Lille striker Fernando Pardo has officially decided to represent the Belgium senior national team, the club announced. The 21-year-old, who previously played for Spain’s youth teams, was born and raised in Bruges, Belgium, to a Spanish father and an Italian mother.
Pardo represented Belgium at youth levels from U15, but switched to Spain’s U20 and U21 teams. He made his professional debut with Belgian club KAA Gent before returning to Lille in August 2024, where he had played as a youngster.
This season, the 188cm tall striker has impressed with 8 goals and 7 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. Primarily a center-forward, he can also play on either wing and has been a key figure for Lille’s attack.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Pardo confirmed his decision to play for Belgium and released a personal statement through the Belgian Football Association (KBVB).
“Choosing Belgium was not an easy decision for me, because I have deep emotional ties to both Belgium and Spain,” Pardo said. “After honest and positive conversations with Belgium head coach Garcia and sports director Vincent Mannaert, I made up my mind.”
He added, “My teammates at Lille, Meunier and N’Goy, also gave me a big push. On and off the pitch, they helped me feel more certain about this choice. I am very happy to give my all for the Belgian national team.”
Belgium is set to announce its 26-man World Cup squad on the 15th.