PARIS — Pedro “Dro” Fernandez etched his name into football history after becoming the latest player of Filipino heritage to win the UEFA Champions League, helping Paris Saint-Germain capture back-to-back European titles following a dramatic victory over Arsenal in the final.
Fernandez, a newcomer to the French powerhouse, celebrated the biggest achievement of his club career as PSG prevailed over Arsenal in a tense championship match in Budapest on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines).
The final ended in a 1-1 deadlock after regulation and extra time before PSG emerged victorious, 4-3, in the penalty shootout to secure Europe’s most coveted club football trophy.
For Fernandez, the triumph carried added significance after his departure from Spanish giants FC Barcelona earlier in the season. The Filipino-Spanish midfielder said the title served as proof that his decision to leave the La Liga champions was the right one.
“When I left Barcelona they said you’ll never win a UCL. Here I am today with the UCL trophy, I hope they watching,” Fernandez said.
The UEFA Champions League crown places Fernandez among a select group of footballers with Filipino roots who have reached the summit of European club football.
Prior to Fernandez’s achievement, the most prominent player of Filipino heritage to win the competition was David Alaba, whose mother is Filipino.
Alaba captured three Champions League titles during his illustrious career, winning twice with Bayern Munich and once with Real Madrid.
Fernandez’s breakthrough further underscores the growing presence and success of players with Filipino ancestry on football’s grandest stages.
The championship also marked another milestone for PSG, which successfully defended its European crown after defeating Inter Milan in last year’s final.
For Fernandez, lifting the Champions League trophy not only represents a personal career-defining moment but also adds another chapter to the achievements of footballers with Filipino connections competing at the highest level of the sport./PN
