Sports
Why has Dro Fernández, Barcelona’s top prospect, gone to PSG?
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has invested so much time in Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández that he could barely believe it when the 18-year-old midfielder told him he was leaving the club.
Flick had taken Dro on Barcelona’s preseason tour last summer, handed him his LaLiga debut in September, and a first UEFA Champions League start in October. However, after experiencing that taste of football at the top level, Dro was left wanting more. And with minutes in the first team hard to come by, the teenager made the surprise decision to seek regular football elsewhere, sending shockwaves through the club.
This week, Dro’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was confirmed, with sources telling ESPN that the French club even paid slightly more than his €6 million release clause to sign him. That clause meant Barça could do nothing to prevent the move, which hurt even more given the involvement of club’s former player and coach Luis Enrique, who is now PSG manager.
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Dro’s unexpected departure angered Flick, club sources told ESPN. When the news broke the German coach initially said he did not want to speak about the issue until the transfer was “done.” However, throughout that same news conference, he referenced the influence of others around the player, the confidence he had shown in him and a desire to only work with those who want to be at the club.
“If you want to play with Barça, it has to be 100% with your whole heart,” he said. “All the others, I don’t want.”
Flick, usually placid in public, was speaking while the news was still raw; Dro had only communicated to him that week that he would leave. Club sources told ESPN that Flick asked him to think it over. But the next day, Dro reiterated the same stance, explaining the decision was purely based on football reasons, not financial ones.
Flick ordered him to leave the first-team dressing room; between then and sealing his move to PSG, he trained alone. In parallel, Dro’s agent — former Barça midfielder Ivan de la Peña, who is also Luis Enrique’s agent and close friend — communicated the decision to sporting director Deco, who was equally surprised.
Barça had planned to give Dro a new contract. They were waiting for him to turn 18, which he did so after the Spanish Supercopa final win over Real Madrid earlier in January. On the flight back from Saudi Arabia, the club shared a video of teammate Raphinha giving him a cake as the squad sung “Happy Birthday.” That was the last time he was seen in Barça colors.
Sources close to the negotiations said new contract talks never really got off the ground, adding that Barça should carry some blame there because they could have acted quicker, knowing how attainable the €6 million clause was for Europe’s biggest teams. Barça president Joan Laporta rejected that, claiming Sunday that a renewal agreement had been close.
Dro leaves after making five appearances for Barça, although he had not featured since coming off the bench against Atlético Madrid on Dec. 2. Sources close to the player explained he felt his pathway to regular football at Barça was clogged.
Flick plays a system with two deep-lying central midfielders and a No. 10, which did not suit his best qualities. The same sources said Dro is most comfortable as one of two advanced midfielders in front of a holding midfielder. Even as a No. 10 in Flick’s formation, minutes were not forthcoming, with Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Raphinha among those used ahead of him. Dro was also used out wide, but sources said that 149 minutes of football — and just 88 touches of the ball — did not represent a blind belief in him from the coaching staff.
Sources close to the player told ESPN that, over the course of several conversations with Luis Enrique, Dro was convinced PSG would suit him better at this stage of his career. The reigning European champions weren’t the only club after him: Manchester City, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich had all shown an interest previously. When news leaked that he was leaving, sources said various teams phoned De la Peña to check the situation; clubs that had previously considered a deal impossible were reawakened to the possibility of signing Dro. Sources close to the player insisted the PSG deal was not closed at that point, but it’s now clear talks were already advanced.
Dro’s rise accelerated last summer when Arnau Blanco was promoted to Flick’s staff after years in the academy, where he had coached Dro. His excitement about the player rubbed off on Flick and, while club sources said it was always a case of sooner rather than later, it expedited the youngster’s progression.
Dro had joined Barça from Galician side Val Miñor — where Thiago Alcántara had also played — aged 14 in 2022. Initially known as “Dro” because his brother could not say his name, it stuck given the number of other Pedros he played with down the years. Real Madrid had also been alerted to his talent, but sources involved in his move to Barça said Los Blancos “slept” on getting a deal done.
