Barcelona's Rising Star Dro Fernandez: The Next Big Thing You Need to Know
Barcelona might have produced yet another rising star.
Hansi Flick's traveling squad across Asia features numerous young talents and La Masia prospects, as summer traditionally serves as the period when the club's renowned academy players step into the senior spotlight.
You may recall a 16-year-old Lamine Yamal displaying his exceptional abilities against Tottenham Hotspur in the Joan Gamper Trophy two years back, with the extraordinarily gifted youngster dismantling Sergio Reguilón during a short appearance that helped Barça shift momentum in their favor.
Similar late-game heroics weren't required from 17-year-old Pedro "Dro" Fernández this past weekend, as Flick's team held a 2–1 advantage when he joined the action against Vissel Kobe. However, the academy prospect made his mark by securing a third goal for the Blaugrana in the final moments with a skillfully executed half-volley from outside the penalty area.
Barça's talent for developing superstars ensures global attention when youthful scorers emerge during July and August, with Fernández possibly becoming the next academy product to succeed at the highest level, exciting those in Catalonia.
Here's what you should know about this 17-year-old talent.
A Creative Midfielder With Dazzling Feet
Fernández hails from the small village of Nigran in Galicia province, located on Spain's opposite coast from Barcelona.
He transferred to the club from lesser-known Val Miñor Nigrán in 2022, beginning with the U15 squad. He adapted quickly to La Masia's development system, netting ten goals during his inaugural season and attracting national recognition.
Though Fernández has Filipino heritage through his mother's side, he's represented Spain at youth levels, including the U17 team. He's demonstrated versatility as an attacking player with exceptional footwork. The right-footed 17-year-old possesses the necessary ball control and technical skills to operate effectively in central areas, though he's also been deployed wide with instructions to cut inside.
Fernández's dribbling represents his primary strength currently, but the youngster also poses a scoring threat from range and serves as an effective creator when working in and around the opposition's penalty area. His ball manipulation skills and ability to create space allow him to deliver key passes, and he's demonstrated at youth level his capacity to thread balls through narrow gaps.
His optimal position at senior level remains to be determined.
Rapid Rise
Fernández has quickly emerged on everyone's radar. He lacked a Wikipedia entry when making his senior debut in Japan, while Transfermarkt records only seven appearances for the teenager.
Naturally, there are observers monitoring La Masia developments, but most people, including devoted Barcelona fans, witnessed Fernández in action for the first time on Sunday.
The club's academy excels at developing first-team ready players, meaning some prospects can fly under the radar. Dro represents one of three teenage Fernández players on Barcelona's preseason tour, with high expectations also surrounding Guille and Toni. 18-year-old Jofre Torrents could potentially emerge as Alejandro Balde's understudy in 2025–26.
Dro had impressed during senior training sessions early in the summer, with growing momentum around the talented young creator before Flick selected him for the Far East tour.
Should he earn playing time for the La Liga champions next season, his progression would be remarkably rapid.
Among Hansi Flick's "Chosen Ones"
Gerard Romero (via Tribuna) reported in July that Fernández had left players and coaching staff "amazed" with his preseason training displays.
His rapid development has reportedly established him as one of the manager's "favorites" alongside Torrents and 19-year-old Jan Virgili—La Masia products who might contribute to the first team next season. However, reports suggest Mallorca are interested in Virgili.
Flick utilized 23 players during Sunday's 3–1 victory over Vissel Kobe, with Dro entering for the final 15 minutes on the left wing after substituting loan signing Marcus Rashford. The teenager didn't have extensive time to make an impact, but needed only a few moments to leave his mark. Before scoring his maiden Barcelona goal, Fernández displayed the creative possession play and lightning-quick dribbling that has generated excitement throughout Catalonia.
Flick appears particularly impressed, celebrating enthusiastically like a proud mentor when Barça's third goal came via the 17-year-old's right foot.