ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters sign midfield Matías Hernández from Gowang Kerala

Kerala Blasters have signed Spanish midfielder Matías Hernández from Gokulam Kerala FC ahead of the 2025-26 season, the club announced on Tuesday.

He becomes the third foreign recruit for the Blasters, with Marlon Roos Trujillo and Kevin Yoke joining the club in the past week.

Hernandez, a right-footed defensive midfielder, replaces Dusan Lagator, who mutually parted ways with the club amid uncertainty surrounding the competition.

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With a 186cm frame, Hernandez is expected to provide an aerial advantage, along with his presence as an additional centre-back when the Blasters are out of possession.

«Matías is a player who brings clarity and discipline to the center of the pitch. His profile adds strength to our midfield and gives us more options in the way we manage different phases of the game,» said Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters.

Born in Salamanca, Spain, Hernández spent most of his career in Spain’s lower divisions and moved to India before joining the second team of Malaysian Super League side Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Football Club, based in Brunei Darussalam.

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He rose to become the team’s hero during the Brunei FA Cup, scoring the winner in the final against Indera Sports Club.

Hernandez then moved to India, signing for I-League side Gokulam in September last year and starting both matches for the Malabarians in the IFA Shield, which they lost 1-5 and 0-1 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant and United SC respectively.

However, as there was no certainty about the start date of the I-League, the Spaniard opted to move to the ISL, which starts on February 14 when the Blasters are expected to take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Calcutta.

Published on January 27, 2026