The name game
Enzo’s forename came about in tribute to former River Plate legend Enzo Francescoli.
His family were huge admirers of the Uruguay international with Enzo’s father subsequently naming his son in homage to the three-time Copa America winner who starred at both the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
Work ethic
Work and sacrifice were ingrained into Fernández’s make-up from an early age.
His father Raul was a painter and mother Martha was a cleaner, with Enzo having to work menial jobs along with his elder siblings from a young age in order to help the family make ends meet.
At one point in his life, Fernández even contemplated curtailing his football career in order to help his family financially, but his parents insisted that he continue.
River of plenty
Alongside the illustrious likes of Julian Alvarez and Gonzalo Montiel to name just a few, Fernández was a graduate of Argentinian powerhouses River Plate’s academy having first joined the famous Buenos Aires side as a young boy.
All told, he would go on to make 51 appearances for the first team, returning an impressive 12 goals from a deep midfield position.
Loan ranger
Enzo’s fledgling career in his home country would be transformed by a hugely successful loan with Defensa y Justicia across 2020 and 2021.
During his time with the Buenos Aires-based side he helped Defensa to win both the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana and his exploits helped bring his name to wider recognition.
WORLD IN ACTION
Fernández emerged as one of the key pillars of the Argentine national side that stormed to World Cup glory at the 2022 finals held in Qatar.
Enzo figured in all seven matches played by Lionel Scaloni’s side at the showpiece tournament where Argentina were crowned world champions for a third time.
His World Cup impact and contribution was perhaps best encapsulated by Fernández being named the tournament’s Best Young Player.
What’s more, he became the first Argentine – and only second South American - to win the coveted award.
Two years later his impact was no less impressive as Argentina then went on to retain their Copa America crown.
Trophy machine
Such has been Fernández’s impact and contribution; he has gone on to win major trophies with every side he has represented so far in his career.
Be it Defensa y Justicia and River Plate in Argentina and then Benfica and Chelsea in Europe – as well as with Argentina on the international stage – Fernandez has become a byword for success and silverware.
To date his haul reads: Defensa y Justicia: (Copa Sudamericana, Recopa Sudamericana); River Plate: (Argentine Primera División, Trofeo de Campeones), Benfica: (Primeira League); Chelsea (FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Conference League); Argentina (FIFA World Cup, Copa America).
Tunes of glory
Thanks to his pinpoint passing ability, supreme vision and all-round rhythm in midfield, Fernández has been christened by both fans and media in his homeland as ‘El Musico’ – The Musician.
Flexible friend
Although principally a creative central midfielder, such is Fernández’s adaptability, he is also adept being deployed either as a defensive midfielder, a more deep-lying playmaker or as a more attack-based operator.
Plucky 13
Upon his move to Benfica from River Plate in the summer of 2022, Fernández adopted the lauded number 13 shirt that had previously been worn by Portuguese legend Eusebio.
His impact in Lisbon was instant and striking despite only spending half a season at the Estadio da Luz due to his January 2023 move to Chelsea.
Registering four goals from 29 appearances, Fernandez’s efforts helped Benfica to ultimately claim what would be a record 38th Portuguese Primeira League title.
Messi praise
Fernández’s ability and talent has also drawn fulsome praise from no less a figure than his former Argentine teammate Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from the international arena earlier this week.
“I’m not surprised by Enzo. I know him and have seen him train every day,” the iconic eight-time Ballon d’Or winner declared.
“He deserves [the acclaim] because he’s a spectacular player. He’s so good on the ball and so secure in possession.”