There are some players who lend themselves easily to comparisons. Dro is one of them. Val Miñor coach Javier Roxo told ESPN: “I have not seen anyone as technical as Thiago [Alcántara], but in terms of vision, Dro is possibly ahead of him.” Meanwhile, Luis Pérez Barreiro, another ex-coach at Val Miñor, compares him to club legend Andrés Iniesta, while current star Pedri has previously dubbed Dro his favorite player coming through at Barça.
Another coach who worked with Dro compared him to Brazil legend and Ballon d’Or winner, Kaká. They told ESPN: “Dro’s understanding of the game is way above the average. He always stood out as a different kind of player. I always saw him as being similar to Kaká, even if he played for Real Madrid and AC Milan [not Barça].”
Dro, whose Galician father played amateur football and whose mother is from the Philippines, announced himself with a stunning strike in preseason which soon led to a competitive debut in LaLiga. A first Champions League start followed against Olympiacos, where he created a goal for Fermín to become the second-youngest player to provide an assist in the competition.
He becomes the latest highly-rated graduate of La Masia to depart Barça at a young age. Many seek opportunities away from Barça. Some — such as Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, Eric García and Olmo — eventually returned. Others — notably Jordi Mboula and, to a lesser extent, Ilaix Moriba — never reach the expected level. Meanwhile the jury is still out on the likes of Xavi Simons (now at Tottenham Hotspur) and Marc Guiu (Chelsea) in terms of their eventual ceiling in the game.
Time will tell which group Dro falls into, but PSG are getting one of the most promising youngsters to come through Barça’s academy in the last five years. You only have to look at Flick’s reaction to appreciate how much of a loss the youngster is to the club.
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IndyCar rookie Caio Collet was involved in a terrifying crash toward the end of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday afternoon with Felix Rosenqvist and Pato O’Ward fighting for first place.
Collet got loose in Turn 2 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and overcorrected just enough to send his vehicle into the wall. His right rear caught fire as he skidded down the track and onto the grass.
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Caio Collet drives a Combitrans AJ Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet through turn three during practice on Miller Lite Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 22, 2026. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire)
Emergency personnel came over to put the fire out and help Collet out of his car.
He was able to walk away from the scary wreck, but track officials called for a red flag. The red flag stopped the race and gave drivers a breather for what would be a total shootout for the final few laps.
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Caio Collet leads the field during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on May 24, 2026. (Michael Conroy/AP)
Collet will fall down the leaderboard as he didn’t finish the race.
The A.J. Foyt Racing driver was making his first appearance in the Indy 500. He graduated into the NTT IndyCar Series after finishing second in the Indy NXT Series last year. He won three races on the Indy NXT Series in 2025.
The Brazilian came into the race in 21st place in the IndyCar standings with 70 points through six starts. He has yet to finish in the top 10 in his first season.
David Maluka talks with Caio Collet before practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on May 18, 2026. (Michael Conroy/AP)
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The 2026 Indy 500 already featured more than 50 lead changes and was one of the more competitive events in recent memory.
Felix Rosenqvist won the race on the final lap.
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When the NASCAR Cup Series went to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600 in 2025, Ross Chastain got into Victory Lane after closing at +1800 to be the outright winner.
Chastain’s impressive win came after leading only eight laps on the day.
Which driver will take the checkered flag when the series goes back to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend for one of NASCAR’s Crown Jewels?
