Full Name: Pedro González López
Date of Birth: 25 November 2002
Place of Birth: Bajamar, Tenerife, Spain
Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s): Central midfielder
Current Team: FC Barcelona
Jersey Number: 8
Pedro González López, also known as Pedri, born in Bajamar, Spain to parents Fernando and Maria Gonzalez, has captivated the world with his electrifying talent, defying the odds at every turn.
From his childhood in Tenerife, he has excelled, turning the impossible into possible, hence, we decided to write this piece showcasing seven interesting facts about the Barca star Pedri, shedding light on his career journey and how he rose to stardom against all expectations.
Below Are 7 Interesting Pedri Facts From Childhood To Stardom in Barcelona
1. Pedri Started His Football Career as A Centre-Back at Tegueste's Youth Academy
The Barcelona sensation started his early football career at age 10 as a centre-back at UD Tegueste, after his family moved from his birth-place of Bajamar, Tenerife, to the nearby town of Tegueste when he was nearly three years old.
Pedri's exceptional talent shone through quickly, leading him to join CF Juventud Laguna at the age of 12 in 2015, where he continued to hone his skills until he departed at age 15 in 2018 for Las Palmas' academy.
2. He Made his Professional Debut at Las Palmas
Pedri made his professional debut at Las Palmas on 18 August 2019 at age 16, after signing a remarkable four-year contract with the club on 15 July 2019. Under the guidance of manager Pepe Mel, he swiftly rose to the first team, showcasing his exceptional talent.
His debut marked the beginning of an unbelievable journey, highlighted by his historic achievement as the youngest goalscorer in Las Palmas history, which he achieved on 19 September 2019 at the tender age of 16 years, 9 months, and 23 days.
3. Barcelona Came Calling After His Exploits at Las Palmas
Following his stellar performances at Las Palmas, Barcelona swiftly swooped in, securing his services for a reported fee of €5 million on 1 July 2020. Signing a two-year contract with the Catalan giants, he marked his debut on 27 September 2020.
His impact was immediate, netting his maiden goal in the UEFA Champions League on 20 October 2020, followed by his inaugural strike in La Liga on 7 November 2020. Triumph ensued as he clinched his first senior trophy with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on 17 April 2021. His meteoric rise continued, becoming the second-youngest player to reach 50 appearances for Barcelona on 8 May 2021.
4. He Won the 2021 Golden Boy Award and Kopa Trophy
In a dazzling display of skill and promise, the Bajamar-born prodigy solidified his status as one of football's brightest stars during the 2021-2022 season. His outstanding performances led to a new contract at the Nou Camp, with an astonishing €1 billion release clause and prestigious accolades.
Crowned with the Golden Boy Award on November 22, 2021, he quickly followed up this triumph by winning the prestigious 2021 Kopa Trophy within a week. His electrifying presence on the pitch was further highlighted by his record-breaking feat, securing the title for the fastest Derbi Barceloní goal of the 21st century in just 75 seconds on February 13, 2022.
5. He was the Young Player of the Tournament in EURO 2020
Pedri's meteoric rise through the ranks of Spanish football has been astonishing. At UEFA Euro 2020, he was awarded the title of Young Player of the Tournament. His journey to this accolade was marked by pivotal moments, including becoming the youngest player to represent Spain in the European Championships, a record-breaking feat at the time achieved at just 18 years, 6 months, and 18 days.
Throughout the Uefa Euro 2020 tournament, Pedri's undeniable impact propelled Spain to the semifinals, solidifying his status as one of Spain's brightest prospects on the international stage despite the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat.
6. He is A Versatile Creative Midfielder
Pedri epitomises versatility on the field, showcasing his dynamic prowess as a creative midfielder. Whether orchestrating plays from the centre or surging down the flanks, he seamlessly adapts to various roles with finesse. His innate ability to roam the pitch, coupled with a penchant for threading passes between opposition lines, highlights his adaptability.
Pedri's tactical intelligence allows him to excel in various positions, from drifting wide to tucking into central pockets. With a skill set reminiscent of footballing luminaries like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, Pedri's blend of intelligence, technical mastery, and work ethic defines him as a true maestro in the heart of the action.
7. He Doesn't Like Tattoos
Despite the widespread popularity of tattoos, he has a strong dislike for them. For him, skin should remain unmarked by permanent ink, a canvas to be appreciated in its natural state. Perhaps he is unsettled by the idea of permanence or altering the body's pristine form.
Whatever the reason, he prefers the elegance of unadorned skin, finding beauty in its simplicity and the stories it tells without the need for embellishment. He once told the media via Maria Garrido: "Yes [I don't like tatoos], I don't like them! Everything normal."
Bonus - His Father, Fernando Gonzalez was Once A Promising Goalkeeper
Pedri’s father, Fernando, showed great promise as a young goalkeeper, aiming to join a club in Spain's third division. His career ambitions were cut short by the death of his own father in 2005, which forced him to take over the family bar, while his wife Maria managed the business alongside him. Nonetheless, Fernando’s love for football persisted, influencing the next generation.
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