Matias Fernandez-Pardo tipped to follow Divock Origi’s path at Lille

The Belgian national team may have found its next Divock Origi in Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Selected late by Rudi Garcia for the squad, the Lille OSC attacker follows a similar path to the 2014 World Cup revelation. In 2014, Divock Origi announced himself on the global stage at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Called up by Marc Wilmots, he scored against Russia and started in the Round of 16 against the USA. His performances earned him a high-profile move to Liverpool shortly after. Fernandez-Pardo, 23, received his first call-up this week as Belgium finalised their 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Thomas Meunier, his Lille teammate and Belgium international, described the forward’s mentality. “Matias is a true soldier. He understands nothing is given in football, you have to work, and he has been rewarded with a call-up,” Meunier said. Meunier highlighted Fernandez-Pardo’s versatility, drawing parallels with Origi. “Both have a similar profile. Divock was seen as a winger before becoming a centre-forward. Matias has an atypical profile,” he added.

Thomas Meunier praises Lille striker Matias fernandez-pardo

The Lille player himself reflected on Origi’s 2014 journey during discussions with teammates. “We talked about Origi and what he achieved in 2014. It’s clear that if Matias keeps progressing, he won’t stay at Lille long,” Meunier continued. Rudi Garcia, Lille’s head coach and Origi’s former mentor at Lille OSC, echoed the comparison. “We hope the story repeats itself with Matias. He has grown a lot since arriving at Lille, learned his lessons, and that’s why he’s at this World Cup,” Garcia said. Fernandez-Pardo has made significant strides this season under Garcia. Meunier revealed the coach’s role in his development. “The coaches had to shake him up a bit at Lille. He’s really grown from that. Matias has big potential and can still get much better. Yes, he could achieve something similar to Origi in 2014.”

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The hope is that Fernandez-Pardo can sustain his rise. Origi’s career ended prematurely after struggles in Italy, cutting short a promising trajectory that began in 2014. Belgium’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign begins in June, with Garcia and Meunier backing Fernandez-Pardo to make an impact.