Disclosed are a fuel cell catalyst of which only a portion, which has relatively low catalytic activity and in which the greatest amount of platinum elution occurs and platinum oxide is easily formed, is selectively coated with a protective layer, and thus degradation due to the long-term operation of a fuel cell can be effectively prevented while also minimizing a deterioration in catalytic activity; a manufacturing method therefor; and a membrane-electrode assembly including same. The fuel cell catalyst of the present invention comprises: a nanoparticle containing platinum; and a protective layer which is selectively coated on only a portion of the surface of the nanoparticle and can suppress the oxidation of the platinum through electronic interaction with the nanoparticle.