Alvin Fortes, better known as Fortes, was today officially announced as the Red Giants' latest third import player to face the Malaysian League for the 2024/2025 season.

Fortes' talent was discovered by an individual who helped him join the Nike Football: The Change programme in 2013. Out of 250 players competing, only two lucky winners will get to play in England under the brand's sponsorship. Patrick Kluivert, the legendary Dutch footballer, who was also the panel of the programme, has chosen Fortes as one of the two winners of the program. According to Fortes, his football career started to grow after spending five months in England with the academy.

Fortes has been to many different countries to develop his football career, including Finland, Turkey, Greece, and the Czech Republic. At the age of 20, Fortes made his professional debut in the Netherlands, his birth country with RKC Waalwijk, against FC Den Bosch in the Eerste Divisie.

He spent two seasons with FC Dila Gori in Georgia, playing in 2018 and 2019. This winger seized the opportunity to aid the club by scoring 16 goals and 11 assists in 51 games, making it his highest achievement in his football career.

In 2021, Fortes sharpened his skills in Uzbekistan by competing in the O'zbekiston Superligasi, the Uzbekistan Cup, and the AFC Champions League (ACL) with FC AGMK. The winger expanded his personal record by playing 25 games and scored four goals throughout the season.

Amazing at speed and dribbles, this player has played in the Thai league for two seasons with Nongbua FC and Ratchaburi FC in 2022 to 2023. Fortes has made 38 appearances, 13 with Nongbua FC and 22 with Ratchaburi FC and scoring 11 goals.

Malaysia became the 10th country in his football journey. Fortes feels that Selangor FC is the best club for him to continue his professional career.

"I am aware of the Selangor FC's existence and often watch their growth. For me, this is a big club with great training facilities, and they performed well in the league last season. So, I believe this is the best club for me to continue my football career," delighted Fortes.

According to Selangor FC Head Coach, Tan Cheng Hoe, Fortes will help on the left and right wing of the team.

"Last season, the squad lacked a pure winger who could contribute to our offensive strength. Having Fortes will allow us to deal with difficulties on either the left or right side, particularly while competing on the Asian stage later. With his experience in the Thai league, I hope Fortes will not take a long time to adapt to playing here," hopes Tan Cheng Hoe.

Before the end of the interview, Fortes stated, "I can't wait to meet the Red Giants fans and get started. See you soon.”

Selangor FC expects that Alvin Fortes would be able to strengthen the Red Giants attacking lineup for the 2024/2025 Malaysian League season and the 2024 ACL 2 competition. Welcome, Fortes!

Alvin Fortes is the third latest player to be introduced to the main squad after Selangor FC introduced defender, Umarbek Eshmurodov and new striker, Ronnie Fernández yesterday.

Follow Selangor FC on all our social media to get the latest info on the team's preparations for the 2024/2025 season.

Demi Kebanggaan!