Latest news with #Fernandez
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Chelsea's Maresca praises Fernandez before Benfica Club World Cup clash
CHELSEA manager Enzo Maresca has praised midfielder Enzo Fernandez ahead of their Club World Cup last-16 clash against Benfica, the Argentinian's former club. Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, Maresca highlighted Fernandez's professionalism and growing influence in the team. 'I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch,' Maresca said. Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107 million, has been instrumental this season. The 24-year-old contributed to 14 goals in 2025, including a crucial strike in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup group stage. 'This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists,' Maresca added. Chelsea face Benfica on Saturday, a team they have beaten in all three previous competitive meetings. However, Maresca remains cautious after Benfica's impressive victory over Bayern Munich in the group stage. 'I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe,' Maresca said. 'In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do.' A win would send Chelsea to Philadelphia for a quarter-final on July 4.
France 24
5 hours ago
- Sport
- France 24
Chelsea boss Maresca hails Fernandez ahead of Benfica Club World Cup clash
"I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch," Maresca told reporters in Charlotte. That is where the sides will face off on Saturday in the last 16 of FIFA's expanded competition. Fernandez was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League, and also featured in their run to the UEFA Conference League title. At the Club World Cup he came off the bench at half-time to score the second goal in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their opening game. The 24-year-old has started both matches since, and laid on two goals in the 3-0 victory against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia which clinched Chelsea's place in the last 16. Fernandez was signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a British transfer record fee at the time of £107 million ($147 million). In 2025 he has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals. "This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists," Maresca added. "This is what I want from attacking players -- I have said many times that I prefer to have attacking players with 10-12 goals each than just one striker with 40 goals. "His contribution has been top and I am sure it will be even better next season." Chelsea have won all three previous competitive meetings with Benfica, the last coming in the Europa League final in 2013. But Maresca is wary of the Portuguese side after they beat Bayern Munich to top their group at the competition. "I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe," said the coach. "In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do. Every game is tough and complicated, and anything can happen."
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Will Enzo Fernandez be punished for racism row? Latest update on Chelsea star's inflammatory song about Kylian Mbappe
ENZ GAME Will Enzo Fernandez be punished for racism row? Latest update on Chelsea star's inflammatory song about Kylian Mbappe ENZO FERNANDEZ takes on his old club Benfica tonight at the heart of the Chelsea revolution under boss Enzo Maresca. The Portuguese giants made a staggering £96million PROFIT when they sold the Argentinian midfielder to the Blues in 2023 — just six months after buying him for £10m. Advertisement 2 Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez will take on former side Benfica at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty 2 It comes nearly a year on from his racism storm with Argentina Even so, the fixture reopens old wounds over his departure — and a most unsavoury incident which took place a year ago next month. Benfica were angry at the way they claimed Chelsea unsettled their player and then ducked and dived during negotiations. But that's business. What is not 'business' is the cloud of racism hanging over the Blues' vice-captain that is not yet fully cleared. Fans back in England have seen plenty of great football from Fernandez this past 12 months. Advertisement WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN But nothing has been heard from the authorities charged with investigating the moment of madness that has followed the player around since he went viral for all the wrong reasons. Fernandez, 24, was filmed heartily joining in with dreadful songs alongside his Argentina team-mates questioning the heritage of black French players. The midfielder had just won Copa America for his country, only to let himself down massively when he should have been in a celebratory mood. Advertisement With a large contingent of black French players in Chelsea's squad — Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi — the reaction was understandably incendiary. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Instagram post also carried a transphobic jibe at French superstar Kylian Mbappe and a reported relationship with transgender model Ines Rau. Fernandez apologised profusely. Fofana and those affected by the bombshell video say they have accepted it and have moved on. Advertisement Chelsea vs Tottenham fan battle - 'Kane's better than Drogba at EVERYTHING' | Stoppage Time There certainly does not appear to be any disharmony over it within the Chelsea camp. For that, those players in the dressing room who were so hurt by the rash actions of a team-mate deserve unreserved respect and admiration. News of a 'probe' being launched was posted on social media not long after Argentina had beaten Colombia 1-0 in the final yet there is still no conclusion. Fifa says it is the responsibility of South America's governing body Conmebol and SunSport has contacted them for an update — but is yet to receive a reply. Advertisement Fernandez made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity as well as saying sorry to his team-mates, say Chelsea. And the club also claimed they would use the episode as an opportunity to 're-educate' their player. At the last time of asking there was no clear detail available of what that actually entails. The club wants to keep it in-house. And, in a remarkable show of defiance, new head coach Maresca backed his man by making him captain for the opening Premier League game of last season against Manchester City. Advertisement Fernandez appears to have put the whole thing behind him and is now a key figure in a team that is back in the Champions League. But the silence around the investigation into a moment of madness that went worldwide within hours — and damaged the reputation of a fine player and an upstanding football club — is deafening.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Will Enzo Fernandez be punished for racism row? Latest update on Chelsea star's inflammatory song about Kylian Mbappe
