REVEALED: Why Enzo Fernandez was Booed by Benfica Fans Ahead of Chelsea Champions League Clash
The Argentine midfielder left Benfica after just six months for a record €121m Chelsea move, and nearly three years on, fans are still showing their anger ahead of a Champions League reunion.
For Enzo Fernandez, every meeting with Benfica carries a heavy dose of tension — even nearly three years after leaving the Portuguese giants for Chelsea in a record-breaking move.
The Argentine midfielder, now 24, spent just half a season in Lisbon before forcing through a switch to Stamford Bridge in January 2023. Chelsea paid Benfica a staggering €121 million (£106m), making Fernandez one of the most expensive midfielders in football history. While the deal was lucrative for the club, the manner of his departure left scars that remain unhealed.
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— Lloyd Canfield (@LloydCanfield) September 30, 2025
A Short But Unforgettable Spell in Lisbon
When Fernandez arrived at Benfica in summer 2022 from River Plate, he quickly became a fan favourite. His creativity, passing range, and tireless energy in midfield helped the Portuguese side dominate domestically and impress in Europe. Supporters felt they had unearthed a star who could lead the club for years to come.
But by January, Chelsea came knocking, desperate to land the World Cup winner. Fernandez made it clear he wanted to leave, and though Benfica eventually accepted the record fee, the fallout was bitter. Fans accused him of turning his back on the club too quickly, while Benfica’s hierarchy were frustrated by the manner in which the transfer was forced through.
The Lingering Bitterness
That frustration has not disappeared. Ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Benfica at Stamford Bridge, the reaction from the travelling supporters made their feelings clear. Fernandez’s name was booed loudly when read over the stadium tannoy — a stark reminder of the fractured relationship.
It’s rare to see fans still jeer a player so long after his exit, but Fernandez’s case is unique. He didn’t just leave — he left at a time when Benfica were flying, and supporters believed he owed them more loyalty after just six months of service.
Previous Meeting in Chelsea Colours
This is not the first time Fernandez has faced his old club. Back in 2023, the sides met in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. Chelsea needed extra time to see off Benfica, winning 4-1, but the midfielder’s performance was overshadowed by the boos and whistles aimed at him throughout the match.
Now, the stage is even bigger. A Champions League group-stage game at Stamford Bridge, with Benfica’s passionate travelling fans making themselves heard, ensures Fernandez won’t be able to escape the spotlight.
A Player With a Point to Prove
Despite the noise, Fernandez has continued to show glimpses of his talent at Chelsea. His passing accuracy remains one of the highest in the squad, and his ability to dictate play from deep is a key part of Enzo Maresca’s system. Yet questions persist about whether the £106m investment has truly been justified, especially with Chelsea struggling for consistency in the Premier League.
For Fernandez, these meetings with Benfica are more than just fixtures — they are personal tests. Each jeer from the stands is a reminder of unfinished business and a story that refuses to fade away.
Football is often about emotion as much as ability, and Fernandez’s story proves just that. A move that was supposed to mark the beginning of his rise in England continues to be defined by the bitterness of how it all started.
On Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, boos will echo again. And for Enzo Fernandez, it will be another chance to silence them the only way footballers truly can — with a performance on the pitch.
