*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 September 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:10, 11 November 2023 (UTC)
On 31 August 2021, Joelson completed a move to Basel on a two-year-loan.[9] He joined Basel's first team during their 2021–22 season under head coach Patrick Rahmen. He played his domestic league debut for the club in the away game in the Cornaredo on 12 September as Basel played a 1–1 draw with Lugano.[10] However, on 2 September 2022, the loan was terminated early by mutual agreement.[11] During his loan period with the club, Joelson played a total of 28 games for Basel scoring a total of 2 goals. 18 of these games were in the Swiss Super League, 3 in the Swiss Cup, 2 in the UEFA Europa Conference League and 5 were friendly games. He scored both goals during the test games.[12]
On 11 July 2023, Joelson signed for Turkish club Hatayspor on a free transfer, with Sporting keeping 50% of the player's economic rights.[13]
International career
Through his double nationality, Joelson is eligible to play for both Portugal and Guinea-Bissau.[4]
Joelson Fernandes' family has very close ties to both football and Sporting Portugal: his father, Mango, was part of the Sporting youth setups, before becoming a footballing agent, and Joelson's younger brother Saná was also part of the Lions academy.[4] His older brother, Ricardo, and cousin Roger Fernandes are also professional footballers.