Barcelona fans got a glimpse of the future when 17-year-old Toni Fernández made headlines after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Daegu FC. The teenage forward came on as a substitute and left an instant impact, netting his first senior goal for the club. But who is this 17-year-old prodigy capturing the attention of football fans? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Toni Fernández?
Toni Fernández is a versatile and highly promising footballer hailing from Badalona, Spain. Born on July 18, 2008, the young star can play as both a winger and a center forward, showcasing remarkable speed, mobility, and technical skill. His flair on the ball and ability to adapt to multiple attacking roles have drawn comparisons to some of Barcelona’s greatest academy products. At just 15, Fernández was already featuring for Barcelona’s U19B team, where he scored nine goals in 25 matches during the 2023/24 season, matching the tally of his cousin, Guille Fernández.
Fernández’s meteoric rise continued as he made his debut for Barça Atlètic in the 2024/25 season, becoming one of the youngest players to score for the reserve team. His standout moment came on January 4, 2025, when he made his official first-team debut in a Copa del Rey match against Barbastro at the tender age of 16 years, 5 months, and 17 days. This achievement made him the second-youngest debutant for Barcelona in the 21st century, surpassed only by Lamine Yamal.
Toni Fernández’s Journey with Barcelona
Fernández’s journey with FC Barcelona began in the club’s famed La Masia academy, a breeding ground for world-class talent. His early performances for the youth teams showcased his potential, earning him a call-up to the first team’s pre-season squad under manager Hansi Flick. During the 2025 Asia Tour, Fernández has been given opportunities to shine alongside other young stars and established players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
His versatility allows him to thrive in various attacking roles, making him a valuable asset for Flick’s tactical setups. Fernández’s quick feet, vision, and goal-scoring instinct have made him a standout in training and friendly matches, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
