Meet Dro Fernandez: Barcelona’s Wonderkid Tipped as the Next Iniesta

Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández made a strong impression in just nine minutes in midfield, scoring his first goal for FC Barcelona and showing qualities that new head coach Hansi Flick is sure to admire.

Football fans are now eager to learn more about the young talent after he netted Barça’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe, the opening match of their 2025–26 pre-season tour of Asia.

Although he’s not yet a household name like some of Barça’s other rising stars, “Dro” was called up for the preseason after splitting his time between the Juvenil A and Juvenil B teams during the 2024–25 season. With a goal and a composed performance in midfield, he’s quickly starting to make a name for himself.

Fernandez Shines in Barca Debut

‘Dro’ made his much-anticipated first-team debut in the 79th minute of the pre-season clash, coming on to replace Marcus Rashford.

In his brief time on the pitch, the young talent showed flashes of the skill and confidence that have earned the trust of head coach Hansi Flick and the club’s youth staff.

If he continues to impress, there’s every chance he could begin pushing for a regular spot in the senior squad this season. A strong pre-season might even secure him a permanent place with the first team.

Who is the new La Masia star Dro Fernandez?

Dro Fernández, 17, comes from Nigrán, a town in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia. He first kicked a ball at the Val Miñor Nigrán School, where he began his football journey.

In the summer of 2022, he joined FC Barcelona, starting with the Cadete B team, where he quickly stood out. His talent earned him a place in Cadete A, and from there, he continued to rise through the ranks. With Juvenil A, he became one of La Masía’s brightest prospects—helping the team win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Youth League.

Dro is a technically gifted and versatile player. While his natural position is attacking midfielder, he can also play as a winger, an inside midfielder, or even a false 9.

His nickname “Dro” came from his sibling, who used it to avoid confusion since both he and his father are named Pedro. Dro has a multicultural background: his father is Galician, and his mother is Filipino.

Will ‘Dro’ Be in the Starting Lineup Next Season?

Dro Fernandez has shown that he might be ready to step up to the senior team, though his playing time could still be limited for now.

That said, he made a strong impression in the first pre-season match and is expected to get more opportunities to prove himself. If he continues on this path, he could become a key contributor to the squad this season.

Cover Credits - Barcelona