Introduction
Enzo Jeremías Fernández, Born on January 17, 2001, is a professional football player from Argentina. He plays midfield for both the Argentina national team and Chelsea in the Premier League. He began his career at River Plate's youth, made his debut in 2019, and went on to win the Copa and Recopa Sudamericana while playing on loan for Defensa y Justicia. After winning the Argentine Primera División in 2021, he returned to River Plate. In 2022, he signed with Benfica, then in January 2023, he went to Chelsea for a record-breaking sum. He was the star of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup winning team and the 2024 Copa América winner.
Club career
River Plate
Early career
Raúl and Marta welcomed Enzo Jeremías Fernández into the world in San Martín, Buenos Aires, where he was raised alongside four brothers: Gonza, Maxi, Rodri, and Seba. It's unclear exactly when he joined River Plate's academy, but he started playing football at an early age with Club La Recova (reported as 2005, 2006, or 2007). After rising through the ranks, on March 4, 2020, he entered a Copa Libertadores encounter against L.D.U. Quito and made his first-team debut under Marcelo Gallardo. He has already shown off his skills in the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores.
Loan to Defensa y Justicia
Although Enzo Jeremías Fernández used the tool occasionally, his management recommended that he go on loan to advance his career. He signed for Defensa y Justicia in August, and on September 18, under Hernán Crespo, he played in his first Copa Libertadores match, defeating Delfín 3-0. He wasn't a starter at initially, but after some strong performances, was added to the starting lineup. eventually won the 2020 Copa Sudamericana, his first professional title, with a start versus Lanús.
First-team breakthrough
At the request of manager Marcelo Gallardo, Fernández returned to River Plate following a fruitful loan stint. On July 15, 2021, he made his return in a 1-1 draw against Argentinos Juniors during a Copa Libertadores encounter. He was soon given a starting position and on August 14, in a 2-0 Primera División victory over Vélez Sarsfield, he scored his first goal for the team. On December 20, he extended his contract till 2025. With eight goals and six assists in 19 games during the 2022 season, he was regarded as Argentina's best active football player and attracted interest from numerous elite European clubs.
Benfica
In exchange for €10 million plus an additional €8 million, River Plate and Benfica agreed to transfer Fernández on June 23, 2022. Fernández will remain at River Plate until the end of their Copa Libertadores season. On July 14, Benfica announced the agreement following River Plate's Copa Libertadores exit, and they gave him the number 13 shirt that Eusébio had previously worn. On August 2, Fernández made his Champions League qualifying debut against Midtjylland, scoring a stunning half-volley. August, October, and November saw him win Primeira Liga's Midfielder of the Month award as he maintained his impressive form.
Chelsea
Following his 2022 World Cup victory, Enzo Fernández caught the attention of Chelsea and Liverpool in January 2023. In the end, Chelsea paid a British record £106.8 million to sign him. In December of the same year, he scored his first goals for Chelsea against Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his Premier League debut on February 3, 2023.
International career
Fernández competed for Argentina U18s in the COTIF Tournament in 2019. On September 24, 2022, he made his senior national team debut. He was subsequently chosen for the 2022 FIFA World Cup roster. After Messi, he became Argentina's second-youngest World Cup goal scorer when he scored his first goal for his country against Mexico. Argentina became victorious in the tournament, with Fernández being awarded the best young player, despite an own goal against Australia.
Controversy
A video purportedly captured Enzo Fernández and other Argentine players making derogatory comments against the nationality of French team players while on a team bus surfaced in July 2024. The French Football Federation (FFF) and French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra expressed their displeasure over the occurrence. The FFF intends to complain to FIFA about the offensive comments. Fernández's team, Chelsea FC, declared they would look into the event as well.