8 Gonzalez Pedri

Pedro González López, known as Pedri, was born on November 25, 2002, in Bajamar, Tenerife, Canary Islands. At the age of three, his family moved to Tegueste, where he began his football journey. Initially playing as a centre-back, he transitioned to midfield while playing for CF Juventud Laguna before joining Las Palmas’s youth academy in 2018.

Club Career

Las Palmas (2019–2020)

At just 16 years old, Pedri signed a four-year professional contract with Las Palmas in July 2019 and was immediately promoted to the first team by manager Pepe Mel. He made his professional debut in August 2019 against Huesca and scored his first goal a month later against Sporting Gijón, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Las Palmas history.

Barcelona (2020–Present)

Breakthrough Season (2020–21)

Barcelona signed Pedri from Las Palmas in September 2019 for €5 million, effective from July 2020. Assigned the number 16 shirt, he made his La Liga debut on September 27, 2020, in a 4–0 win over Villarreal. He scored his first Champions League goal in October and his first La Liga goal in November. Pedri played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 2020–21 Copa del Rey triumph, securing his first senior trophy.

Establishing Himself (2021–22)

Pedri extended his contract in October 2021, with a record-breaking €1 billion release clause. He won both the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards for being the best young player in Europe. However, injuries plagued his season, and he was sidelined for the latter part of the campaign.

La Liga Title & Growth (2023–25)

Pedri made his 100th Barcelona appearance in January 2023 and was instrumental in Barcelona’s La Liga title-winning season under Xavi. With Hansi Flick taking over in 2024, Pedri focused on improving his fitness and consistency. On January 30, 2025, he signed a contract extension until 2030.

International Career

Youth & Early Senior Career

Pedri debuted for Spain’s U21 squad in 2020 before receiving his senior call-up in March 2021. He made his full debut in a World Cup qualifier against Greece.

UEFA Euro 2020

Pedri became the youngest Spanish player to feature in a European Championship match, starting against Sweden. He played a crucial role in Spain’s semifinal run and was named Young Player of the Tournament and included in the Team of the Tournament.

2020 Summer Olympics

Pedri played a staggering 73 matches in the 2020–21 season, including Spain’s Olympic campaign, where they won silver after losing to Brazil in the final.

2022 FIFA World Cup

Pedri was a key part of Spain’s squad in Qatar, starting all four matches before their elimination in the Round of 16 against Morocco.

UEFA Euro 2024

Returning to the national team after injury setbacks, Pedri scored his first senior international goals in a friendly against Northern Ireland. He started in Spain’s first three matches before an injury against Germany ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament. Spain ultimately won the title.

Style of Play

Pedri operates as a versatile midfielder, excelling in tight spaces, linking play, and creating chances. His intelligence, vision, and dribbling ability have drawn comparisons to Barcelona legends Xavi, Iniesta, and Laudrup. His ability to adapt to multiple midfield roles makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country.