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Mateus Fernandes scored what he described as the best goal of his career just three minutes into his Tottenham debut, as they beat MK Dons 1-0 in a friendly on Wednesday.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side kicked off their pre-season campaign with a behind-closed-doors meeting with the League One side at Hotspur Way.
And Fernandes – an £85m signing from relegated West Ham – only needed a few minutes to make an impact as he met a half-cleared corner with a brilliant volley from the edge of the area, which flew into the top-right corner.
Fernandes partnered Sandro Tonali, who quickly succeeded him as Spurs’ record signing when he joined from Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to £100m, in midfield throughout the first half.
Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke were also part of Spurs’ first-half team, though De Zerbi made 11 changes at the break and they were unable to add any further goals.
Speaking to the club’s website afterwards, Fernandes said: “After I scored, I got a similar ball again and thought, ‘I can’t do it again, because if I miss, they’ll think I was lucky!’
“It was great. It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile!
“I need to do this more and more, to shoot from outside the box. I know that I can do it. This just gives me confidence for the rest of the games.”
What a hit, Mateus Fernandes
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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 22, 2026
Despite West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, Fernandes impressed last term, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
He won more tackles (73) and duels (214) than any other West Ham player in 2025-26, while only Jarrod Bowen (53) created more chances than Fernandes’ 42.
Spurs will now embark on a tour of New Zealand and Australia, facing Auckland FC, Sydney FC and Chelsea before returning to London to face Getafe and Hoffenheim.
Their first Premier League game of the season is away to Brentford on August 22, with Newcastle United visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the following week.
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