By Martin Graham
Earlier this week, Barcelona’s 22-year-old midfielder Pedri was officially listed among the contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. His name enters the conversation following a standout year in which he played a key role in securing a domestic treble for the Catalan side and contributed to Spain’s run to the UEFA Nations League final.
In an interview with France Football (via Mundo Deportivo), Pedri admitted that last year’s triumph by Rodri Hernández has inspired him to believe a midfielder can claim the award. “Usually the prize goes to forwards, but Rodri’s success proves our position should be recognised more. Why not dream about it? Of course, I’m not the one who chooses the winner; that’s for the voters to decide,” he said. The Spaniard added that he was satisfied with his own performance last season, crediting consistent form and the trust shown by his coach as major factors in his success.
Insights on Barcelona’s success and Hansi Flick’s role
Pedri also reflected on why Barcelona thrived last season, attributing it to the squad’s ability to regroup and the rise of young players capable of making an impact. He highlighted that these emerging talents had grown up within the club’s footballing philosophy, making it easier to integrate into the first team. According to him, the combination of youth and experience has helped create a strong unit capable of reaching even higher levels.
Speaking about head coach Hansi Flick, Pedri praised his leadership style. While the German might appear strict from the outside, the midfielder described him as a fatherly figure who looks after his players and maintains close attention to their needs, which has helped him feel secure and enjoy his football.
Respect for Mbappé and Bellingham
During the conversation, Pedri also commented on Real Madrid’s star quality. He pointed out that Kylian Mbappé is extremely difficult to stop in one-on-one situations due to his pace and skill. On Jude Bellingham, who is often compared to him online, Pedri noted the Englishman’s blend of physical power and technical quality, describing it as a challenging combination to face on the pitch.
