On January 17, 2001, Enzo was born into an ordinary family in San Martín, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. His father was a passionate football fan who named his son “Enzo” in honour of River Plate legend Enzo Francescoli.
From a young age, Enzo’s father sent him to play at the La Recova Football Club, marking the beginning of his football journey.
Early Years From San Martín to River Plate Academy
With the encouragement and influence of his family, Enzo quickly showed his natural football talent. In 2006, at just five years old, he was spotted by River Plate youth coach Pablo during a junior match.
After several conversations, Pablo successfully convinced Enzo’s parents to let him join River Plate’s youth academy. From that moment on, wearing the red-and-white striped shirt with the number 5, Enzo began chasing his dream.
However, his path to success was not smooth. During his years in the academy, Enzo went through ups and downs. The cost of training became a heavy burden for his family, but he never gave up.
River Plate Career and Breakthrough
On January 27, 2019, after 13 years of training, 18-year-old Enzo was finally promoted to River Plate’s first team. A year later, he made his senior debut and scored his first professional goal in the 2020 Copa Libertadores U20 tournament against Paraguay’s Libertad.
Early in his senior career, Enzo struggled to secure a regular spot due to fierce competition and limited experience.
To gain more playing time and develop further, he was loaned to Defensa y Justicia on August 22, 2020, for a year-long spell. This loan move became a significant turning point in his career.
The Growth Journey, Rising with Defensa y Justicia
During his loan spell, Enzo quickly became the heart of the midfield thanks to his precise passing, calm control, and relentless work rate. His outstanding performances helped the team win both the Copa Sudamericana and the Recopa Sudamericana.
When the loan ended, Enzo returned to River Plate more mature and confident, ready to make an impact.
In the 2021 season, Enzo played 24 matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Alongside Pérez and others, he formed a solid midfield partnership that guided River Plate to the Argentine Primera División title and the Champions Trophy. His performances caught the attention of Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni.
From Benfica to World Cup Glory
In November 2021, at just 20 years old, Enzo received his first call-up to the Argentina national team. Although he didn’t make an appearance, his inclusion was an explicit acknowledgement of his growing potential.
On July 15, 2022, Portuguese giants Benfica officially announced the signing of Enzo Fernández from River Plate for €10 million plus €8 million in add-ons.
At Benfica, Enzo adapted almost instantly. His tactical awareness, composure, and playmaking ability made him a key player in both the Portuguese league and the UEFA Champions League. His consistency and clutch performances quickly made him one of Benfica’s brightest stars.
On November 11, 2022, Enzo was named in Argentina’s squad for the Qatar World Cup. Despite being new to the world stage, he displayed remarkable maturity and confidence beyond his age.
On Top of the World, The Glory of Qatar
In Argentina’s second group-stage match against Mexico, Enzo scored a stunning curling goal from outside the box, his first-ever World Cup goal helping Argentina secure a 2–0 victory.
In the World Cup final, Enzo delivered a phenomenal performance, completing 10 tackles and winning 11 ground duels. Argentina ultimately triumphed to claim the World Cup title, and Enzo was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, a reward for years of dedication and hard work.
The Future Belongs to Enzo
From the streets of San Martín to lifting the World Cup, from a struggling academy player to a star in European football, Enzo Fernández has written his own remarkable story through persistence and determination.
Today, he is emerging as one of Argentina’s most essential midfield talents. One day, could Enzo follow in Messi’s footsteps and wear the iconic number 10 shirt for Argentina?
No one can say for sure, but what’s certain is that Enzo’s story has only just begun.
