10 Things You Didn’t Know About Pedri, Barcelona’s Midfield Maestro

Pedro González López, popularly known as Pedri, has quickly become one of the brightest stars in world football. Known for his vision, intelligence, and creativity, the young Spaniard has already etched his name in football history. Here are ten fascinating facts about Barcelona’s midfield gem that you may not know.

• The Backheel Genius – Pedri remains the only player to have provided two backheeled assists in a single season, both to none other than Lionel Messi. One of those assists, against Real Valladolid, marked the goal that saw Messi surpass Pelé’s all-time goal record.

• Golden Boy Glory – In 2021, Pedri won the prestigious Golden Boy Award, becoming the first Barcelona player since Messi to achieve the feat. He claimed victory by a record margin of 199 points ahead of Jude Bellingham.

• Football Beginnings – His journey began thanks to his brother, Fernando, whose coach invited a four-year-old Pedri to join the team. The brothers remain close, living together in Barcelona, and Pedri still wears the same shin pads to every match.
• Inspired by Legends – Pedri idolized Andrés Iniesta growing up—even asking his barber to give him Iniesta’s bald haircut. Former Barça coach Ronald Koeman once revealed that Messi recognized Pedri’s talent early on and trusted him with the ball when others didn’t.

• Almost Missed Out – Real Madrid and Tenerife both rejected Pedri, doubting his physical abilities. Their loss became Barcelona’s gain.

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• A Barça Family Legacy – Pedri’s grandfather founded the Tenerife-Tegueste Barcelona Supporters Club, the first and largest in their hometown. The family home is adorned with Barça memorabilia.
• Record Breaker – Pedri became the youngest goalscorer in Las Palmas history and played over 5,200 minutes in the 2020–21 season, more than any other European player. He is now one of Barcelona’s captains.
• Off the Pitch – When not dazzling on the field, Pedri enjoys playing FIFA and table tennis, often competing fiercely with his brother.

• A Billion-Euro Talent – Signed from Las Palmas for just €6 million, Pedri now has a release clause of a jaw-dropping €1.16 billion.
• Best in the World – Today, Pedri is widely regarded as the best midfielder globally, with PSG’s Vitinha following closely behind.

Pedri’s rise from a small-town boy in Tenerife to Barcelona’s midfield heartbeat is a story of talent, humility, and hard work; proof that dreams, when chased with passion, do come true.

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