Enzo Fernandez completed more passes than any other player in the Qatar 2022 final: 77. The Argentina midfielder also led the 35 appearing players – a record for a World Cup game – for touches (118) and tackles (10), the latter being the most made by an individual in a decider since Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso made 15 in 2006.
Fernandez began the tournament on the bench, but seized his shot after coming on as a substitute with Argentina struggling against Mexico. After hypnotising Erick Gutierrez with a hip-shake, he caressed a clincher into Memo Ochoa’s top corner. The 21-year-old started every game thereafter and proved a huge influence.
After helping Argentina sink France in a shootout and secure a third star, Fernandez beat the likes of Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo, Gavi, Josko Gvardiol, Yunus Musah, Jamal Musiala, Pedri, Goncalo Ramos and Bukayo Saka to the competition’s FIFA Best Young Player award, succeeding Russia 2018 recipient Kylian Mbappe.