ENZO FERNANDEZ takes on his old club Benfica tonight at the heart of the Chelsea revolution under boss Enzo Maresca. The Portuguese giants made a staggering £96million PROFIT when they sold the Argentinian midfielder to the Blues in 2023 — just six months after buying him for £10m. 2 Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez will take on former side Benfica at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty 2 It comes nearly a year on from his racism storm with Argentina Even so, the fixture reopens old wounds over his departure — and a most unsavoury incident which took place a year ago next month. Benfica were angry at the way they claimed What is not 'business' is the cloud of racism hanging over the Blues' vice-captain that is not yet fully cleared. Fans back in England have seen plenty of great football from Fernandez this past 12 months. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But Fernandez, 24, was filmed heartily joining in with dreadful songs alongside his Argentina team-mates The midfielder had just won Copa America for his country, only to let himself down massively when he should have been in a celebratory mood. Most read in Football With a large contingent of black French players in Chelsea's squad — Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi — the reaction was understandably incendiary. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Instagram post also carried a transphobic jibe at French superstar Kylian Mbappe and a reported relationship with transgender model Ines Rau. Chelsea vs Tottenham fan battle - 'Kane's better than Drogba at EVERYTHING' | Stoppage Time Club World Cup 2025 Guide SOME of the world's biggest clubs are in action at this summer's Club World Cup in the United States! Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13. The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane are showcasing their skills to packed crowds across the US. INFO Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup LATEST NEWS & FEATURES Club World Cup top scorers There certainly does not appear to be any disharmony over it within the Chelsea camp. For that, those players in the dressing room who were so hurt by the rash actions of a team-mate deserve unreserved respect and admiration. News of a 'probe' being launched was posted on social media not long after Argentina had beaten Colombia 1-0 in the final yet there is still no conclusion. Fifa says it is the responsibility of South America's governing body Conmebol and SunSport has contacted them for an update — but is yet to receive a reply. Fernandez made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity as well as saying sorry to his team-mates, say Chelsea. And the club also claimed they would use the episode as an opportunity to 're-educate' their player. At the last time of asking there was no clear detail available of what that actually entails. The club wants to keep it in-house. And, in a remarkable show of defiance, new head coach Maresca backed his man by making him captain for the opening Premier League game of last season against Manchester City. Fernandez appears to have put the whole thing behind him and is now a key figure in a team that is back in the Champions League. But the silence around the investigation into a moment of madness that went worldwide within hours — and damaged the reputation of a fine player and an upstanding football club — is deafening.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Chelsea's Fernandez flying ahead of Benfica reunion at Club World Cup
The 24-year-old set up two goals in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia which sent his team through to the last 16 and a date with the Portuguese giants in Charlotte this weekend. With England international Cole Palmer struggling for form, Fernandez has been Chelsea's key creative influence over the past few months. The Argentina star helped the Londoners qualify for the Champions League by claiming fourth place in the Premier League, as well as winning the Conference League in May. After Real Betis took the lead in the final, Fernandez inspired Chelsea's comeback by netting their first goal in an eventual 4-1 triumph in Poland. In 2025, Fernandez has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals, with Pedro Neto the next highest producer at Enzo Maresca's Chelsea with nine, and Palmer lagging behind with eight, along with youngster Tyrique George. As well as impressing against Esperance, Fernandez scored in Chelsea's 2-0 opening win in Atlanta against Los Angeles FC. "My goal against LAFC was my eighth of the season. That is a good number, it's good in one season and I am thankful to God for this. But for me, this is still just the beginning," Fernandez told Chelsea's website. "I'm always going to want more, I always want to do better. If I can do that, I will be helping the team. This is always on my mind. "It's why I work hard and try to improve, and with Enzo (Maresca), I am playing further forward, which has helped with my statistics. Next season, though, I want to score more goals and give more assists." Record signing With Chelsea's squad largely jumbled together in the last two years, Fernandez's arrival in February 2023 for a British transfer record fee of £107 million ($147 million) makes him one of the more experienced players. "This responsibility is something I enjoy," continued Fernandez, who arrived at Stamford Bridge on the back of his superb 2022 World Cup performances as Argentina won the trophy. "I try not to let it change how I perform on the pitch. For me, I must have the same mindset and keep the same attitude -- work hard, give my very best, be brave, and do everything I can to help the team." Later in 2023 Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo for a deal which could rise to £115 million and this summer Liverpool's move for Florian Wirtz could cost them as much as £116 million, easing the pressure on Fernandez a little. Fernandez had played just 29 games for Benfica before Chelsea swooped, having arrived in Portugal from boyhood club River Plate. After an inconsistent start to life in London, a hernia problem derailed the second half of his 2023/24 season and then in July 2024 he was also criticised for singing an insulting song about France players with his Argentina team-mates. The midfielder has been linked with a possible departure from Chelsea but coach Maresca insisted the plan is for Fernandez to stay. "This season he has been very, very good. He can be even better next season starting from the first day," said Maresca this week. "So, nothing to say about (the) speculation. He is focused on us and that's the most important thing." Fernandez set up new Chelsea arrival Liam Delap for his first goal in the win over Esperance and gave the striker guidance for the months ahead. "I spoke to Enzo and he told me when he gets the ball to just run," explained Delap. "It was a great pass and luckily it went in." With Nicolas Jackson suspended, Delap is set to start once more against Benfica and he knows right now providing him the ammunition is one of the world's most in-form playmakers. Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
