3 Ways Enzo Fernandez Rebuilt Trust With Chelsea Teammates After Video Scandal

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has revealed that his relationship with his teammates has been bolstered by the aftermath of a "racist and discriminatory" video he posted on social media. 

Fernandez, 24, was at the center of a storm when he filmed himself and fellow Argentine players singing offensive songs targeting French players after Argentina's Copa America victory last year.

 The footage drew immediate condemnation, most notably from his Chelsea colleague Wesley Fofana, who labeled the clip "uninhibited racism," but Fernandez insists the subsequent handling of the event brought the squad closer.

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Here are the three ways the situation evolved:

Fernandez prioritized accountability immediately following the backlash as rather than hiding behind a PR statement or staying away until the dust settled, he made the decision to address the issue head-on. 

By arriving early, he ensured he could speak to his teammates face-to-face, a gesture that was crucial in mending the rift caused by the video.

 The £106.8m signing felt it was vital to show his colleagues, particularly the French players affected, that he respected them enough to apologize in person rather than through digital channels alone.

Speaking about the episode for the first time to GiveMeSport, Fernandez said:

"What happened [being accused of singing a racist song] is not typical of who I am."

Fernandez sought to explain the origins of the chant while acknowledging the pain it caused. 

He clarified to his teammates that the song was sung in a moment of euphoria following a major trophy win, describing it as part of Argentine "football folklore" rather than a calculated act of malice.

However, the explanation was not an attempt to dismiss the severity of the words used. The French Football Federation (FFF) had filed a complaint to FIFA, calling the video "racist and discriminatory," and Fernandez had to navigate explaining his intent without invalidating the feelings of teammates like Fofana.

When asked if the episode strengthened his relationship with his team-mates, he replied:

"Yes, absolutely."

"It was a tough time, but my team-mates understood me. It was a euphoric moment in which I didn't want to hurt anyone. It was just a song that we sing in Argentina as part of 'football folklore', as we call it," he added.

Ultimately, the incident concluded with acceptance and a renewed focus on football. By showing vulnerability and admitting his mistake to the entire squad, Fernandez was able to prove that he was not the person the video suggested he was. His teammates accepted his message, allowing the team to move past the controversy.

Although external organizations like Kick It Out raised concerns about the lack of punishment from governing bodies—jurisdictional issues meant neither the FA nor UEFA could intervene—the internal matter at Chelsea was considered resolved. Fernandez, who was named vice-captain that summer, credited the squad's understanding for allowing them to end the chapter positively.

"I tried to apologise to the squad to show my team-mates that I'm not the type to discriminate or judge others. They understood my message and that's where it all ended."