How did the Filipino prodigy debut for PSG?

The Filipino talent, Dro Fernandez, made an impressive debut in the French derby between PSG and Marseille.

In the early hours of February 9, PSG demonstrated their strength by crushing Marseille 5-0 in the 21st round of Ligue 1. Besides the emphatic victory in Le Classique, fans at Parc des Princes witnessed a highly anticipated moment: the debut of newcomer Dro Fernandez.

Before kickoff, PSG made a special impression by officially introducing Fernandez to the home crowd. The young midfielder appeared amid warm applause, highlighting the high expectations the capital club has for him. However, it wasn’t until the 75th minute, when the match outcome was settled, Coach Luis Enrique gave Fernandez his chance.

Though he had limited time on the pitch, it was enough for Dro Fernandez to showcase his talent. Entering during the French derby, the 2008-born player immediately made an impact. According to statistics, Fernandez achieved a perfect passing accuracy of 11/11, won all 4 of his duels, succeeded in 100% of his dribbles, and executed his only long pass with precision.

Notably, during his time on the field, he earned the most free kicks (3 times), indicating his proactive ball control, ability to maneuver in tight spaces, and remarkable resilience under pressure from opponents.

It’s no surprise that SofaScore rated Fernandez 7 points, higher than 5 PSG starters and even surpassing the entire Marseille lineup. For a substitute player, this is a very notable measure, especially in such a high-profile French football match.

Dro Fernandez’s full name is Pedro Fernandez Sarmiento, born on January 12, 2008, in Nigran, Spain. He is the son of a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, making him eligible to represent either Spain or the Philippines in the future. At the academy level, Fernandez was considered one of the brightest prospects from La Masia since Lamine Yamal, so it’s understandable that Barcelona was reportedly shocked and disappointed by the young player’s decision to leave.

PSG took advantage of this opportunity to finalize the transfer for a fee of around 8 million euros – a figure considered “reasonable” given Fernandez’s potential. His debut against Marseille further reinforced the view that Luis Enrique is willing to give “Dro” chances to gain experience at the top level.

Of course, a brief cameo cannot predict the future. But the way Fernandez entered the game and handled the ball instantly demonstrated his potential. The year 2026 could very well mark an important milestone when Dro Fernandez begins to secure a clearer role in PSG’s long-term plans at Parc des Princes.