In the heart of La Liga’s intense battles, FC Barcelona continues to unearth gems from its legendary La Masia academy. On September 28, 2025, the Catalan giants welcomed another teenage sensation to the senior fold: Pedro “Dro” Fernández. At just 17 years old, the young midfielder made his official first-team debut against Real Sociedad, stepping onto the pitch alongside stars like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. But who exactly is this teenage sensation, and what makes him Barcelona’s next big thing? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Is Dro Fernández?
Dro Fernández was born on January 12, 2008, in the coastal village of Nigrán in Pontevedra, Galicia—a region in northwest Spain known for its rugged landscapes and passionate football culture. At just 17 years old, standing 178 cm tall and weighing 68 kg, Dro is a right-footed attacking midfielder (CAM) whose jersey number 38 hints at his rising status in the Barcelona setup.
His family background adds an intriguing layer to his journey. Dro holds dual citizenship in Spain and the Philippines, thanks to his Spanish father from Galicia and his mother of Filipino descent. This mixed heritage has sparked excitement among Filipino football fans, who see echoes of legendary Barcelona icon Paulino Alcántara—the half-Filipino, half-Spanish striker who scored 395 goals for the club over a century ago. As one outlet put it, Dro could be the “next Paulino Alcántara,” bridging cultures through his talent on the pitch.
The La Masia Journey
La Masia isn’t just a training ground; it’s a philosophy. Dro immersed himself in its rigorous system, spending the 2024-25 season primarily with Barcelona’s under-18 squad. He hasn’t yet debuted for Barça Atlètic (the reserve team) as of his promotion, but his rapid ascent speaks volumes. In July 2025, he joined the senior squad for preseason training under Hansi Flick, where he reportedly left teammates and staff “speechless” with his sessions.
Flick, Barcelona’s German tactician known for blending youth with experience, saw something special. “I really liked the debuts of Jofre Torrents and Dro, as well as the others,” Flick said after preseason, praising the teenager’s composure. Dro’s path mirrors that of other La Masia breakthroughs: train hard, impress in friendlies, and earn your spot. With injuries sidelining key midfielders ahead of the Real Sociedad clash, Flick’s trust in the 17-year-old paid off—thrusting him into the starting XI for his La Liga bow.
