Roberto Fernández (born July 29, 1956 in Asunción) is a former football goalkeeper from Paraguay. He was capped 78 times for Paraguay in a national career which lasted from 1976 to 1989. He was a member of the Paraguayan team that won the 1979 Copa América. He earned the nickname "Gato" (Cat) for his outstanding stretching saves.

During the 1986 World Cup at Mexico, Roberto Fernandez started for Paraguay in all four games, stopping a penalty kick from Mexican Hugo Sanchez to hold the host team to a 1-1 draw.

He began his career, debuting professionally, at the age of 17 for Club River Plage of Paraguay. Some of his clubs include Cerro Porteño, Deportivo Cali,RCD Espanyol Internacional and Palmeiras.

During the late seventies to the mid to late 80's, his only challenger in goal for the Paraguayan national team was Ever Hugo Almeida. Finally, in the late 80's, he became the back-up to Jose Luis Chilavert.

He played his final professional game in 1997 (Cerro Porteño vs. Sportivo Luqueño) at the age of 43, making him the oldest goalkeeper to play professionally in Paraguayan football history.

After retiring, he has dedicated himself to working as a board of director at his original club (River Plate of Paraguay), and representing other footballers. His son, Roberto "Gatito" Fernandez is a professional goalkeeper, currently in the registry of Club Cerro Porteño of Paraguay.

References

External links

• International statistics at rsssf