Early Life and Education of Enzo Fernández: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Enzo Fernández. A timeline of key moments.

Enzo Fernández is a prominent Argentine professional footballer recognized as a versatile midfielder. He gained international prominence during his time at Benfica, where his exceptional vision, passing range, and tactical intelligence made him one of the most sought-after young talents in world football. His breakout performance came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Argentina's title-winning campaign and was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament. Following his World Cup success, he transferred to Chelsea FC in a record-breaking deal, solidifying his status as a key figure for both club and country. Known for his work rate and ability to dictate the tempo of a match from deep-lying positions, Fernández is widely considered one of the premier playmakers of his generation.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 2001: Birth of Enzo Jeremías Fernández

On 17 January 2001, Argentine professional footballer Enzo Jeremías Fernández was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future international midfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Enrollment in River Plate Academy

In November 2019, Enzo Fernández stated in an interview that he joined the River Plate academy in 2005.

2006: Reported River Plate Academy Entry

The Argentine newspaper Clarín reported in September 2020 that Enzo Fernández began his journey with the River Plate academy in 2006.

2007: Likely Year of Joining River Plate

Based on a February 2023 interview where Enzo Fernández claimed he was six years old upon joining the River Plate academy, 2007 is identified as the likely year of his enrollment.

January 2019: First-team promotion by Marcelo Gallardo

On 27 January 2019, Enzo Fernández received a promotion to the River Plate first-team squad under the guidance of manager Marcelo Gallardo, although he remained on the bench during a 3–1 defeat to Patronato in the Primera División.

November 2019: Interview regarding academy start

In November 2019, Enzo Fernández provided an interview for the official River Plate website where he claimed he joined the team's academy in 2005.

March 2020: Birth of daughter

On 4 March 2020, Enzo Fernández and his wife Valentina Cervantes celebrated the birth of their daughter.

September 2020: Clarín report on career start

In September 2020, the newspaper Clarín published a report stating that Enzo Fernández had joined River Plate in 2006.

2020: Loan move to Defensa y Justicia and Copa Sudamericana victory

In 2020, Enzo Fernández moved on loan to the Argentine club Defensa y Justicia to further his professional development. He made his debut in September and subsequently became a key starter, ultimately helping the team secure their first major trophy by winning the 2020 Copa Sudamericana after defeating Lanús in the final.

July 2021: Return to River Plate

On 15 July 2021, Enzo Fernández returned to River Plate at the request of manager Marcelo Gallardo, making his reappearance in a 1–1 draw against Argentinos Juniors during the Copa Libertadores round-of-16.

February 2023: Chelsea website interview

During a February 2023 interview for the Chelsea website, Enzo Fernández mentioned he was six years old when he started at River Plate, implying he joined in 2007.

October 2023: Birth of son

Enzo Fernández and Valentina Cervantes welcomed the birth of their son on 26 October 2023.

December 2023: Driving Offence in Wales

In December 2023, a driving offense occurred in Wales involving a Porsche Cayenne registered to Enzo Fernández, which eventually led to legal penalties for him in 2024.

July 2024: Controversial Chanting Incident

In July 2024, Enzo Fernández faced significant public and institutional backlash after a video emerged of him and his Argentine teammates singing racist chants directed at the French national team following their Copa América victory. The incident prompted complaints to FIFA, internal disciplinary investigations by Chelsea, and a public apology from Fernández, who ultimately avoided further sanctions after apologizing to his teammates and donating to an anti-discrimination charity.

September 2024: Driving Disqualification and Fines

On 11 September 2024, Enzo Fernández received a six-month driving disqualification, a 12-point penalty on his license, and a £3,020 fine due to driving offenses associated with a vehicle he owned.

October 2024: Separation of Enzo Fernández and Cervantes

On 31 October 2024, Cervantes officially announced via her Instagram story that she and Enzo Fernández had decided to separate. She emphasized their commitment to remaining a supportive family for the sake of their two children and spoke positively of Fernández's character as a father, while requesting that the public avoid manufacturing conflicts.