Here are the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 24.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600
Denny Hamlin: +380 (bet $10 to win $48 total)
Tyler Reddick: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Kyle Larson: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Christopher Bell: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Chase Briscoe: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
William Byron: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Carson Hocevar: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Ryan Blaney: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Chase Elliott: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Brad Keselowski: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Ty Gibbs: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Ross Chastain: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Chris Buescher: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Bubba Wallace: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Alex Bowman: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Austin Dillon: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Joey Logano: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Connor Zilisch: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Austin Hill: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Austin Cindric: +5500 (bet $10 to win $560 total)
Ryan Preece: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Michael McDowell: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Corey Heim: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Erik Jones: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +13000 (bet $10 to win $1,310 total)
AJ Allmendinger: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Daniel Suarez: +17000 (bet $10 to win $1,710 total)
Josh Berry: +18000 (bet $10 to win $1,810 total)
John Hunter Nemechek: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Zane Smith: +35000 (bet $10 to win $3,510 total)
Ty Dillon: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Noah Gragson: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Todd Gilliland: +60000 (bet $10 to win $6,010 total)
Riley Herbst: +60000 (bet $10 to win $6,010 total)
Cole Custer: +80000 (bet $10 to win $8,010 total)
Katherine Legge: +90000 (bet $10 to win $9,010 total)
Timmy Hill: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Cody Ware: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Here’s what to know about the oddsboard:
The Favorite
Denny Hamlin is coming in hot off an All-Star Race win at Dover. And while it wasn’t a points race, coming into Charlotte after starting from the pole and leading 103 laps in last week’s exhibition could give him the momentum he needs to grab the checkered flag at the Coke 600. His first and only win at this race came in 2022. In 2025, he started 20th but finished 16th after posting the best lap of the day at 29.37 and leading 53 laps.
One to Watch
Tyler Reddick is having an incredible season. He’s gotten into Victory Lane five times, including the first three races of the year. Cup qualifying got rained out, so Reddick will start from the pole today at Charlotte in accordance with league rules. On the season, Reddick has led 201 laps and has eight finishes in the top five. In 2025, he finished the Coca-Cola 600 26th after leading only one lap.
Sports
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella opens up about what she wants fans to remember her for when she retires
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One of the best things to debate amongst friends is where professional athletes of a particular sport rank all time. Some make top 10 lists, others go by the Mount Rushmore rule.
Pro wrestling fans are no different. Championships, legacy and impact on the sport matter to those who take the time to watch wrestling 3-6 times per week for decades. How pro wrestlers are remembered by their fans is important to them.
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Nikki Bella confronts Becky Lynch during Monday Night RAW at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Aug. 4, 2025. (Michael Marques/WWE)
For WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, she suggested in an interview with Fox News Digital that her championship accolades should be put aside. Using her voice to have an effect on someone watching her in an arena or at home is more important.
“I would love definitely to be remembered as fearless, as someone who wasn’t scared to use her voice, someone who wasn’t scared to pave the ways, someone who wasn’t scared to stand up to all the hate, who can still be her even when people try to tear you down,” Bella said, who became the Chief Margarita Officer for Madam Paleta Tequila earlier in the week. “What I’ve realized, and this is in any industry and this is throughout time, it’s never easy to be first or be the loudest about something. And there’s so many people who helped pave the way before us but when you’re at the forefront or when you’re at the face of that, you take on everything that comes with it – hate, love, support, everything.
WWE STAR LIV MORGAN OPENS UP ABOUT HER LEGACY, WHAT SHE WANTS TO BE REMEMBERED FOR
Nikki Bella returns to Monday Night RAW at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., on June 9, 2025. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE)
“I think that’s where I truly live up to being ‘Fearless’ Nikki, I just don’t stop. Even when I’m not at my best or when I’m at my greatest. I hope at the end of the day, people can look back and respect that too – even the ones who can be so disrespectful. They see things in such a different way and they really just don’t know. I hope to be remembered as that over anything.”
Bella said she understood that fans will look at her titles and accolades overall when she eventually decides to step away from action for good.
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She was a two-time Divas champion, including holding the championship for a record 300 days, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame with her sister, Brie Bella, in 2020.
She stressed, however, that the impact she made was held in high regard above everything else.
“I get some people get hooked on champion numbers, like 13 time, 10 time, five time, you know, for me, it’s always been about impact,” she told Fox News Digital. “And if the people tuning in, I was able to change some people’s lives. Maybe they were being raised in a not great home and I gave them the ability to be fearless and to use their voice to know they could be someone great one day, to me, that’s being a champion and that’s what I’d love to be more than anything. I look at my Bella Army and they are my true accomplishment.
Nikki Bella addresses the crowd during SmackDown at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 13, 2026. (Bradlee Rutledge/WWE)
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“That is better than any championship I could ever win, ever.”
Patti LaBelle on being called a legend: “I have earned it”
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