Matias Fernandez-Pardo

A young Belgian forward who moved from KAA Gent to Lille for approximately €10 million in 2024 after scoring 15 goals in the 2023–24 season, earning his first Belgium senior cap in 2026.

Fernandez-Pardo developed at Anderlecht, KV Mechelen and Lille's academy before joining KAA Gent's youth setup in 2020. He broke into Gent's first team in 2023, producing a remarkable 2023–24 season with eight league goals plus seven in the playoffs — his performances earning a five-year return to Lille for around €10 million in August 2024.

He initially represented Spain at youth level before switching to Belgium, receiving senior international clearance in May 2026 and earning his first cap for the senior team. His quick development makes him one of the most exciting young Belgian forwards entering the 2026 World Cup.