Jordi Fernández, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, has been honored as the "favorite son" of Badalona, his hometown, for his outstanding career in basketball. During the ceremony, Fernández took a moment to acknowledge his roots, which he credited for getting him to where he is today.

At the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, the mayor of Badalona, Xavier García Albiol, presented Fernández with the honorary title and a necklace to symbolize the distinction. Fernández shared that he would keep it alongside the bronze medal he won with the Canadian national team at the 2023 World Cup and a replica of the famous Roman statue, "the Venus of Badalona."

The mayor highlighted two key reasons for the recognition: Fernández is the first Spanish coach to lead an NBA team, and he consistently speaks fondly of his hometown. "His first words are always about Badalona, its people, and his home," said the mayor.

Fernández reflected on his early years in the city, recalling how he started playing basketball at the age of six and began his coaching career at a young age. His connection to Badalona runs deep, thanks to his family and friends.

"I think life goes by so quickly, and you always have to remember where you come from. I wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for my origins. My roots are in the city, but also in the schools I attended, my parents who raised me, my grandmother, and my close family," said Fernández.

He also expressed how important it is for him to return to Badalona with his wife and children, so they can experience the city's culture and feel a connection to it, especially since he’s spent much of his career in the United States since 2006.