When the 2024-25 season kicked off, few would’ve guessed that Enzo Fernandez would end it as one of Chelsea’s standout stars.
Just months ago, the Argentine midfielder was fighting for a place in the squad, overlooked by his manager and grappling with off-field turmoil.
Fast forward to May, and he’s not only a key starter but also one of the leaders guiding Chelsea toward potential silverware.
A Rocky Start and Early Benching
Back in November, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made headlines when he defended his decision to bench Fernandez—Chelsea’s £107 million signing—saying he preferred the physical style of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
At that point, Fernandez’s future at the club seemed uncertain.
Chelsea had just bounced back from a defeat at Anfield with a gutsy 2-1 win over Newcastle, and the competition for midfield spots was fierce.
Fernandez’s season hadn’t exactly started on the best note, either.
After Argentina’s Copa America win, he landed in hot water for appearing in a controversial video singing a racially insensitive chant.
He quickly apologized to teammates and fans, but it was clear he had a long road back.
Getting Back in the Game
Initially, Fernandez was trusted to start alongside Caicedo, but once Lavia returned from injury, he found himself pushed to the bench.
He missed a stretch of key games—including fixtures against Liverpool, United, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
Even though Chelsea picked up five points from those matches, something changed when Fernandez returned to the lineup.
That change? Chelsea hit a rich vein of form, and Fernandez was at the center of it.
Coincidence or not, it aligned with Lavia getting sidelined yet again—this time for five months due to injury.
That absence paved the way for Fernandez to reclaim his starting role, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Europe Final Awaits—and So Does Real Madrid’s Interest
Now, Fernandez is set to start in Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis.
His performances have even caught the attention of Real Madrid.
But Maresca isn’t entertaining any summer transfer talk. “He’s a main player for us,” the Chelsea boss insisted.
“He’s one of the captains, one of the leaders. He’s been very good—and he can be even better.”
While Maresca has always been supportive in public, this is the most vocal he’s been about Fernandez’s importance.
As other stars like Cole Palmer battled form issues and Nicolas Jackson struggled with injuries, Fernandez stepped up—quietly but effectively.
Delivering on the Pitch and Silencing the Doubters
Fernandez’s numbers speak for themselves: seven goals and 13 assists so far this season.
And he’s done it all while navigating serious personal challenges.
Back in October, Fernandez ended his long-term relationship with his childhood sweetheart and wife, Valentina Cervantes.
The two have a son and daughter together, and the split came after she followed him from Argentina to Portugal, and then to London.
On Instagram, Cervantes confirmed the breakup with grace, saying, “We’ll always be family, because of the kids.
I know the kind of father and person Enzo is.”
A Public Breakup and Lingering Emotions
The story didn’t end there. Cervantes later revealed she’s still in love with Fernandez.
In an emotional interview with La Nacion, she admitted, “The love is still there—it doesn’t just disappear.”
She had also confronted him about rumors he had moved on with Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole, but claimed Fernandez denied any new relationship.
Now back in her hometown of Olivia, Cervantes is focusing on herself and her kids.
She’s also hopeful about love, saying, “I bet on falling in love again and forming another family.
I’m young—I’d have a million children.”
Leadership Born from Opportunity
Injuries played a crucial role in Fernandez’s rise this season.
If not for Lavia’s hamstring issues or Reece James’ long spell on the sidelines, he might not have had the chance to shine—or wear the captain’s armband.
But he made the most of his opportunities, stepping up when his team needed him most.
It’s a far cry from the doubts that surrounded his massive transfer fee last January.
At the time, many questioned whether Chelsea had overpaid.
But now, with silverware on the line and Fernandez leading the charge, that narrative is starting to shift.
Maresca’s Vision and Fernandez’s Future
Manager Enzo Maresca recently explained how they’ve helped Fernandez adapt to a new role.
“He was used to playing a certain way with Benfica and Argentina,” he said.
“Now, it’s more about understanding positioning—where to stay, when to arrive during attacks.”
And Maresca is confident the best is yet to come.
“He’s scoring and assisting, and I’ve no doubt next season he’ll improve even more.
Especially if he starts strong from the very first game.”
If that happens, Fernandez’s £107 million price tag may finally look like money well spent.
What’s Next?
With the Conference League final against Real Betis just around the corner and a summer of speculation likely to swirl, Fernandez remains focused on the now.
Chelsea are banking on his form, his leadership, and his vision to bring home their first trophy of the BlueCo era—and if he keeps this trajectory up, the future looks just as bright.