Kenny Ximenes

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Kenny Ximenes

| image =

| image_size =

| caption =

| fullname = Kenny Mercelino Ximenes

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2005|4|4|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Dili, East Timor

| height = 1.84 m

| currentclub = Annagh United
(on loan from Dungannon Swifts)

| clubnumber = 15

| position = Forward

| youthyears1 = 2013–2023

| youthclubs1 = Dungannon Swifts

| years1 = 2023–

| clubs1 = Dungannon Swifts

| caps1 = 1

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2024–

| clubs2 = → Annagh United (loan)

| caps2 = 12

| goals2 = 1

| nationalyears1 = 2024–

| nationalteam1 = Timor-Leste

| nationalcaps1 = 3

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| club-update = 16 November 2024

| ntupdate = 17 December 2024

}}

Kenny Mercelino Ximenes (born 4 April 2005) is a Timorese footballer currently playing for Annagh United on loan from NIFL Premiership club Dungannon Swifts and the Timor-Leste national team.{{cite web |title=Soccerway profile |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/kenny-ximenes/905736/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=25 September 2023}}

Club career

= Dungannon Swifts =

Ximenes was born in Timor-Leste and moved to Dungannon, Northern Ireland at age eight. He began his career with local club Dungannon Swifts. He went on to have trials at Rangers, Birmingham City, and Derby County.{{cite web |title=Club NI residential Programme |url=https://ourweecountry2020.createaforum.com/the-future/club-ni-residential-programme/ |publisher=Sunday Life |access-date=25 September 2023}} Ximenes played for Dungannon's reserve squad in the Development League and by 2022 was expected to make the jump to the first team soon.{{cite web |last1=McCann |first1=Lauren |title=Young guns fire Dungannon Swifts II to victory over Larne Olympic |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/young-guns-fire-dungannon-swifts-25631054 |publisher=Belfast Live |access-date=25 September 2023}} Also in 2022, he led Dungannon U18 to its first-ever Harry Cavan Cup title with a win over Glenavon. Ximenes scored in the match and was named MVP following the victory.{{cite web |last1=Fullerton |first1=Gareth |title=Dungannon Swifts win Harry Cavan Youth Cup for first time |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/dungannon-swifts-win-harry-cavan-23874948 |publisher=Belfast Live |access-date=25 September 2023}}{{cite web |title=Dungannon secure Harry Cavan Youth Cup for first time |url=https://www.tyronecourier.co.uk/football/2022/05/05/news/dungannon-secure-harry-cavan-youth-cup-for-first-time-24604/ |publisher=Tyrone Courier |access-date=25 September 2023}}

In 2023, Ximenes signed his first professional contract with Dungannon Swifts. He was also a member of the Integrated College Dungannon football club that went on to win Danske Bank Schools’ Cup that year while attending the school as part of the NIFL Scholarship Programme.{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Stanley |title=Integrated College Dungannon celebrates excellent A and AS-level exam results |url=https://www.northernirelandworld.com/education/pictures-integrated-college-dungannon-celebrates-excellent-a-and-as-level-exam-results-4260507 |publisher=Northern Ireland World |access-date=25 September 2023}} Ximenes went on to make his senior debut for the club on 29 April 2023 in a 2–1 victory over Newry City.

== Annagh United (loan) ==

In June 2024, Dungannon announced that Ximenes would spend the 2024–25 season on loan at NIFL Championship side Annagh United.{{cite web |last1=Morton |first1=Johnny |title=Dungannon Swifts announce arrival of former Newry City star and Northern Ireland youth international John McGovern |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/northern-ireland/dungannon-swifts-announce-arrival-of-former-newry-city-star-and-northern-ireland-youth-international-john-mcgovern-4663220 |publisher=Belfast News Letter |access-date=23 September 2024}} He scored the game-winning goal against Bangor on 17 August 2024 for his first goal with the club.{{cite web |last1=Watson |first1=Neil |title=Contentious late strike leaves Seasiders empty-handed |url=https://countydownspectator.co.uk/contentious-late-strike-leaves-seasiders-empty-handed/ |publisher=County Down Spectator |access-date=23 September 2024}}

International career

In 2019, Ximenes was part of the Northern Ireland under-16 squad setup,{{cite web |title=Jim Magilton bids farewell by making presentations to Irish FA Academy players |url=https://www.irishfa.com/news/2020/december/four-elite-young-footballers-receive-awards-for-dedication-on-and-off-pitch |publisher=Irish Football Association |access-date=25 September 2023}} including for the annual Victory Shield.{{cite web |title=Gerard Lyttle’s boys to face Wales, Scotland and Republic of Ireland next week |url=https://www.irishfa.com/news/2019/october/northern-ireland-u16-schoolboys-squad-named-ahead-of-victory-shield-defence |publisher=Irish Football Association |access-date=25 September 2023}}

In December 2024, Ximenes received his first call-up to the Timor-Leste national team replacing the injured Mouzinho. He made his debut on 8 December against Thailand at the 2024 ASEAN Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122127221378477639&set=a.122111101280477639|title=TIMOR-LESTE NATIONAL TEAM'S SQUAD FOR ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024|date=6 December 2024|website=Facebook|publisher=Lafaek Football Supporter}}