MANILA – A new chapter in Filipino football history was written as 17-year-old Pedro “Dro” Fernández became only the second player of Filipino descent to debut for FC Barcelona, following the legendary Paulino Alcántara more than a century ago. Fernández made his first La Liga appearance in Barça’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila) at the Camp Nou.
The Filipino-Spanish midfielder earned a surprise start under head coach Hansi Flick after injuries sidelined veterans Raphinha and Joan Garcia.
“I’m happy, very happy. This is incredible. When I was told that I would be starting as a starter I didn’t believe it at first but now I’m calmer and that means everything,” Fernández said.
In his 45-minute stint, Fernández didn’t score but impressed with 25 completed passes, steady ball control, and composure beyond his years. His effort contributed to Barcelona’s victory that pushed them atop the standings with 19 points on six wins and a draw.
Flick praised the teenager’s performance: “Dro is doing very well. He has the ability to control the ball well and has the capacity to do very well.”
Real Sociedad struck first in the 31st minute through Alvaro Odriozola off an Ander Barrenetxea assist, but Barça responded quickly as Jules Kounde equalized in the 43rd minute from a Marcus Rashford pass. The Catalan giants sealed the comeback in the 59th minute with Robert Lewandowski’s header off Lamine Yamal’s cross.
Fernández had earlier donned the Blaugrana colors in a preseason friendly last July, scoring in a 3-1 win over Japan’s Vissel Kobe. But his official La Liga debut cements his place in history, echoing Alcántara’s breakthrough 113 years ago.
Born in Galicia to a Galician father and a Filipino mother, Fernández now carries the dual legacy of Spain and the Philippines on one of the biggest stages in world football. With Barcelona eyeing back-to-back La Liga crowns, his debut has marked him as a rising talent to watch closely this season./PN
