Onel Hernández, born on February 1, 1993, is a talented Cuban professional footballer who currently plays as a left winger for EFL League One club Port Vale and the Cuba national team. His journey in football began when he emigrated to Germany as a child, where he honed his skills in various youth academies.
Hernández made his mark in the 2. Bundesliga, representing clubs such as Arminia Bielefeld and Eintracht Braunschweig. He also showcased his talent in the Regionalliga with Arminia Bielefeld II, Werder Bremen II, and VfL Wolfsburg II. His early career was highlighted by his selection for the Germany U18 team, indicating his potential from a young age.
In January 2018, Hernández took a significant step in his career by signing with English club Norwich City for a transfer fee of one million eight hundred thousand pounds. He played a crucial role in helping Norwich secure the Championship title during the 2018–19 season, becoming the first Cuban to play and score in the Premier League. Despite the team's relegation, he contributed to their promotion as Championship winners in the 2020–21 season.
Hernández's career continued to evolve as he spent the 2021–22 season on loan at Middlesbrough and Birmingham City. By the time he left Norwich City in June 2025, he had made a total of 210 club appearances, netting 15 goals. Following a brief stint at Charlton Athletic from September 2025 to January 2026, he joined Port Vale, where he continues to make his mark.