Aender Naves Mesquita

Aender Naves Mesquita (commonly known as Aender, ; born 12 February 1983) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in Brazil, he acquired his HKSAR passport in May 2019.

Club career

Shum Shui Po On 28 October 2011, Aender joined Hong Kong First Division League club Sham Shui Po. Although unable to save the team from relegation, he was voted as Most Favorite Player by fans at the Hong Kong Top Footballer Awards.

Tai Po Following the relegation of Sham Shui Po, Aender joined fellow First Division club Wofoo Tai Po, signing a 1-year contract.

On 4 May 2013, he scored in the 90th minute against Yokohama FC Hong Kong, changing the scoreboard into 2–1 for Wofoo Tai Po. As Citizen and Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei have won their match respectively, a win was critical for Wofoo Tai Po as 3 points could avoid relegation. However, in the last minute of stoppage time, Yokohama FC Hong Kong's Kenji Fukuda scored and thus sent Wofoo Tai Po into the Second Division.

Aender confirmed his departure following the relegation of Tai Po.

South China On 31 May 2013, Aender joined First Division defending champions South China for free. He struggled to earn a starting spot in the first half of the season. In December 2013 he was loaned to Biu Chun Rangers for the remainder of the season.

Kedah In April 2014, Naves joined Malaysian outfit Kedah.

1st return to Tai Po In September 2014, Aender returned to Hong Kong Premier League club Tai Po.

2nd return to Tai Po At the start of the 2021–22 season, Aender returned to Tai Po after a stint around Hong Kong.

Tai Po announced the departure of Aender by mutual termination on 7 December 2022.

Central & Western On 9 December 2022, Central & Western announced the joining of Aender.

International career On 10 May 2019, Aender officially announced that he had received a Hong Kong passport after giving up his Brazilian passport, making him eligible to represent Hong Kong internationally.

Career statistics Club As of 31 May 2013. Following table only shows statistics in Hong Kong.

Remarks: 1 Others include 2013 Hong Kong AFC Cup playoffs.

Honours Club Tai Po Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield (1): 2012–13