Paraguay squad that won the Copa América in 1979, one of the country's most significant football achievements. He also participated in the 1983, 1987, and 1989 editions of the tournament.
- FIFA World Cup: Fernández was Paraguay's starting goalkeeper at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where the team reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by England.