Who is Dro Fernández 17-year-old? Barcelona’s La Masia Star Shines on Debut Against Vissel Kobe

FC Barcelona’s pre-season trip to Asia has already provided a highlight with the emergence of 17-year-old Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández after he scored just nine minutes after entering as a substitute in Barcelona’s 3–1 victory against Vissel Kobe. This was his first debut with the senior team, and he evidently made it count.

Although many fans may have been surprised to see an unfamiliar name on the scoresheet, followers of the youth system have known Dro would be one to watch for some time now.

Who is Dro Fernández? Meet Barcelona’s New Wonderkid

Dro Fernández was born in Nigrán, a town in Pontevedra, Galicia. He started playing soccer at Val Miñor Nigrán School and then moved to Barcelona in 2022.

He got better fast and became a star player for Cadete B. Later, he made a name for himself with Cadete A and Juvenil A. Dro played a key role in the team’s victories in LaLiga, Copa, and the UEFA Youth League, proving he’s one of La Masia’s best young talents.

His nickname, Dro, came from his family. His dad is also named Pedro, so his younger sibling created the nickname to tell them apart.

With his dad being Galician and his mom being Filipino, Dro Fernández brings a mix of cultures to Barcelona, a team known for developing international stars.

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In Barcelona’s first pre-season game against Vissel Kobe, Dro came on as a substitute for Marcus Rashford in the 79th minute. Just minutes after entering the field, he displayed great composure, control, and an eye for attack, scoring Barcelona’s third goal of the match.

His immediate impact highlights the confidence new coach Hansi Flick has in him, as Flick is well-known for developing young players.

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Why Hansi Flick Might Keep Him Around

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly impressed by the teenager’s technical ability and versatility. Dro can play as:

• A natural attacking midfielder
• A winger
• An inside midfielder
• Or even a false 9

His adaptability and sharp football IQ may earn him a more prominent role if he continues to impress throughout the 2025–26 pre-season.

“He may not start every game, but Dro is knocking on the first-team door,” noted an internal source close to the club.

Will Dro Be a First-Team Regular in 2025–26?

It’s hard to say for sure if Dro Fernández will start next season, but his first game definitely got people talking – fans, coaches, everyone.

Barcelona has a lot of good players in the middle, so it’s rare to see a teenager debut and score so quickly. If Dro keeps playing like this, he might get moved up to the main team sooner than people think.

FC Barcelona has a rich history of producing midfield greats, including Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Gavi and Pedri. Could Dro Fernández be the next in line?

He has already shown glimpses of genius and a desire for the big stage. If he follows the right development path, Barça could have their next star on their hands.