To be regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world is a feat most players don’t get to achieve in their career, it doesn’t just come with having the passion as it takes a great lot, commitment, vision, agility, ball retention amongst others and all these qualities have been embodied in Pedri Gonzalez. Awarded Golden Boy and the Kopa Trophy twice he is regarded as a player with lots of potential. Check out his biography, salary, net worth, and stats.
Who is Pedri Gonzalez?
Pedri Gonzalez Lopez popularly known as Pedri is a Spanish central midfielder who plays for the La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team.
| Date of birth | 25 November 2002 |
| Place of birth | Bajamar, Spain |
| Position(s) | Central midfielder |
| Current team | Barcelona |
Early LIfe
Pedri Gonzalez was born on November 25, 2002, to Maria Rosario and Fernando in Tegueste, a small town on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. The family runs a bar in Tegueste, with Fernando taking care of the bar and lounge while Rosario manages the kitchen. The duo has been supportive of Pedri in his career and could be seen so many times cheering him from the stands. Pedri also has an elder brother Fer with whom he shares a close relationship.
Pedri’s parents once mentioned their astonishment at their son picking football as a career as he was fascinated more by academics than sports initially. The wonder kid managed to keep up both sides, he graduated from high school with top grades in all his subjects and was subsequently offered a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria before deciding on a career in football.
Club Career
Pedri Gonzalez started out as a center-back at UD Tegueste when he was 3 as his family had to move from Bajamar, Tenerife, Canary Islands where he was born to Tegueste. Pedri progressed to sign for CF Juventud Laguna in 2015 and in 2018 he joined Las Palma’s youth setup. He signed his professional contract with the club in July 2019 as he was promoted to the first team.
Pedri Gonzalez broke the record to become the youngest goal scorer in Las Palmas history at 16 years, 9 months, and 23 days on 19 September after he scored in a home victory match over Sporting Gijon having made his professional debut just the previous month.
Pedri signed for Barcelona on 2 September 2019 on a 2 year €5 million deal which was set to increase upon his fulfillment of the clauses in his contract. Pedri came on replacing Philippe Coutinho in a 4 – 0 home win against Villarel on 27 September making his debut but it wasn’t until 17 October that he got his first start. Pedri scored his first goal for the club on his UEFA Champions League debut in a 5-1 win over Ferencvaros. He scored his first La Liga goal on 7 November in a home win over Real Betis.
With Barcelona bearing Athletic in the Copa del Rey final Pedri Gonzalez won his first trophy of his career. Pedri made his 50th appearance for Barcelona on 8 May at 18 years and 164 days and became the second youngest player to achieve this feat after Bojan Krkić. Pedri signed a new contract with Barcelona in October with a €1 billion ($1.57 billion) release clause.
Pedri kept with his outstanding performance in Barcelona which won him the Golden Boy award for being the best player in European football under the age of 21 and the Kopa Trophy. For being the best-performing player in world football under the age of 21 in November 2021. Pedri scored the fastest Derbi Barceloní goal of the 21st century in 75 seconds in a 2 -2 draw against Espanyol.
Pedri made his 100th appearance in all competitions for Barcelona in a game against Girona.
International Career
Pedri received his first call-up for his nation’s U-21 in August 2020 and was subsequently called to the senior team in March 2021 in preparation for the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification and debuted on March 25 against Greece and ever since he has been putting on a good performance for Spain.
On 14 June he became the youngest player to ever play for Spain at the age of 18 years, 6 months, and 18 days, a record previously held by Miguel Tendilo in Euro 1980.
Pedri score his first senior international goal on June 8 2024 in a friendly match against Northern Ireland.
Style of Play
Pedri adds the creativity in the midfield. His style of play can be compared to those of Barcelona star, Xavi. His versatility on the field is also worth acknowledging. Although he initially started out as a winger, he was later moved to central midfielder and on several occasions, we have seen him play a defensive midfielder and even a centre forward.
His ability to use both feet, excellent dribbling skill, ball control as well as vision and ability to manage himself in tight spaces makes him outstanding.
Salary and Net Worth
With his present contract set to expire in 2026, Pedri Gonzalez earns about €1.8 million annually and has an estimated net worth of €10 million.
Achievements
Golden Boy Award: Pedri Gonzalez won the Golden Boy award in 2021, recognizing him as the best under-21 player in Europe.
Copa del Rey: He secured his first senior trophy with Barcelona by winning the Copa del Rey in April 2021.
International Tournaments: Pedri represented Spain in UEFA Euro 2020 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, playing pivotal roles in both tournaments.
Pedri height
Pedri stands at a height of 1.74m
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pedri?
Born on 25 November 2002, Pedri Gonzalez is just 22 years of age and the prime of his career.
Who was Pedri’s football idol growing up?
Pedri has often cited Andrés Iniesta, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, as his footballing idol and inspiration.
What is Pedri’s jersey number at Barcelona?
Pedri wears the number 8 jersey for FC Barcelona, a number previously worn by club legends like Andrés Iniesta.
Source: Footygazette.com
