ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Legendary Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Leo Fernandes announced on Wednesday he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025 USL Championship season, capping an illustrious 13-year professional career.
As he transitions away from his playing career, Fernandes will remain with the Rowdies in a new role. Details on his new position within the club will be announced soon.
“For the past 13 years, I’ve been able to live out my dream, and for the last nine years, I’ve been blessed to call the Rowdies my home,” said Fernandes. “Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the organization who’s been part of this journey. A special thank you to my wife, you’ve felt everything I’ve felt, the good and the bad, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
“To my family and friends, your support has meant everything to me. And to the Rowdies fans, thank you for all the love and support over the years. You’ve made Al Lang feel like home and we’ve created memories together that I’ll carry forever. Tampa Bay will always be special to me, and I’m grateful for every moment. Thank you all for being part of this incredible chapter of my life.”
Fernandes has made 195 appearances across all competitions for the Rowdies, ranking second in the club’s Modern Era and fifth overall in all-time Rowdies history. The 33-year-old has notched 46 goals for the Rowdies and recorded a Modern Era record 37 assists. Since the Rowdies joined the USL Championship in 2017, Fernandes has recorded 40 goals and 33 assists in the regular season, one of only three players to record at least 40 goals and 30 assists for a single club in the league’s history.