Sergey Hernandez joins FC Barcelona as goalkeeper

Handball goalkeeper Sergey Hernandez has joined FC Barcelona, succeeding Emil Nielsen. Following three years at Benfica Lisbon and three seasons with SC Magdeburg, the 31-year-old returns to Spanish handball.

To better integrate into the club and its environment, Hernandez has begun taking Catalan language lessons. He noted that many of his teammates speak Catalan during daily activities, such as meals and travel. He expressed that learning the language is “the least I can do, and what is expected of me” to ensure proper integration. His efforts are already visible on his social media, where he has begun posting in Catalan.

Born in Kropotkin, Russia, Hernandez began playing handball at age 12 in Denmark with KIF Kolding. He later achieved professional success in the Basque Country with Helvetia Anaitasuna. He is proficient in both Basque and Castilian Spanish.