From barman to Feyenoord target: Nacho Ferri’s unlikely rise

In a small Spanish village where football is played between orange groves and irrigation canals, Nacho Ferri once stood at the edge of giving up the game entirely.

At 14, the lanky teenager’s body rebelled against him. A growth spurt drained his energy, left him exhausted from travel, and forced him to pause a football dream that had only just begun. Seven years later, that same player is on the brink of a €9 million move to Feyenoord, completing an unorthodox journey from Montaverner’s fifth-tier pitches to the Eredivisie.

Ferri grew up in Montaverner, a rural settlement two hours south of Valencia, where he joined UD Alzira’s youth ranks. The club competes in Spain’s fifth division, a level where ambition outstrips resources. His early years brought little reward despite relentless effort.

The turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With football paused, Ferri dedicated himself to physical training. He returned stronger, faster, and more resilient. His return to action saw him score prolifically, catching the eye of top Spanish clubs. Eintracht Frankfurt moved first, signing him at 16 and taking him to Germany.

The Hessenliga and Regionalliga provided the perfect stage for his physical style. In one season alone, he contributed 26 goals and 11 assists for Frankfurt’s reserves. His senior debut followed, though a breakthrough in Frankfurt’s first team remained elusive.

Seeking regular football, Ferri accepted a loan to Kortrijk in Belgium. There, he established himself as a hardworking targetman, winning aerial duels and pressing defenders relentlessly. His profile stood out not for finesse but for endurance and aggression.

Westerlo later paid €2 million to Eintracht Frankfurt for his services. Under a 4-2-3-1 system, Ferri thrived, though his finishing lacked refinement. Still, he managed 11 goals, proving his value as a disruptive presence.

Dévy Rigaux, Feyenoord’s new technical director, watched Ferri closely. Rigaux had been convinced of the striker’s potential for years, even traveling to Belgium to see him play. In September, Ferri scored twice in a 5-5 thriller against Club Brugge, sealing Rigaux’s decision.

The Dutch club will pay €9 million to bring Ferri to Rotterdam, where his physical profile and relentless work rate are expected to fit their style.