The Philippine Football Federation has approached Pedro Fernandez, a rising star from Barcelona, to join the Philippine national team.
On 20 January 2026, international media reported that the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) contacted Pedro “Dro” Fernandez, a young Filipino-Spanish talent at Barcelona, inviting him to join the Philippine men's national football team. The federation announced on social media, “From Spain to the Philippines, PFF invites Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez to join the Philippine men's national football team,” expressing hope to see him play in the national colors.
Despite just turning 18, Fernandez has quickly made a name for himself at the highest level. He became the second player of Filipino descent in history to play for Barcelona, following the legendary Paulino Alcántara. Born in Galicia, Spain, to a Spanish father and Filipino mother, he represents a cultural and footballing link between the two nations.
Fernandez's career has progressed rapidly since joining Barcelona's academy in 2022 at age 14. He made his breakthrough in a preseason friendly against Daegu FC and debuted in La Liga against Real Sociedad. He also started in the UEFA Champions League against Olympiacos, providing an assist to Fermín López, becoming the second youngest player to record an assist in the competition.
Under coach Hansi Flick, Fernandez has appeared in five matches for Barcelona's first team this season, helping secure the Spanish Super Cup over Real Madrid. His future remains under close watch amid reports of a possible transfer involving a 6 million euro release clause, as the Philippine national team prepares for the 2026 ASEAN Cup in July.